Silloth

Silloth was only a small hamlet until the mid-19th century. The modern town owes its existence to new docks and a railway which were both built in the 1850s. Port Carlisle had been the main port for Carlisle, but its harbour was silting up and it was difficult for ships to reach at low tides. Silloth was chosen as a suitable location for a new harbour. The Carlisle and Silloth Bay Railway was therefore built, opening to Silloth railway station in 1856, and the new harbour was built shortly afterwards. The town was laid out to provide homes for the workers on the railway and at the port, but from early on it also became a minor seaside resort. The town offered workers from the factories of…

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy in Silloth, with dozens of large and small static and touring caravan parks located within a 10 mi radius of the town centre, resulting in a large increase in the population during the summer months. Silloth hosts several small annual events held on the town green. These include a beer festival held in September, plus a steam rally, kite and food festivals. Amenities include a golf course.