Whitehaven was recently named 'Best Town Centre' in the UK in the British Council Shopping Centres Prestigious Town Centre's Environment Award. The judges were impressed by the town's renaissance and transformation from what they described as 'a run down port, into a very attractive centre for shoppers and tourists'.
Featured shops:
Richardson's Wine Merchants on busy King Street, is a must for connoisseurs of fine wine, cigars, freshly milled coffee beans and famous Penrith Toffee Shop fudge and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding!
You can't miss the provocative and daring window displays that have been known to stop traffic of one of the town's newest shops 'Vanilla' on Strand Street. A designer clothing and lingerie shop for women, Vanilla offers a unique, exciting selection of clothes in a variety of sizes and prices.
If you need the perfect jewellery to go with the outfit, or gentlemen if you are looking to buy a gift for the lady in your life, why not head to What's New Jewellry on Lowther Street, or Strange Fruit in the busy Market Place. Strange Fruit also offer temporary tattoo's and as well as unique and different options for gifts.
Whilst in the Market Place, pop into Vanity Fayre to discover one of the largest selections of perfume in the county. Or for pottery and unique pictures, try the new Pottery Shop, the site of the original Whitehaven Pottery in the 1700's, which is now producing its own mugs that are already a collector's item.
But men, don't feel left out! There are some excellent men's clothing shops too. Contemporary Menswear on King Street offers high quality brands as does Chaos on Queen Street, who also cater for ladies.
Hidden away, and not to be missed, a wander up Roper Street will find a small variety of specialist shops. Whitehaven Stationery offer a selection of local gifts, if you are feeling stressed then pop into Total Health - on offer is Reiki, homeopathy and many other services. Next door is Holts Art Shop, who stock artists supplies, offer a picture framing service and show a selection of local artist's work and gifts. Fashion shops, cafes, a computer shop and Forbidden Art Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio confirm the varied nature of the retailers in Roper Street.
Unique local photographs and designer bags are available at Masons, and further up the street, local images that can be framed or unframed are available at Holt's Art Shop. Then wander through the lovely Washington Square to find 'Little Cherubs' hidden away at the bottom of Queen Street - an exquisite selection of clothing for children.
Brides-to-be have some good opportunities to find the perfect dress in Whitehaven - Wedding Warehouse on Lowther Street, or Cumbria Bridal Centre on Duke Street offer a wide selection of beautiful dresses as well as all the accessories needed to complete the perfect bridal outfit.
If it's flowers you want, then head to Lowther Street where you will find Jean's Flower Boutique, or pop into The Flower Basket for flowers, cards and other distinctive quality gifts - the window displays alone are almost worthy of visitor attraction status!
Whilst on Lowther Street, not to be missed is a visit to explore, browse and discover in the famous Michael Moon's Antiquarian Bookshop. Beyond the initial shop area are many other rooms on two floors stacked to the roof with second hand books on every subject imaginable.
It is the perfect place to find old books and prints about Whitehaven history and the locality, many of which Michael has re-published from very rare editions.
Kershaws Health Foods on Queen Street offer healthfoods and wholefoods including vitamins, herbal teas, sports supplements, complementary medicines and special dietary supplements, as well as a few healthy-but-naughty treats. Head up to Duke Street to Robinson's Model and Games Centre, and then wander down to Tangier Street.
Looking for something for your home? Go no further than Homeflair for a variety of high quality household goods, china, crystal and the Whitehaven collection, and then pop next door for designer fragrances at Beauty Box.