March 2017 | 159
The Lake District Coastal Aquarium
ad
01900817760 www . coastaquarium . co . uk info @ coastaquarium . co . uk
W ant to combine a great place to eat with great
views and the option of a top visitor attraction ?
Then make sure that Maryport is part of your Cumbrian cycle route . Historic Maryport on the Solway Firth Coast of West Cumbria is a great stopping off point for cyclists , hikers , locals and visitors of all kinds as it sits on the intersection of the main North- South A596 Cumbrian coast road and the A594 / A66 link East to the M6 , plus of course the Cumbrian Coastal cycleway . This in turn links to the Hadrian ’ s Wall cycle route heading North and neighbouring Workington that hubs several cycle routes South and inland to the Lake District National Park . Right on the harbourside and well signposted is the town ’ s Tourist Information Centre and key visitor attraction , The Lake District Coast Aquarium , which is now one of the best places to get to see native marine life in the UK . This has over 60 carefully crafted displays that includes a lobster hatchery and several hands on opportunities to get to grips with hardy sea-creatures ! Integral to the attraction is a popular Café which looks directly out across a working fishing dock towards Southern Scotland , clearly visible on most days . The Café is open to all visitors so has many regular locals who appreciate the fresh ground coffee , newly baked scones and good choice of snacks and meals all at reasonable prices . There is an ‘ al fresco ’ patio area adjoining the Café with several picnic tables which is popular on sunny days and with cyclists who can secure their bikes within sight as they recover their strength . On cooler days a woodburning stove roars away inside and is a place to dry out after enduring a spell of wet weather . See you there !