Pictures of Whitehaven

in the county of Cumbria

Whitehaven Pictures Whitehaven Hotels Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Whitehaven Facts Whitehaven Forum Whitehaven Map Sponsor Registration Add Pictures Add town to favourites

About Whitehaven

This attractive, historic Cumbrian resort owes much to the ingenuity of the Lowther family, who developed Whitehaven as a port for shipping and the export of Cumbrian coal. Sir John Lowther was so inspired by Sir Christopher Wren's plans for London following the great fire of 1666, that he set about the rebuilding of Whitehaven, making it the first deliberately planned town in England since the Middle-Ages.

By 1730 the town had developed into one of the major port's in Britain, it's marked importance during the 18th century is evidenced by the fact that in 1778 the Scots-born American naval commander, John Paul Jones, mounted an attack on the harbour during the American War of Independence. Doubtless he chose Whitehaven because this was where he had served his apprenticeship as a seaman before crossing the ocean for America. However, he failed in his attempt to set fire to the merchant fleet and had to content himself with the capture of a small fort defending the harbour.

Visitors wishing to discover the history of the area could do no better than visit The Beacon, this is a mixture of old and new with displays giving the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of Whitehaven's past, with a trip down a cobbled street, into a slave ship, and explore the underground world of a coal-mine. It further uncovers the history of the town, the Lowther family, development of the harbour and shipbuilding.

On Lowther Street lies the treasured Church of St.Nicholas, this was built in 1693 to replace an earlier church. It has a chequered history, having been rebuilt late in the 19th century by Miss Margaret Gibson in memory of her parents. In the 20th century, parts of the church was ravaged by fire, with little being left save for the entrance and the clock tower. The building has since been carefully restored, it now contains just a small place of worship and has a resource centre for schools, and a cafe for refreshments. In the tower visitors can see a display to the Gale family, Mildred Warner Gale was the grandmother of George Washington, she was buried here in January 1701. Other graves and tombs belonging to noted citizens can be seen in the grounds, these offer reminders of the town's maritime past.

The shell of the old church is now surrounded by a pleasant, flower filled tranquil garden, it provides the perfect spot to tarry for a while, enjoying the life of the town around you, and to contemplate all that has gone before to make Whitehaven the pleasurable place it now is.

The town celebrates its coal-mining industry with a towering sculpture by Colin Telfer, it was cast from a unique mix of slate, coal and resin, and depicts four figures including management and mine-workers. The sculpture is immensely powerful, evocative of the hardship and endurance of all who worked in the mines.

At the former Haig Pit visitors can experience a living museum dedicated to mining, this pit closed in 1986 and parts of it have now been restored to provide an interesting visitor attraction.

St.Bees Abbey is not to be missed, this dates back to the 12th century with restoration work of the 19th century. It is a beautiful church, with magnificent windows and statutory, as well as many relics from its ancient past. There is also an adjoining cemetery with graves and tombs.

The Whitehaven of today is a lively place, it operates mainly as a resort attracting visiting yachtsmen and tourists on holiday. There are plenty of handsome Georgian properties to admire, pleasant shops, excellent inns, pubs and restaurants. It has an attractive market place, pleasant squares to stroll around, and good coastal and sea views. In the hinterland lies the magnificent Lake District National Park, a ceaseless delight for country lovers, fell walkers and boating enthusiasts.

Planning a visit to Whitehaven?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Whitehaven hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of Whitehaven

Recommended towns & villages near Whitehaven

	Loweswater (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction E) Loweswater is centred in a landscape of grandeur, it is surrounded by Mellbreak Fell, Carling Knott Fell and Burnbank Fell, all excellent climbing and walking country giving views of a mountainous landscape reflected in sun-kissed pewter waters... Information | Pictures (12) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Cockermouth (11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction NE) Cockermouth is ideally placed to be used as a centre for touring the Lake District National Park. It has a High Street seemingly unaltered, and is ringed by some of the finest scenery in England... Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Maryport (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction N) Today, first and foremost Maryport is a splendid resort town on the beautiful Solway coast, it is steeped in the maritime history of two thousand years of sea... Information | Pictures (12) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Buttermere (12.6 miles, 20.2 km, direction E) Even when swirling mist rolls in over the stark fells surrounding Buttermere, the little hamlet remains serene in its simplicity and beauty... Information | Pictures (84) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Nether Wasdale (13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction SE) Nether Wasdale lies opposite Wasdale Head at the western fringe of Wast Water... Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Whitehaven

	St Bees Head (3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction S) These are the only cliffs on the coast of Cumbria, and it here visitors can catch a glimpse of the sheer drama of sea-birds, for..... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels
	Ennerdale Water (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction E) Situated in the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale Water is the most westerly lake in the national park and also one of the..... Information | Pictures (8) | Hotels
	Crummock Water (11.4 miles, 18.3 km, direction E) The romantic setting between high fells gives Crummock Water its character. It is somewhat overshadowed by other better known..... Information | Pictures (35) | Hotels
	Wordsworth House (11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction NE) Birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth – a 'living' 1770s townhouse... Information | Hotels
	Lorton Vale (11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction NE) Famed by Wordsworth in his famous poem 'Yew Trees', the Vale of Lorton is one of the prettiest parts of the Lake District.The..... Information | Hotels

Hotels & Accommodation in Whitehaven

Whitehaven Hotels  Whitehaven Cottages  Whitehaven Bed & Breakfast

	The Corner House Bed & Breakfast Whitehaven, Cumbria, England (0.7 miles, 1.2 km) This charming B&B is set in an 1863 Victorian villa with original features including high ceilings and sash windows. It offers attractive rooms with free Wi-Fi, 5 minutes’ walk from Whitehaven.... More info and book online..  Price from £65.00
	Moresby Hall Whitehaven, Cumbria, England (1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction NE) Dating back to 1620, Moresby Hall is one of only 3 Grade I Listed buildings in Cumbria. With a 5-star Gold Award, it offers stunning country guesthouse accommodation with a peaceful walled garden, fre... More info and book online..  Price from £85.00
	Premier Inn Whitehaven Whitehaven, Cumbria, England (2.1 miles, 3.3 km, direction NE) Premier Inn Whitehaven is northeast of Parton and Whitehaven and about 1 mile from the coast. The hotel offers free parking and the on-site Table Table restaurant.... More info and book online..  Price from £50.00
	Littlebeck Warren Whitehaven, Cumbria, England (3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction NE) Located in the beautiful Western Lake District, the award-winning Littlebeck Warren offers luxury, contemporary accommodations. The historical Muncaster Castle with its stunning gardens is only 20 mil... More info and book online..  Price from £65.00
	The Ennerdale Country House Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’ Cleator, Cumbria, England (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction SE) Set just 10 minutes’ drive from Ennerdale Water on the famous Coast to Coast Walk, the Ennerdale Country House Hotel is a Grade II listed building nestled within 5 acres of tranquil landscaped garde... More info and book online..  Price from £79.00

Nearby travel help