Whitehaven

A thriving harbourside town with intriguing heritage

Whitehaven in Cumbria is a large Georgian gem of a coastal town situated on the northwest tip of the county. Once a small fishing village, Whitehaven’s fortunes changed when the Lowther family purchased the Whitehaven estate and began development on the port and mines in the area. Capitalising on its strategic location by the coast and with a natural port from which to import and export, Whitehaven prospered and became one of the biggest port towns in the UK.

Today Whitehaven Cumbria is famously the home of Sellafield, the once nuclear powerplant that now processes nuclear waste and attracts energy experts from around the globe to its research and development facilities. This picturesque harbourside town is home to a population of around 23,000 people and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to take in the sea air, walk along the stunning coastal paths and explore the local history and area.

There are plenty of things to do in Whitehaven, the highlights of which include a visit to the Beacon Museum which is housed in an old lighthouse and offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Whitehaven harbour, the town and its various imports and exports, as well as the Rosehill Theatre, the Civic Hall and The Rum Story, a wonderfully quirky visitor experience that delves into the fascinating history of rum. Head down to Whitehaven port for a glimpse at the sailboats and ships docked in the harbour or wander through the Georgian streets with their distinctive architecture and abundance of cobbled side streets. Find Whitehaven beach to spot the fisherman catching their dinner or stroll down Whitehaven pier to explore the catch of the day.

Nearby

Visit Whitehaven for a seaside experience close to the Lake District. As a large town Whitehaven has plenty of accommodation options which includes large luxury hotels to small boutique guesthouses, comfortable self-catering cottages and several camping and glamping sites scattered up and down the surrounding coastline. Whether you decide to stay within the town or outside of it, Whitehaven has a plethora of places to eat offering a wide variety of cuisines in addition to the occasional recognisable chain restaurant.

Location

Whitehaven sits just south of where the A66 meets the coast at Maryport. Take the M6 and travel north then west to find this gem of a Cumbrian town. Alternatively, to reach Whitehaven from the south, leave the M6 at Kendal and meander along the coastal route past Barrow, Ravenglass and St. Bees taking in the stunning scenery of the Western Lakes as you make your way here. Whitehaven is the perfect place to start your exploration of the Cumbrian Coastline, either on foot, by train on the Cumbrian Coast Line or on two wheels.

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