Attractions in Whitehaven
The Beacon
Visit The Beacon Centre situated on the attractive harbourside, soak up five floors
of interactive history, weather, games and more. Discover the origins of Copeland. Help the archaeologists uncover the artefacts in the Roman dig. Investigate the slave trade and join the crew abroad the Maria Lowther ship. Puzzle over how to "rebuild" Whitehaven Harbour. Find out about local industries and living conditions in the past. Behave yourself in the Law and Order gallery as the Police Officer is watching! Play hopscotch, bar skittles and dance the tango. Take in the World War 2 air raid shelter and remember famous factorties of the past.
Make the most of the stunning view on the viewing gallery and find out about the development of the town and harbour of Whitehaven. Have a go at presenting the weather forecast and figure out the Rain Cycle in the Weather Zone. Don't miss the free exhibition gallery, gift shop and Wellington Bistro and Café. Guided heritage walks are available through town and over the headland toward St Bees.
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.
The Rum Story
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.
Haig Colliery Mining Museum
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 annual
"Whitehaven Festival", with the next one scheduled 25 to 27 June 2010 .
The Festival attracts thousands of people to the town and will host Tall ships, celebrity chef demonstrations, live bands, Taylors travelling fair, street theatre, air displays, firework display and a large Veterans Parade on Sunday the 27th and much more. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Past 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.