TALES of Blackbeard and Roman rambles are being highlighted as tourism hotspots in the west of the county.

Ahead of the school summer holidays, a new high profile campaign from Cumbria Tourism is giving people ideas and inspiration to leave their car at home and explore routes like the Cumbrian Coast line on the train instead.

Stretching from Bowness-on-Solway in the north down to Morecambe Bay in the south, the county’s epic shoreline is being promoted for family days out and short breaks for visitors and residents alike.

The campaign has been timed to coincide with Northern’s new extra 50 per cent off advance purchase train tickets, when passengers buy online by Sunday, July 14 and use the tickets before Sunday, September 29.

Travelling down the line from Carlisle, passengers can step off the train in Whitehaven.

Once one of the busiest ports in England, the waterfront is just a short walk away from the Rum Story attraction, which tells the thought-provoking story of Cumbria’s connections to the rum and spice trade.

There are also tales of Blackbeard and piracy on the high seas, smugglers and Nelson’s navy, along with Whitehaven’s maritime past and the renowned Jefferson family - creators of the famous 1785 Jefferson’s rum.

Back at the harbourside, people can head over to The Beacon Museum and be intrigued by some fascinating facts about the area.

From Viking silver to Victorian trading ships, a vibrant collection of historic objects and artwork is accompanied by a blend of local and touring exhibitions throughout the year.

Then take the short train ride back up the coast to Maryport, a bustling harbour town with Roman roots and a rich maritime past.

Arriving at Maryport station, it is just a short stroll to the harbour.

Based there is the Lake District Coast Aquarium, boasting 75-plus themed tanks with a collection of the diverse marine life found around the Cumbrian and UK coastline.

The Sealab is also home to juvenile species such as Rays & Cat Sharks and houses a lobster breeding programme.

This is also a great location for a Roman themed ramble, starting at the Maryport Maritime Museum.

Taking in spectacular views of the Solway Firth, this three-mile route meanders into the Solway Coast’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

En-route people can visit Senhouse Roman Museum, which scooped Cumbria Tourism’s Visitor Attraction of the Year Award in 2018.

It houses some of the most important archaeological finds in Europe and even locals may not realise it was sited near the Roman settlement of Alauna.

For more ideas, inspiration and offer details, visit: www.golakes.co.uk/visit