About

Silloth Green, incorporating Harbour Green, a large area known simply as ‘the Green,’ and Skinburness Green is one of the largest and longest village Greens in England. The Green forms a grassy link between the Silloth townscape and the sea front promenade, complementing the grand regency style buildings on ‘Criffel Street,’ which runs  along the opposite side of the broad cobbled road. Enriched by the green space and close proximity to the sea, this former Victorian spa town has a unique air, making it an interesting place to visit. The Green lies within the Silloth conservation area and the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. Close by lies the visitor centre for the Solway Coast ‘Area of Natural Beauty.’ (AONB) and two ‘Sites of Special Scientific Interest’ (SSSI) stretch North and South of the town. Successful funding bids to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under the ‘Parks for People Programme,’ resulted in a two year refurbishment project to restore the Green and its heritage buildings. Restoration work was completed in 2012 and was celebrated with a grand opening on 20th May 2012. Many changes have been made that have had significance for Silloth Green over time. These changes are noted in the History and Heritage Archives.

Our Acknowledgements list funding sources and additional help given for successful implementation of the project.


Three separate park areas, namely: ‘The Green,’ ‘Harbour Green’ and ‘Skinburness Green,’ are collectively known as ‘Silloth Green.’ The park is one of the largest village greens in the North of England. It boasts spectacular views over the Solway Firth to Criffel and the Caerlaverock Hills in the North and the Lake District to the South. The Green forms a green link between Silloth’s grand Victorian townscape and the sea front promenade, for many years attracting visitors seeking fresh sea air and recreational facilities. Successful funding bids in 2010 resulted in a five year programme to refurbish ‘the Green’ and restore its heritage buildings. The Edwardian ladies toilets, built in 1910, have been sympathetically refurbished, as has the spectacular Victorian Pagoda built on a mound overlooking the sea. The Green also boasts a modern waterplay area, an entertainment area in local Cumbrian sandstone, a woodland adventure play area, a putting green and a BMX track. Beautiful oak picnic tables and benches are to be found in various locations. The Green’s Community Garden, funded by Heritage Lottery and designed with input from local people, was opened in May 2014. ‘Friends of the Green’ care for the ‘Community Garden,’ which is situated on the corner of Criffel Street and Lawn Terrace. During 2015, the Heritage Rose and Bee Garden, which is situated closer to the sea, benefitted from new drainage and was replanted with a variety of roses and a number of bee loving plants. A bee hotel was erected in the middle of the striking display of rose bushes, plants and shrubs, which are creating a haven for the local bee and butterfly population. Paths lined with shrub beds allow disabled access to all main areas. Along the Criffel Street edge of the Green, some Victorian style lighting has been installed, in-keeping with the heritage of the town. Regular events are held on the Green and a number of free festivals are held annually, including Silloth Green Day, the Steam and Vintage Rally and Silloth Carnival. In addition, the popular Silloth Music & Beer Festival is held annually. New events are planned each year, such as the Theatre on the Green.