Pictures of Ravenglass

About Ravenglass

Special for being the only coastal village within the Lake District National Park, Ravenglass lies where three important rivers converge into the sea. It is this favoured position that made the town so important to the Romans who, centuries ago built a fort here at the spot they called Glannaventa. The remains of the fort bath-house rank amongst the best preserved Roman buildings in the north.

Dramatic Lakeland scenery surrounds Ravenglass which appears as if wedged between mountains and sea at a point where the estuary curves inland, protecting the village from fierce off-shore winds. For generations villagers here garnered a living from the fruits of the sea and strong sea-faring traditions still exist amongst the tight-knit community.

Ravenglass is also the terminus of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Light Railway. Built in 1875 to carry iron ore from the Eskdale Valley to mainline Furness further along the coast. The line is restored and bright steam engines pull refurbished coaches loaded with passengers on a wonderful journey through the beautiful Eskdale Valley. Interestingly, the line was the first narrow-gauge railway in England and is known locally as Old Ratty. Ravenglass Railway Museum recalls the history of the line, the village people and the area.

Today, Ravensglass is a resort appreciated by all the family; there is excellent boating, fishing, picturesque estuary walks and the village is within a short distance from delightful Muncaster Castle dating from around 1200. The castle has a fine display of elegantly furnished rooms containing, antiques, tapestries and paintings. In the beautifully laid out ornamental grounds there is a fascinating owl centre. At nearby Drigg Dunes you will find a nature reserve which is the home of the largest colony of Black Headed Gulls in Europe.

Places to visit include: Roman Bath House, Muncaster Mill, Muncaster House and Owl Sanctuary, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Drigg Dunes Nature Reserve, Wast Water Lake and Swinside Stone Circle.