Discover Egremont: History, Nature and Unique Traditions

Egremont combines an impressive history with riverside walks, wildlife watching and an unusual festival tradition. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage for a varied stay will find opportunities here for culture, outdoor activities and memorable shared experiences. The town is an excellent base for a wide range of holiday days: you can explore historic buildings, discover local art, spend time along the River Ehen or experience the annual Crab Fair.

History and Art in Egremont

Egremont Castle reflects several stages in the development of the medieval fortification. The site began as a Norman motte-and-bailey castle and later developed into a ringwork castle. Today, Egremont Castle is a Scheduled Monument. For travellers interested in regional history, the castle provides a striking gateway to the town's past.

The history of industry is also part of Egremont's character. The Florence Arts Centre is a participatory arts centre on the site of a former iron ore mine. In addition, Florence iron mining pit head retains most of its machinery and equipment at the original location. This allows art and the history of iron ore mining to be incorporated into your travel plans without reducing either subject to a single era.

In the centre of Egremont, Lowes Court houses a tourist information centre and an art gallery. The Lowes Court Gallery offers the opportunity to see local crafts. The building itself is a late-seventeenth- or early-eighteenth-century house and is now used as a shop. Another notable landmark is St Mary & St Michael's Church, a Victorian Gothic building constructed from locally quarried red sandstone.

Walks, Cycle Routes and Wildlife Watching

Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors on holiday can include walking and cycling routes along the River Ehen in their daily plans. Egremont offers scenic riverside walks with plenty of opportunities to observe nature and wildlife. On the Egremont (north) Trail, with a little patience, you may spot otters, kingfishers and dippers. This creates a different focus from a visit to the castle or galleries: the landscape and its wildlife take centre stage.

This contrast can be helpful when choosing accommodation in Egremont. If you are primarily looking for cultural experiences, you can combine the castle, church, art and industrial history as thematic highlights. If you would prefer to spend more time outdoors, the River Ehen and Egremont (north) Trail provide specific opportunities for walks and wildlife watching. The town can be reached by car via the A595.

The Egremont Crab Fair

A distinctive local tradition is the Egremont Crab Fair. Held annually in September, the celebration includes competitions, live music and family attractions. These include a traditional Apple Cart Parade and Cumberland Wrestling as part of the sports programme. Since at least 1852, a grimacing competition has also been an important part of the fair. Participants pull their heads through a horse harness, also known as a “braffin”.

The Crab Fair gives travel planning a clear seasonal focus. If you travel to Egremont in September, you can combine historical and artistic impressions with a lively local tradition. Outside this date, the castle, church architecture, arts centre, mining history and paths along the River Ehen remain independent reasons to get to know Egremont more closely.

Further Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare Egremont with other places or extend your trip through the surrounding area, here are the nearest destinations: Calthwaite, Bewcastle, Penrith, Garrigill, Winscales, Wigton, Ulverston and Dockray.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cumbria.