Reasons to enjoy Cumbria are legion!
The Romans are being drafted in to help spread the message about Cumbria’s widespread appeal as the county prepares to welcome Bank Holiday visitors!
The Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport is just one of the visitor attractions within Cumbria that have re-opened recently following the easing of pandemic lockdown restrictions.
Dramatically sited on cliffs overlooking the Solway Firth, the museum is a great example of the treasures that can be found outside of the traditional Lake District holiday locations. It also provides a link between Cumbria’s two World Heritage Sites – Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District National Park.
Museum Manager Jane Laskey said: “The majority of the Museum is now open, in a way that puts customers’ safety and security first. We have introduced pre-bookable slots and a one way system, to make sure that people are spaced out and can follow the 2-metre social distancing requirement.
“Visitors now need to wear face masks, which they appear to be very willing to do. In fact, many people seem to enjoy the fact that they often have near-exclusive use of the Museum! Things have quite rightly changed quite a bit, but we are all making it work. We have really missed our visitors and it is fantastic to be welcoming them back.”
Named Visitor Attraction of the Year in the 2018 Cumbria Tourism Awards, the museum is situated next to a Roman fort probably founded in the first century AD and rebuilt during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. It displays the largest group of Roman military altar stones and inscriptions from any site in Britain and unique examples of Romano-British religious sculpture.
Jo Lappin, Chair of the Business and Economic Response and Recovery Group (BERRG) of the Local Resilience Forum, responsible for developing the economic response to COVID-19, said: “I would really encourage people to support the county’s economy through these difficult times by thinking, visiting and spending local.
“Cumbria has so much to offer and explore, including two World Heritage Sites, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere north of London, and fantastic arts, culture and heritage offers, with a host of excellent businesses and organisations that really do need our support.”
Mrs Lappin, who is Chief Executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP), added: “Many of these are, of course, in the Lake District but many others are situated outside of the National Park itself and are equally worthy of a visit and custom.
“We’re always delighted to welcome visitors to Cumbria and share with them our uniquely beautiful landscape and culture. This weekend could be an opportunity to escape the crowds and sample Cumbria’s varied and equally wonderful destinations.”