Whitehaven

A 'Gem Town'
As one of only two 'Gem towns' in Cumbria (along with Cockermouth) this Georgian town, situated on the west coast of Cumbria, was one of the first post-Renaissance planned towns in the country. Built on shipping and mining, both industries have now declined, but Whitehaven is nevertheless an attractive town and is one of the 40 Gem Towns in England.

The development of Whitehaven owes much to the Lowther family. It was Sir John Lowther, inspired by Christopher Wren's designs for rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666, who laid out the original grid system of streets and specified the type of houses to be built.

The history of Whitehaven and its harbour, the Lowther family, the development of coal mining and its disasters, and Whitehaven's shipbuilding history is told in The Beacon. Substantial Millennium regeneration funding has transformed the harbour almost beyond recognition and it now often plays host to many visits from the Tall Ships.

Georgian heritage
Whitehaven was the last place in Britain to be attacked by American naval forces. On 23rd April 1778 during the American War of Independence, John Paul Jones arrived in Britain with the intention of setting the whole merchant fleet on fire. The alarm was raised, and he retreated forthwith.

Whitehaven has over 250, mostly Georgian, listed buildings, many tastefully restored, including St James' Church, once described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as 'the finest Georgian church interior in the county'.

Dip Your Wheels
As the start/end point for the C2C and Reivers cycle routes, a conveniently located slipway at the harbour allows the cyclist to perform the ceremonial wheel-dipping into the Irish Sea. Be careful though as it gets slippery especially with pedal cleats on your shoes!

Places of interest

The Beacon
Sitting prominently with panoramic views of the town and harbour, the Beacon museum charts the fascinating history of Whitehaven. Displays provide an opportunity to walk around Whitehaven's past, wander down cobbled streets, peek into a slave ship and see what a coal mine was like.
Tel: 0845 095 2131
Website: www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

The Rum Story
Set in the original shop, courtyards, cellars and bonded warehouses of the Jefferson family business, the museum traces the story of the UK rum trade, which originally centred on the port of Whitehaven. The journey starts in the Caribbean rainforest and graphically depicts the story of rum, bringing to life the slave trade, American prohibition, rum in the Royal Navy, rum in history, the process of rum making and more.
Tel: 01946 592 933
Website: www.rumstory.co.uk

Haig Colliery Mining Museum
On the site of the former Haig Pit in Whitehaven, which closed in 1986, the winding engine house and headgear are being restored to their former glory and is now open as the Haig Colliery Mining Museum.
Tel: 01946 599 949
Website: www.haig1.freeserve.co.uk

Jennings Brewery
Based in Cockermouth since 1874, this traditional Lakeland brewer offers a selection of fine ales appreciated by ale drinkers everywhere. Take a brewery tour and find out how real ale is made.
Tel: 0845 129 7190
Website: www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk

Serviced Accommodation

Alva House
Moor Row, Whitehaven CA24 3JX
Tel: 01946 814 537

Blackbeck Hotel
Beckermet, Egremont
Tel: 01946 841 661
Website: www.blackbeck.co.uk

Corkickle Guest House
1 Corkickle, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 692 073

The Cottage
Mirehouse Road, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 695 820

Ennerdale Country House Hotel
Cleator Moor, Cumbria CA23 3DT
Tel: 01946 813 907

Fleatham House Hotel
St Bees, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 822 341
Website: www.fleathamhouse.com

Georgianhouse Hotel
9-11 Church Street, Whitehaven CA28 7AY
Tel: 01946 696 611

Glen Ard
Inkerman Terrace, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 692 249

Glenfield Guest House
Back Corkickle, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 691 911
Fax: 01946 691911
Website: www.glenfield-whitehaven.co.uk
Email: glenfieldGH@aol.com
Contact: Andrew Davies

Glenlea House
Lowca, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 693 873

Jasmine House B & B and Tea Garden
Low Farm, Moor Row, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 815 795
Website: www.jasminehousebandb.com

Lismore Guest House
Wellington Row, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 660 28

Moresby Hall
Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 6PJ
Tel: 01946 696 317
Website: www.moresbyhall.co.uk

Read Guest House
Cross Street, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 615 15

Travel Inn
On A595 north of Whitehaven, CA28 6PL
Tel: 0870 242 8000

Waverley Hotel
Tangier Street, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 692 359

Camping

The Seacote Hotel & Holiday Parks
Beach Road, St Bees, Cumbria CA27 OES
Tel: 01946 822 777
Website: www.seacote.com

Bike Shops

Southside Cycles
37/39 Newlands Avenue, Mirehouse, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 591004

Ainfield Cycle Centre
Jacktrees Road, Cleator Moor
Tel: 01946 812427

Haven Cycles
Preston St. Garage, Whitehaven
Tel: 01946 63263