Egremont, at the foot of the Uldale Valley in west Cumbria is a small market town with a rich history but also with plenty of energy about it today. At one time Egremont was Danish territory, but it was the Normans who developed it for its strategic location on the river Ehen and on the coastal route to Whitehaven. The Normans built a castle here in the 12th century, and named the place – Egremont is a corruption of Aigremont, Bitter Hill or Hill of Sorrow. The ruins of the castle can still be visited today. The Normans also built a church here in the 12th century, though the church seen today was rebuilt in the 19th century, albeit with older elements such as the 13th century chancel windows retained. The layout of the town has much of the medieval about it, with a wide main street and adjacent market place – the town was granted a market charter in 1267 by Henry III. There has been mining in Egremont and the area since at least Norman times, and Florence Mine is the last working deep iron ore mine in Western Europe, though the miners are few now and the ore extraction negligible compared to the past, as the heritage centre on the site explains. Egremont is known beyond Cumbria for its Crab Fair (named for the apple rather than the crustacean), held the third Saturday in September. The Crab Fair has many events, including wrestling, terrier racing, and ferret shows, but it is famed for hosting the World Gurning Championship – gurning is the art of pulling hideously ugly faces. You might prefer to escape the unnatural gurning and seek the peace and beauty of Clints Quarry, a Site of Special Scientific Interest just outside the town, where rare flora such as the Bee orchid can be found.
Attraction
Florence Fine Arts Centre
Lowes Court Gallery and Egremont Tourist Information
Club
Dentist
Egremont NHS Dental Access Centre
Mr Forker
Doctor
Beech House Group Practice
Beech House Medical Centre
Westcroft House
Estate Agent
Pub and Bar
Black Beck Inn
Black Bull
Blue Bell
Cat Inn
Kings Arms
Old Captains House
Parkhead Inn
The Central
Wheatsheaf Inn
Restaurant
Black BullBlue Bell
Cat Inn
Wonder Kitchen
Self-Catering
Taxi
Bigrigg Cabs
Geoffs Taxis
Sterling Cabs
Vet
Sports Clubs
Windscale CC (Cricket)
Shops
Lamberlea Pond & Garden Centre
Jo's La'l Pet Shop
J N Murray Ltd
S E Aldred
Gardens & Pets Direct
Lowes Court Gallery
Robert Napier
Wilsons Butchers Ltd
Jenkinsons
Sea View Nurseries
Enchanted
Activities
Sellafield Archery Club(Archery)
Places to Stay near Egremont
Ennerdale Country House Htl (1.65 miles)
The luxury of this hotel makes it an ideal base both for families and those seeking an enjoyable romantic weekend Whether you are visiting the area on business or pleasure you ... More
Ellerbeck Manor (1.68 miles)
Manor House Hotel (2.50 miles)
The Manor House Hotel is situated in the heart of the beautiful seaside village St. Bees. Our location is ideal for walking (the start of the Coast to Coast walk ... More
White Mare (2.83 miles)
Accommodation is available 7 days a week, while the ... More | visit website
Royal Oak (2.93 miles)
Tarnside Park (3.10 miles)
Click here to book this Holiday Park with Hoseasons
Enjoying a delightful, convenient location on the edge of the breathtaking Lake District National Park, Tarnside Park surrounds a freshwater tarn, with fishing available. Located in ... More | visit website
Inglewood Guest House (3.59 miles)
Sella Park House Hotel (3.76 miles)
A 16th Centuary Hotel located within 6 acres of mature gardens and riverside location in the heart of the Western Lake District.The traditional Priory Restaurant uses only the best locally ... More
Rowrah Hall (5.24 miles)
Westlakes Hotel (6.06 miles)
Westlakes Hotel is a late Georgian Country House, which is set in 3 acres of tranquil mature gardens situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Located in the Western ... More
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