Local area
Whitehaven Harbour
With a jetty dating from 1634 and two newly refurbished 18th century lighthouses, Whitehaven Harbour is a must-see for any visitor to the west coast. Once a leader in the coal trade and sugar imports, Whitehaven Harbour was England’s most important port after London during the 18th century.
The Edge
The Edge is a lively, three-storey venue with 16 en-suite rooms offering stunning harbour views, a welcoming cafe and bar, and versatile spaces for meetings and events. Whether you’re paddleboarding, cycling the Coast-to-Coast, or simply enjoying a coffee by the water, it’s an ideal spot to meet, stay, and explore.
The Beacon Museum
If you want to learn more about Whitehaven’s transition from fishing village to major port, the Beacon Museum will tell you. Hosting a range of interesting exhibitions and with a permanent Sellafield exhibition, the Beacon is a much loved Whitehaven institution.
Levels
Step into the future at Levels, Whitehaven’s groundbreaking digital and gaming hub. Spread across four floors, this £4.6m venue offers immersive VR and esports experiences, interactive learning spaces, and a welcoming cafe. Perfect for gamers, families, and anyone curious about digital innovation.
Colourful Coast
This breathtaking 7-mile stretch of Heritage Coast offers a stunningly wild and challenging walk for keen hikers. Your trail starts at historic Whitehaven and finishes at beautiful St. Bees. Taking in a number of iconic sites, the trail includes sites such as the Candlestick monument, Haig Colliery and Fleswick Bay’s gorgeous shingle beach.
Sea to Sea Cycle Route
The 137-mile route to Sunderland from Whitehaven is one of the UK’s most popular bike rides; and for good reason. From Whitehaven to Keswick, through to Langwathby, Allenheads and Consett and finishing in Sunderland, you will enjoy some truly awe inspiring scenery.
England Coastal Path
A new 11-mile stretch of the England Coastal Path has opened between Whitehaven and Silecroft giving visitors access to dunes, beaches and salt marshes. Particular places of interest include Duddon estuary and Millom marsh. We highly recommend exploring this accessible trail and getting to know Copeland’s spectacular coastline.
West Cumbria walking app
A fun and engaging guide to our dramatic west Cumbrian coast. This versatile app developed by our friends at The Beacon Museum can be used on walks, in your car and on public transport.
Michael Moon’s
Bookshop
Michael Moon’s Bookshop is a quintessential Whitehaven institution. With 13 rooms chock-full of thousands of books, Moon’s is a place to get lost in. Whether you’re after a unique gift, your next good read or a rare tome, Michael Moon’s is the place to go. A word of warning, you’ll need to dedicate at least a couple of hours to fully experience the magic of Moon’s.
Dixons Department Store
First founded in 1882, Dixons prides itself on being one of the north’s leading independent department stores. Specialising in homeware, fashion, gifts and beauty, why not round off your shopping spree with a delicious lunch in their Rooftop Cafe?
Richardson’s of
Whitehaven
Richardson’s of Whitehaven has firmly established itself as one of Cumbria’s leading purveyors of fine wine and alcoholic beverages. They also roast their own coffee in store, so if the wine doesn’t call you in, the enticing aroma of coffee beans will.
Rum Story Shop
For over 200 years, our Lowther Street shop has been selling rum, wine and spirits in the heart of Georgian Whitehaven. Now we’re proud to offer a fantastic selection of artisan produce from a range of talented local creators. You can also discover our impressive collection of speciality rums, spirits and liqueurs, including our famous Jefferson’s Dark Rum, one of the oldest trademarked rums in the UK.
