Solway FirthAllonby is a small village that is found along the tranquil Solway Coast in Cumbria. The large, open natural habitats for birds and wildlife are a huge draw for visitors, particularly photographers. The village is deep within an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Allonby Bay boasts incredible views, the mountains of Scotland can be seen across Solway Firth. On a particularly clear day the Isle of Man can also be seen. Allonby is also within striking distance of Lake District. This is definitely big sky country with some magnificent sweeping views across the land and seas.
The closest neighbour for amenities is the small town of Maryport, which is 9 miles south. Allonby itself has a village store, but for more basic amenities like petrol stations and chemists, you may need to travel to Maryport or Dearham. For a supermarket mission, go to Workington.
Going back as far as the 18th century, Allonby was a sea-bathing resort. It even had an indoor baths situated in the bold colonnaded building in the centre of the village where sea water was used as a health cure! As a reflection of this, many of the buildings date back to the Georgian and Victorian periods. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets to find even more edifices of interest including: North Lodge, Christ Church, and the working men's Reading Rooms. Allonby was also busy at the turn of the 20th century when iron-hulled ships superseded wooden ones. Old boats were brought to Allonby to be broken up from all around the world and some of the old beams have been used for building materials in some of the village houses.
Maryport
Nowadays Allonby is a sleepy place to stay if you enjoy long sunsets and evening strolls. Its long sandy beach is home to many birds and small wild animals. Plant hunters will be impressed with the range of flora in this seaside habitat too. When at sea or looking out from the shore you may catch sight of some harbour porpoise, which is the most common cetacean in the Irish Sea. Other visitors to the Solway Coast are barnacle geese, seals, and on a smaller scale algae, dragonflies and honeycomb worm reefs! It truly is a great place to get away from it all and feel closer to nature.
“Allonby is a jewel along the Solway Coast. If you’re looking for a sleepy getaway with big skies, this is it…”
For a waymarked walking trail why not try the Cumbria Coastal Way on for size? The path starts at Morecambe Bay and finishes near Gretna Green in Scotland. Highlights along the Coastal Path include Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth, the Lake District mountains, the cliffs of St. Bees Head, Whitehaven, the River Eden as it flows into Carlisle, and expansive views of Hadrian's Wall.
The closest tourist information centre is in Silloth, which is 8 miles north of Allonby, so be sure to pay it a visit to get all the most up-to-date local information. We have some lovely holiday cottages in Allonby and on the Solway Coast. Why not visit our collection and feel inspired?