Millom

Millom is a coastal town on Cumbria’s south-west coast in the beautiful district of Copeland. Located just a few miles from the Lake District National Park boundary the town sits on the Duddon Estuary and is home to a host of independent retailers, cosy cafes, traditional pubs, The Beggar’s Theatre and a water sports lake. Being on the coast the town is a great place to enjoy fish and chips.

Millom is a coastal town on Cumbria’s south-west coast. Located just a few miles from the Lake District National Park boundary the town sits on the Duddon Estuary and is home to a host of independent retailers, cosy cafes, traditional pubs, and places to visit - as well as a rich history and heritage.

History & Heritage

Once a rural hamlet, Millom expanded rapidly during the industrial revolution and in the 19th century was home to a highly productive iron ore mine and steel making industry. Today little remains of that heavy industry as the site of the Hodbarrow iron ore mine was transformed into a RSPB nature reserve.

During the Second World War an airfield, RAF Millom, was built on flat coastal land at the nearby village of Haverigg.

Discover more about the region’s fascinating history, and the former RAF airfield, at the Millom Heritage and Arts Centre, which is conveniently located in the town’s beautifully restored railway station. The Centre’s gift shop also sells a fantastic range of locally produced arts and crafts.

Millom is widely known as the birthplace of Norman Nicholson, one of Britain’s finest 20th century poets. Norman lived all his life in the town, and wrote with a deep understanding of the area, local industry and community. He also had novels published and wrote stage plays, carols and song lyrics.

The town is also steeped in sporting heritage, including football, cricket and rugby. Did you know Millom has the oldest amateur Rugby League team in the world? Founded in 1873, Millom Rugby League Club on Devonshire Road still attracts hundreds of spectators on a game day.

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Things to do in Millom

For arts and culture, head to the Beggar’s Theatre or the Millom Heritage and Arts Centre. Nearby, the Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is a great place for bird watching. Being on the coast the town is a great place to enjoy fish and chips.

No visit to Millom is complete without a trip to a nearby beach. And there are few beaches as wild and strikingly beautiful as Silecroft, with its modern beach cafe. This gently sloping sand and shingle beach stretches for 3 miles and sits against the backdrop of the majestic Black Combe fell. It stands along the long distance King Charles III England Coast Path, which links various locations along the coast.

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FAQs

Where is Millom located?

Millom is located on the south-west Cumbrian coast, just a short distance from Silecroft beach.

Where is there to stay in Millom?

If you’re looking for accommodation in Millom, there are country pubs, B&Bs, campsite and self catering accommodation to choose from, as well as holiday parks by the sea.

Where is there to eat in Millom?

From fish and chips or ice cream by the sea to hearty pub meals, there are some great food and drink options in and around Millom. 

How to get to Millom?

Millom is easily accessible by rail as it is located on the Cumbrian Coast Line, which runs between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. The town itself is on the south-western corner of Cumbria on the A593 and is accessed off the A595. There are also bus services to Millom from the surrounding areas.

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What’s nearby

Duddon Valley - The remote and unspoilt Duddon Valley offers spectacular walking and breath-taking views

Hodbarrow Nature Reserve - A coastal lagoon with lots of wildlife and breeding sea birds, which is great for walking, picnics and family-friendly strolls.

Black Combe - The dramatic ridge of Black Combe rises almost 2000ft from the sea and is a popular fell with walkers. It is said by locals that the summit of Black Combe is the best place to see the 5 kingdoms, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man.

Silecroft Beach - Explore 3 miles of beautiful sand and shingle beach.