whitehaven -...
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www.golakes.co.uk
Published by Copeland Borough Council, Cumbria Tourism and Western Lake DistrictTourism Partnership. Produced by Cypher Digital.
Whilst every effort was made to ensure that information was correct at the time of going topress, neither Cumbria Tourism nor Copeland Borough Council can accept any responsibilityfor any changes, errors or omissions, or any inconvenience arising therefrom.
Getting around
By Bus
Most buses stop on Lowther Street and Duke Street.
Services 300 and 301. Carlisle to Whitehaven (via Wigton, Maryport andWorkington) every day. Reduced service on Sundays and public holidays.
Service 600. Carlisle to Whitehaven (via Wigton and Cockermouth). Mon–Sat only.No service on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Service 6. Whitehaven to Muncaster (via Egremont, Gosforth, Seascale andRavenglass).
Whitehaven Dayrider and Megarider tickets are available from any Stagecoachservice and can be purchased from the driver. West Cumbria and Cumbria ticketsare also available if you want to travel further afield.
By Train
The railway station at Whitehaven serves trains of the West Cumbria line. Trainsdepart daily for Carlisle and Barrow (and all stations in between) and Carlisle toWhitehaven only on Sundays. At Barrow there are connecting trains for Manchesterairport. Connection for the main intercity West Coast line is at Carlisle.
Northern Rail special offers:
The Cumbrian Coast Day Ranger ticket provides freedom to explore theCumbrian coast by train. The ticket is valid for one day’s travel, enabling you to hop on and off as you please and enjoy a totally car-free day.
The Cumbria Round Robin ticket is valid for a circular journey in any directionbetween Barrow-in-Furness, Whitehaven, Carlisle, Penrith and Lancaster on anyone day.
The Cumbrian Coast Line – Have a day out by train along the Cumbrian Coast line and save money at many tourist attractions with money saving offers.
For more details visit www.northernrail.org or log onto www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk
For more information on all bus, rail and ferry timetables and fares, contactTraveline on 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline.org.uk
For further advice on where to stay and what to do in Whitehaven please call or visit: Whitehaven Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Whitehaven,CA28 7JG Tel: 01946 598914 Email: [email protected]
For further information on Events, Attractions and Accommodation in the WesternLake District please visit www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk
You can also check availability or book accommodation online atwww.golakes.co.uk
a sense of place
The maritime port of Whitehaven was once the thirdlargest in the UK with trade links all over the world.The town’s prosperity was built on coal, developed bythe wealthy Lowther family who also laid out theelegant Georgian town. The wealth of Georgianarchitecture led to Whitehaven being listed as a ‘gemtown’ – a status that contributed to it being voted oneof the top 10 seaside resorts in the UK.
The re-vamped Beacon is a showpiece for the town’sseafaring and mining heritage and provides stunningviews over the harbour area. Around the corner is theHaig Colliery Mining Museum, a tribute to theimportance and tragedy of extracting coal from under thesea. Elsewhere, The Rum Story uncorks the history ofJefferson’s rum – how it was made and its links toWhitehaven’s maritime trade.
The historic 17th century harbour, enhanced by nauticalsculptures, dramatic lighting effects and a brand newmarina, is the focus for spectacular maritime events andactivities including the occasional visit of tall sailing ships.
Today, improvements to the harbour area and sympatheticrestoration of the town’s Georgian buildings are part of anongoing regeneration programme, the latest phase ofwhich is to upgrade footpaths, cycleways and signagealong the coast to St Bees and improve access to HaigColliery Mining Museum, Saltom Pit and the RSPB reserveat St Bees.
The stretch of cliff-path between St Bees and the historicport of Whitehaven, known as Our Colourful Coast(www.colourfulcoast.org.uk), is full of hidden gems ofhistory and wildlife, including viewing platforms to look outover the RSPB reserve’s nesting site on the cliffs.
All photography by Brian Sherwen. Cover photograph: Whitehaven Harbour
Lakes Alive 2009 St Nicholas’ ChurchThe start of the C2C cycle route
History and Heritage
Recapture the atmosphere of the 18th century as you explore the unique andoriginal streets of the Georgian port of Whitehaven. Past links to the USA,industrial heritage and the mining, rum, slave and navy trades are reflectedthroughout the town and its magnificent harbour.
1The Beacon (NX 969 182)West Strand, CA28 7LYThis award-winning museum is a voyage of discovery, with four floors devoted toWhitehaven’s maritime, industrial and social heritage, mining, shipbuilding and the town’slinks with America. Open Tues-Sun and Bank Holidays 10.00-16.30. Children under 16 free.Tel: 01946 592302 www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk
2The Rum Story (NX 947 183)Lowther Street, CA28 7DNThis award-winning attraction, graphically describes the process of making rum andits associations with the slave trade, the British Navy, prohibition and smuggling.Courtyard café and shop. Open every day, 10.00-17.00. Admission charge.Tel: 01946 592933 www.rumstory.co.uk
3Haig Colliery Mining Museum (NX 966 176)Solway Road, Kells, CA28 9BGExhibits and photographic displays document the long history of coal mining in thearea and describe some of the tragic events associated with mining. Guided walks.Open every day, 9.30-16.30. Free admission. Tel: 01946 599949 www.haigpit.com
4St James’ Church (NX 976 185)High Street, CA28 7PYA plain looking exterior hides an exquisite Georgian interior – one of the finest in thecountry. The church was built in 1753 during Whitehaven’s boom years to reflect thetown’s prosperity in its interior.
5St Nicholas’ Church (NX 974 182)Lowther Street, CA28 7DGAfter a disastrous fire in August 1971, most of this fine sandstone church wasdemolished apart from the tower. Outside, a decorative mosaic in the shape of a pitwheel was laid in memory of those who lost their lives in the Whitehaven collieriesbetween 1597 and 1987.
supported by
Cumbria Tourism
whitehaven
Arts and Culture
There is always something exciting going on in Whitehaven. From its uniqueannual food and music festival to its changing exhibitions there is a host ofspecial events throughout the year for you to enjoy.
9Harbour Gallery (NX 969 182)The Beacon, West Strand, CA28 7LYRegularly changing art exhibitions are housed in the downstairs gallery at The Beacon. Tel: 01946 592302 www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk
10Rosehill Theatre and Cinema (NX 991 202)Moresby, CA28 6SEOne of Cumbria’s most charming small theatres offering a lively programme of music,comedy, drama, dance and film. Tel: 01946 692422 www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk
11Whitehaven Civic Hall (NX 974 180)Lowther Street, CA28 7SHEntertainment venue for a diverse range of music, theatre and comedy.Tel: 01946 514960 www.civichall.org.uk
12Whitehaven Pottery (NX 972 180)Market Place, CA28 7JGFine quality china and earthenware are produced at this working pottery in the centreof Whitehaven. Many items are decorated with scenes from Whitehaven’s industrialand maritime history. Tel: 01946 517630 www.whitehavenpottery.co.uk
EVENTS
Every Thur & SatWhitehaven Outdoor Market
MayLakes Alive, Whitehaven www.lakesalive.org
JuneWhitehaven Food & Music Festivalwww.thefestival.org.uk
First Sat of JulyWhitehaven Carnival
JulyVintage Machinery Rally, Distington
Early Oct/Mid NovWhitehaven Beer Festival
www.whitehavenbeerfestival.co.uk
DecChristmas lights switch on, Whitehaven
Walk, Sail and Cycle
An off-shore boat trip is one of the best ways to appreciate the area’s coastalwildlife and mining heritage, whilst for landlubbers the myriad of footpaths andcycleways provide alternative ways of enjoying the area.
Coast to Coast Walk A 190 mile (305km) walk from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. www.coast2coast.co.uk
Cumbria Coastal Way A150 mile (241km) walk from Silverdale to the Scottish border near Gretna.
Whitehaven WalksEnjoy a series of self-guided town trails around Whitehaven covering architecture, theharbour area, and maritime and mining. Available from Whitehaven Tourist InformationCentre and The Beacon.
6Tiger Lilly III (NX 971 182)For fishing trips and cruises along the Cumbria coastline. Tel: 01946 821477 or 0781 5434666 www.tigerlilly3.co.uk
7Riptide Boat Trips (NX 971 182)Tel: 01946 822679 or 07969 327835
Sea to Sea Cycle (C2C) Route (Routes 7 & 71) A 136 mile (219km) route from Whitehaven harbour to Sunderland (or Newcastle). www.c2c-guide.co.uk or www.sustrans.org.uk
Hadrian’s Cycleway (Route 72) A 174 mile (280km) route between Ravenglass and Tynemouth, passing through Whitehaven. www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway
Reivers Cycle Route (Route 10) A 170 mile (273km) route from Tynemouth to Whitehaven.www.reivers-route.co.uk
The West Cumbria Cycle Network Comprises72 miles (115km) of traffic-free cycle routes.
8Haven Cycles –Bike Hire2 Preston St., CA28 9DLTel: 01946 63263 www.havencycles-c2cservices.co.uk
For more ideas on cycling in Cumbria, visitwww.cyclingcumbria.co.uk
Copeland Borough Council
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WHITEHAVEN
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010
St Bees toWhitehaven
Cliff PathB5345
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WHITEHAVEN
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© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.Oxford Cartographers: License No. 100031961Published 2010
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© Oxford CartographersTel: +44 (0) 1865 882884Email: [email protected]
Keswick 8 miles,Jct 40 M6 25 miles
what to see & do...
Tall ships and the ‘Wave’ sculpture
Fishermen returning The Food Festival
13 Michael Moon’s Antiquarian Bookshop, 19 Lowther St. CA28 7ALTel: 01946 599010
14 Richardson’s Wine Merchants, 26a Lowther St. CA28 7DGTel: 01946 65334 www.gerardswineblog.com
15 Strange Fruit (contemporary jewellery), 51 Market Place CA28 7JBTel: 01946 690195
16 Holts Art Shop, 45 – 47 Roper St. CA28 7ARTel: 01946 62940
17 Humbugs (traditional sweet shop), 3 Market Place CA28 7JETel: 01946 591049
18 The Tenth Bull (gift shop), 31 James St. CA28 7HZTel: 01946 61919 www.thetenthbull.co.uk
19 Zest Harbourside, Harbourside, West Strand CA28 7LRTel: 01946 66981 www.zestwhitehaven.com
20 Westminster Café Bar, 65 Lowther St. CA28 7AHTel: 01946 694404
21 Anna’s, Millennium Promenade CA28 7UJTel: 01946 695454 www.annas-cafe.co.uk
22 Wellington Bistro at The Beacon, West Strand CA28 7LYTel: 01946 590231
Local facilities
Saltom Pit, sunk in 1729, was the first mine in the UK to extract coal from under the sea.
The distinctive Candlestick Chimney of Wellington Pit was allegedly designed by Sir JohnLowther to replicate his favourite silver candlestick. The ‘chimney’ acted as an air vent to removenoxious methane gas from the mine workings.
Jonathan Swift is said to have lived in a house overlooking the coast at Whitehaven, where theviews over Whitehaven harbour supposedly inspired his creation of Lilliput in Gulliver’s Travels.
John Paul Jones, founder of the American Navy, led the one and only attack on British soil by USforces in 1778.
St Nicholas’s Church on Lowther Street is the resting place of Mildred Warner Washington(grandmother of George Washington, first president of the United States) who died in 1701shortly after marrying her second husband, George Gale, a tobacco importer based in Whitehaven.The site of her burial is not known, but the parish register records her death and that of her negromaid who died a few months later.
In the mid 18th century, Whitehaven was used as a template for the expansion of New York.
Post Offices – Lowther Street and Market Place.
Library – Lowther Street, Whitehaven CA28 7QZ. Tel: 01946 852900
Parks and Play Areas – Trinity Gardens (including a labyrinth maze), St Nicholas’ Gardens,Castle park (children’s play area with wooded backdrop), Millennium play area (Mirehouse),Skateboard Park (by railway station).
Car Parks – Queens Dock, Tangier Street, Senhouse Street, Schoolhouse Lane (short stay),Catherine Street, Swingpump Lane multi-storey, The Beacon, Quay Street North, Quay Street South.
Public Toilets – James Street.
Petrol Stations – Tesco supermarket, Morrisons supermarket, New Road (Pelican Garage),Corkickle Service Station.
Did you know?
The Bike Stand
The Georgian town centre
‘The End of an Era’ The Rum Story CourtyardMarket Place
23 Whitehaven Sports Centre (NX 975 177), Flatt Walks CA28 7RJMulti-sports facility with fitness centre and children’s play area.Tel: 01946 695666 www.leisurecopeland.org.uk
24 Copeland Swimming Pool (NX 996 168), Cleator Moor Rd CA28 8RW25 metre swimming pool and adjacent toddler pool. Tel: 01946 696049 www.leisurecopeland.org.uk
25 Whitehaven Golf Club (NX 992 181), Red Lonning CA28 8UD18-hole golf course and 16-bay floodlit driving range, with stunning views of the Lake District and Solway Firth. Tel: 01946 591177 www.whitehavengolfclub.com
26 St Bees Links Course, Peck Mill, St Bees CA27 0EJTel: 01946 824300 www.stbeesgolfclub.org.uk
27 Distington Driving Range, High Harrington CA14 5RT Tel: 01946 833688
28 Walk Mill Community Woodland (NY 006 186)An extensive area of new woodland is being created on this former opencastcoal-mining site. Footpaths lead from the main car park.
29 St Bees Head Nature Reserve (NX 959 118)The towering red sandstone cliffs at St Bees hold the largest seabird colony onthe west coast of England, home to over 5,000 breeding seabirds includingpuffins. The reserve can be accessed from the coastal footpath that runs alongthe top of the cliff or viewed from the sea. www.rspb.org.uk
30 Cumbria Record Office & Local Studies Library, Scotch St CA28 7NLTrace your ancestors or find out more about life in Whitehaven over the years. Tel: 01946 506420
Food and shopping Things to do
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