When is the best time to visit St Bees?

St Bees is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit…

  • Spring  (March- June)

Spring is a beautiful season in the Lake District and Cumbria. Lambs are jumping around the countryside, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. 

  • In St Bees, the RSPB Nature Reserve is booming during the springtime, with the season providing the best opportunities to see and hear rare birds including a population of Guillemots.  A spring watch walk along the cliffs is a stunning springtime activity for spotting all different kids of birds and blooming flowers on the cliff tops. 

  • The village hosts an annual ‘Bees Bash’ festival during June, which is supported by the Parish Council and the Village School. The event is complete with a Fancy Dress Parade along Main Street along with various games on the St Bees School playing field. There are multiple stalls and refreshment stands including a beer tent.

  • Summer (June- September)

Summer is understandably the most popular time for visitors to seaside resorts such as St Bees, with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. 

  • A summer’s day spent on St Bees beach is an unbeatable activity with sandy shorelines to explore and plenty of spots for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles as a family. Visit the nearby Hartley’s beach café for a cooling drink and ice cream! 

  • The village hosts an annual Summer Garden Show in St Bees School Sports Hall that attracts visitors from near and far, showcasing floral, vegetable and handicraft sections created by locals.  

  • Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a beautiful time to be in Cumbria, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks, cosy pubs, hot chocolates and Halloween activities… 

  • In the nearby town of Whitehaven, the Beacon Museum host October half term and Halloween events and activities for children including spooky trails, ghost stories, arts and crafts workshops and scary costume dress up. 

  • The Rum Story in Whitehaven is a spooky, family exhibition all year round, telling scary tales of pirates and smugglers! During Halloween time, the town hosts Cumbrian Ghost Walks starting from the Rum Story and exploring the harbour, telling stories of ghost ships. 

  • Winter (November- February)

Winter is understandably the quietest time of year in seaside towns and villages such as St Bees, with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean that St Bees is off limits though; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the village without the crowds. Winter in St Bees can mean cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…  

  • Each year at in December, Santa visits the village of St Bees, switching on the Christmas lights on the Christmas tree at Cross Hill. The traditional carol concert also takes place later on in the evening at the Lifeboat Station. 

  • Every Christmas time, ‘The St Bees Mummers’ perform in local pubs around the village. The group of local actors perform their ancient play 

      ‘Alexander and the King of Egypt.’ The play has been loved and enjoyed in the area since the 1700’s, with the St Bees Mummers reviving the play in 1974, hosting the event each year to raise money for the RNLI. The group also perform at the Christmas Concert in the Priory. 

  • The children at St Bees School host a Christmas Fayre in the school hall with food and crafts stalls alongside fun, festive activities and Christmas music. Everyone is welcome to attend and is a great, festive night for families.