Attractions in Whitehaven
Now a growing tourist destination, Whitehaven has taken great strides forward in the the last few years. The regeneration of the harbour area has been the catalyst for large and small developments, the upgrade of existing facilities and many and varied new projects.
Enjoy the 'Dark Spirit of Whitehaven' at The Rum Story - the word's first exhibition depicting the story of the UK Rum Trade. Be plunged into a tropical rainforest, experience life on board a slave ship, see realistic African villages & much more! Enjoy home baked cakes & food, speciality coffee in the Courtyard Café, and treat yourself to an gift from the well stocked shop.
Visit The Beacon situated on the attractive harbourside, and home to the town's museum collection. It traces the social, industrial and maritime heritage of the area, using local characters, audio-visual displays and fascinating museum pieces.
The Met. Office Weather Gallery on the top floor offers panoramic views of the town, the coast, and across the Solway Firth to Scotland. Don't miss the free exhibition gallery, gift shop and café. Guided heritage walks are available through town and over the headland toward St Bees.
Haig Colliery Mining Museum, a place of great historical and educational interest which uncovers the local industrial and social mining history.
See the Worlds' only restored Bever Dorling Winding Engine in operation. The museum has something for all ages. Closed Wednesdays, it also offers free entry!
Whitehaven is now also gaining nation recognition for its biannual Maritime Festival, with the forth one held in June 2005 which attracted over 200,000 people to the town in one weekend.
The Festivals have featured visiting tall ships, including The Zebu; coastal cruises; the British Jet Ski Team and a Rescue Sea King helicopter. The visiting US Navy battle cruiser USS Leyte Gulf gave an international flavour to the Festival, crew members came ashore to join in Festival activities and to visit the local attractions.
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featured the superb Lancaster, Hurricane and a Spitfire; there have also been displays from the incredible World War II Fairey Swordfish. This helped to build up a sense of expectation leading up to the star attraction, who also gave a stunning performance, of the Red Arrows Display team. Musical events have included brass bands, local acts and Kenny Ball and his Jazzman. A wonderful firework show closes the years event.