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 Whitehaven is a west-coast Georgian town rich in a maritime history and now developing a thriving tourist industry. The past centuries saw the rise and decline of coal, iron-ore, and the slave trade with it's busy port as the focal point.
This, the then third largest port in the country was also the scene of the last invasion from the sea upon British soil by the American, John Paul Jones in 1778. A further U.S. link is the burial site of George Washington's grandmother in the St. Nicholas Gardens.
 The towering steel framework of the Haigh Pit coal-mine stands on the cliffs above the town close to the Coast of Cumbria Walk. It closed in 1986. The Winding House and the Headgear have been restored to form a museum. The "Candlestick Chimney" is all that remains of the Wellington coal-mine. It was built in the form of a castle with the chimney acting as a ventilation shaft. In 1910 it was the scene of a pit disaster resulting in 136 deaths.
"The Beacon" houses a comprehensive and interesting display of the towns history highlighting it's past as an important trading port linking the U.K. with Africa and America. The "Rum Story" is near-by, depicting the story of rum on it's journey from the West Indies to Whitehaven.
Cyclists will be interested to know of the 10 mile cycle path to Ennerdale Lake and forest. It follows the disused railway route which used to carry coal and ore from the local mines. It is also the starting point of the 140 mile route to the N. E. coast of the country.
The annual beer festival is fast becoming a firm favourite. Visitors are invited to taste the large selection of brews and ciders with a view to voting, "the beer of the festival". This year, 2005, the Whitehaven Civic Hall will host the event.
The forebears of the designers of this web-site were members of a community of men, women and children who worked in the coal-mines of the district. They would be proud of what has been achieved by the vigorous Regeneration Scheme which has transformed the port and harbour and by what is planned for the future.
 The town now boasts good quality restaurants, a varied array of shops, a bowling green, gym and health clubs and a golf course. And not forgetting the unforgettable Penrith Toffee and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding! All parts of the Lake District can be explored from here!
How to get there:
By rail: Not sure
By road: Getting here is a scenic drive along the A 595 from Carlisle, or leave the M6 at J40; follow theA66 before joining the A595. Mark Whitehaven on your map, because for sure the town and the people will make you welcome.
Local links:
The Rum Story
The World's first exhibition depicting the story of the UK rum trade.
Open all year.
Phone: +44 (0)1946 592 933
www.rumstory.co.uk
Whitehaven Marine Adventures
Sailings from Whitehaven marina to St Bees bird sanctuary and beyond.
Open every day.
Phone: +44 (0)7967 967038 or (0)7973 779 428
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(C of E) St. Nicholas Church
The original building dates from 1683 and was rebuilt in 1883. Destroyed by a fire in 1971.
The tower contains a plaque in memory of Mildred Warner Gale, the grandmother of George Washington, who is buried here.
(C of E) St. James Church
Built in 1752. Has a fine display of ceiling plasterwork by two Italians, Arture, and Baggiotti and an exceptional Altar piece by Guillo Cesare.
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