Ravenglass Conservation Area

Why is Ravenglass special?

Ravenglass is a historic maritime village uniquely defined by its medieval street patterns, diverse local stone architecture, and a distinctive estuarine setting. It’s historic character features:

• Distinctive estuarine setting nestled at the confluence of the Rivers Esk, Mite and Irt;
• Sea-side location between the Irish sea and the Lakeland fells;
• Medieval street pattern of main street with side lanes to ancient field system and the shore;
• The prevalent use of local building stone for walls and roofs, notably local cobblestone, sandstone, slate and granite, reflecting the underlying geology of the area;
• Common use of roughcast render;
• Good examples of 18th and early 19th century provincial dwellings together with a few vernacular farm buildings;
• Seaward views across the estuary from the edge of the conservation area which give the area a strong maritime feel;
• Trees and greenery that soften the streetscene, most notably beside the approach road before the mainline railway bridge;
• The Green, a public open space overlooking the estuary, and Millennium Garden, a small square with seating and pebble mosaic;
• Small items that add to Ravenglass’s local identity and recognisable sense of place, such as datestones, GR post box, cobbled surfaces.