# Irton Staycation Guide — Where to Stay & What to Do > Irton, Cumbria: a quiet Lake District village near Ravenglass and Eskdale, home to an ancient Anglo-Saxon cross and the miniature steam railway. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/irton (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Ancient crosses and quiet fells on the Lakeland coast Photo © Rob Steele, Google Maps [Guide](https://staycation.co.uk/irton) [🏨 Hotels](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/hotels) [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/cottages) [⛺ Camping](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/camping) [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions) [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants) Irton is a small village and civil parish in Cumbria, sitting on the western edge of the Lake District National Park between the Eskdale valley and the coastal village of Ravenglass. It lies close to Holmrook, with the River Irt running nearby on its short course from Wast Water down to the Irish Sea, and Muncaster Fell rising to the south. This is a much quieter corner of Lakeland than the honeypot valleys further east; the landscape here is a patchwork of small fields, drystone walls and woodland giving way quickly to open fell. The village is best known for St Paul's Church, rebuilt in Victorian times but home to the Irton Cross, a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon cross carved from a single block of red sandstone and thought to pre-date the Viking era, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved crosses in Cumbria. Nearby Irton Hall, a country house set at the foot of the western fells between Wasdale and Eskdale, adds to a settlement with a genuinely old story to tell despite its small size today. For visitors, Irton's real appeal is its position: a peaceful base within easy reach of some of the best-loved attractions on the western side of the Lake District. ## Getting to Irton Irton is reached via minor roads off the A595 coast road, close to Holmrook, roughly midway between Ravenglass and Eskdale. The nearest railway stations on the national network are at Ravenglass and Drigg, both on the Cumbrian Coast Line linking Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness; from Ravenglass, the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow-gauge railway continues inland, with a stop at Irton Road. The wider Lake District road network is narrow and winding in places, so journeys from the M6 or the central Lakes can take longer than the map distance suggests. ## Best time to visit Irton Late spring through early autumn is the most reliable period for walking the surrounding fells and riding the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, which runs a fuller timetable in summer. Spring brings bluebells and fresh growth to the valley woodlands, while autumn colours the fellsides around Eskdale. Winter can be atmospheric but is quieter, with shorter days and the possibility of closed fell paths in poor weather; this corner of Cumbria takes a good deal of rain year-round, so it pays to come prepared regardless of season. ## Where to stay in Irton [All hotels in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/hotels) About staying in Irton Hotels in and around Irton are few, reflecting the size of the village, but the wider Eskdale and Ravenglass area offers a good spread of small hotels, coaching inns and guesthouses suited to walkers, railway enthusiasts and those touring the western Lake District. Irton Hall, set at the foot of the fells between Wasdale and Eskdale, has long been associated with accommodation in the immediate area, while nearby Ravenglass and Boot have inns geared towards travellers on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Expect a more traditional, low-key style of hospitality here than in the busier central Lakes towns such as Windermere or Ambleside; many properties are converted farmhouses or historic buildings rather than purpose-built hotels. Booking ahead is worthwhile in summer, when the railway and the fells draw steady numbers of visitors, and rooms in the smaller inns can fill quickly. Staying near Irton gives easy access to both the coast at Ravenglass and the higher fells around Eskdale and Wasdale, making it a practical base for exploring this quieter side of the National Park without the crowds found further east. [North End Farm Country Guest House 88 Main Street, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/north-end-farm-country-guest-house) [East Ayton Country House Hotel Moor Lane, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/east-ayton-country-house-hotel) [The Mayfield Seamer, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/the-mayfield) [Green Gables Hotel West Bank, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/green-gables-hotel) [The Mount House Hotel 33 Trinity Road, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/the-mount-house-hotel) [Ashburton House - B&B 43 Valley Rd, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/ashburton-house-b-b) [Powys Lodge - Guest House 2 Westbourne Road, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/powys-lodge-guest-house) [The Raincliffe Hotel 21 Valley Road, Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/hotels/the-raincliffe-hotel) ## Things to Do in Irton [All attractions in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions) Top things to do near Irton Irton itself is tiny, but it sits at the centre of some of the most rewarding sights in western Lakeland. - **Irton Cross, St Paul's Church** — a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon cross, around 10 feet tall and carved from a single piece of red sandstone, standing in the churchyard of the Victorian parish church. - **Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway** — the narrow-gauge steam railway (known locally as "La'al Ratty") runs seven miles from the coast at Ravenglass up to Dalegarth near Boot, with Irton Road station serving the village itself. - **Muncaster Castle** — a historic castle and gardens near Ravenglass, with owl centre, extensive grounds and views back towards the fells, a short drive from Irton. - **Irton Pike** — a modest fell above the village offering views over the Eskdale valley and out towards the coast, a good option for a shorter walk than the higher peaks further inland. - **Ravenglass village and harbour** — the only coastal village within the Lake District National Park, at the point where the rivers Irt, Mite and Esk meet the sea. - **Wasdale and Wast Water** — England's deepest lake and the approach to Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, a scenic drive away to the north. [Betton Farm Visitor Centre ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/betton-farm-visitor-centre) [The Scarborough Spa Express ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/the-scarborough-spa-express) [Rotunda Museum ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/rotunda-museum) [Peasholm Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/peasholm-park) [Olympia Bowl and Softplay ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/olympia-bowl-and-softplay) [🎟️Pottery & Ceramic Painting Pot 2 Doodle Do](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/pot-2-doodle-do) [Terror Tower ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/terror-tower) [North Bay Railway Scarborough ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions/north-bay-railway-scarborough) ## Where to Eat in Irton [All restaurants in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants) Food and drink near Irton For food and drink, the Eskdale valley is the nearest hub, with the Brook House Inn at Boot a long-standing favourite among railway passengers and walkers, known for its real ales and hearty menu. Ravenglass has pubs and cafes serving the coastal end of the line, including options overlooking the estuary. Options directly in Irton itself are limited, so most visitors head the short distance to Boot or Ravenglass for a meal. [🍽️Restaurant Basics Plus At Betton Farm Tearooms ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/basics-plus-at-betton-farm-tearooms) [Wilson's Food Hall ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/wilson-s-food-hall) [Walkers Fish Restaurant ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/walkers-fish-restaurant) [The Little Play Company Scarborough ⭐ 5.0](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/the-little-play-company-scarborough) [Deans Scarborough ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/deans-scarborough) [McDonalds ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/mcdonalds) [The Secret Realm Scarborough ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/the-secret-realm-scarborough) [Tops ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants/tops) ## Attractions Near Irton [All attractions in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/attractions) Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Irton. [1 mi Betton Farm Visitor Centre Scarborough · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/betton-farm-visitor-centre) [3 mi The Scarborough Spa Express Carnforth · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/carnforth/attractions/the-scarborough-spa-express) [3 mi Rotunda Museum Scarborough · ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/rotunda-museum) [3 mi Peasholm Park Scarborough · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/peasholm-park) [3 mi Olympia Bowl and Softplay Scarborough · ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/olympia-bowl-and-softplay) [🎟️Pottery & Ceramic Painting 3 mi Pot 2 Doodle Do Scarborough](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/pot-2-doodle-do) [3 mi Terror Tower Scarborough · ⭐ 4.0](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/terror-tower) [3 mi North Bay Railway Scarborough Scarborough · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/attractions/north-bay-railway-scarborough) ## Camping in Irton [All campsites in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/camping) About camping in Irton The fells above Irton and the wider Eskdale valley offer some genuinely wild-feeling country, but wild camping without the landowner's permission remains illegal in England, including here in Cumbria — unlike Dartmoor, there is no general right to pitch a tent on the open fell. Visitors wanting to camp should use one of the established campsites in the area, several of which sit within the Eskdale valley and around Ravenglass, offering pitches within walking distance of the fells and the narrow-gauge railway. The terrain around Irton is a mix of low-lying farmland near the River Irt and steeper fell ground rising towards Irton Pike and the wider Eskdale fells, with Scafell Pike and Wasdale within reach for more serious hill walking. Ground can be wet underfoot for much of the year, and this western side of the Lake District catches a good deal of rainfall off the Irish Sea, so a well-pitched, weatherproof tent and decent waterproofs are worth the investment whatever the forecast promises. Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable window for camping here, with longer daylight hours for exploring and a better chance of settled weather, though conditions can still turn quickly at altitude. Midges can be a nuisance on still summer evenings near the becks and woodland. For those who prefer a roof over their head without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options such as pods, yurts and safari tents have become more common across Cumbria in recent years, offering a warmer alternative during the cooler shoulder seasons while keeping campers close to the fells and the coast. [Betton Farm ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/betton-farm) [Irton Mount Caravan Site ⭐ 4.9](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/irton-mount-caravan-site) [Pinewood Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/camping/pinewood-park) [The Ranch ⭐ 4.9 · from £18/night](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/camping/the-ranch) [Jacobs Mount Holiday Park ⭐ 4.3 · from £20/night](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/camping/jacobs-mount-holiday-park) [Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Club Site ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/scarborough-west-ayton-caravan-club-site) [Arosa Caravan and Camping Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/scarborough/camping/arosa-caravan-and-camping-park) [Arosa Caravan And Camping Park ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/arosa-caravan-and-camping-park) ## Self-Catering Cottages in Irton [All cottages in Irton →](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/cottages) [🏡Cottage Grouse Lodge 2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £516](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/grouse-lodge-syk1124564) [🏡Cottage Foxes Den 1 bed · sleeps 5 · from £516](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/foxes-den-syk1124565) [🏡Cottage Sunset Retreat 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £438](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/sunset-retreat-syk1124566) [Londesborough Cottage 2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £488](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/londesborough-cottage-syk975764) [🏡Cottage The Coach House 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £540](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/the-coach-house-syk1149618) [🏡Cottage Squirrel Cottage 2 bed · sleeps 3 · from £303](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/squirrel-cottage-uk13425) [Shepherd's Hut 1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £452](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/shepherds-hut-syk1050044) [Rose Cottage 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £527](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/rose-cottage-syk1157055) ### 🏨 Find Hotels in Irton Search hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com. [Search Accommodation →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DIrton%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link ### Explore Irton - [🏨 Hotels & B&Bs](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/hotels) - [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/cottages) - [⛺ Campsites & glamping](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/camping) - [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/attractions) - [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/irton/restaurants) ## Staycation ideas for Irton [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-last-minute-staycations) [Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/rainy-day-staycations-uk) [The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/dog-friendly-staycations) [The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-staycations-for-families)