SHOP. EXPLORE. BE HAPPY
What to do in Whitehaven
The Beacon
The Beacon Museum is Copeland's museum. Explore 4 floors of interactive history whilst visiting some of the most exciting temporary exhibitions in Cumbria.
The award winning museum continues to tell the story of Copeland. Starting with the geology of the area and the early settlers, the interactive museum charts history through to the Lowther family’s development of the town of Whitehaven into one of the UK’s most significant ports and beyond to more modern twentieth century industries.
The Rum Story
The Rum Story is a museum/visitors centre in the heart of Whitehaven. In 2007 it was voted Cumbria Tourism's small visitor attraction of the year. The idea is to come off the streets of Georgian Whitehaven into an exotic Island in the Caribbean. You will experience this when you begin your journey through The Rum Story. The Rum Story is on Lowther Street Whitehaven and is set in the original shop of the Jefferson family .
Rosehill Theatre
Rosehill Theatre, on the hills above Whitehaven, opened in 1959 and is one of the UK's most intimate theatres offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment from music, theatre, film, talks, comedy, shows for young people and more. We have ample free car and coach parking, a licensed bar and provide great food (by arrangement) and drink. From our position, there are stunning views over the Solway Firth to Scotland and inland to the Lake District. A truly exceptional setting.
The Civic Hall
The Solway Hall is Whitehaven's only theatre venue located just a stones throw from the town centre. Run by Rosehill Youth Theatre, a registered charity, we operate on the support of the local community.
We could not exist without the help, support and generosity of people with a passion for supporting their local town. We have some fantastic acts and whether you love Music, Comedy, Entertainment or Children's Shows we have just the thing for you!
The Solway Hall is the perfect place to take up a new hobby, try a new skill or just have some fun. We have regular classes which happen weekly or even several times a week.
Historic Harbour
If Whitehaven is well known for anything then it is its harbour. The harbour dates back to 1633 when the first Quay was built which is called 'old quay'. It was built to export salt and coal. The foundation for all of today's quays are set on a foundation of squared oak. Whitehaven was very important to the coal industry as in 1700, 80% of Ireland's coal was imported from Whitehaven! By the 18th century Whitehaven was importing things such as tobacco from Virginia and Maryland. They would exchange manufactured goods for the tobacco.
Castle Park
Castle Park is located on the other side of the town than the Harbour although its envolvement in the town and iconic presence is still appreciated to this day. The traditional park is full of large trees and wild bushes with a twirling path right through. The park is used by both dog walkers and tourists taking in the fresh air. At the front is a large grassed area ideal for playing games such as football and enjoying a picnic on a nice day.
St Nicholas' Church
The tower of St Nicholas’ Church stands in the busy centre of Georgian Whitehaven. There has been a church on this site since 1693 (the first Church in the town), although the current Chapel is the remains of an 1883 built church, most of which was burnt down in August 1971.
Surrounded by its beautiful award winning gardens, St Nicholas’ Centre and Chapel stands as an unmistakable landmark amongst the busy commercial and retail life of the town. It is a focus for a whole variety of activities – café, meeting place, chapel for worship and private prayer and contemplation, as well as the administrative centre for the work of the busy and active Parish of Whitehaven.
Copeland Pool & Fitness Centre
We have a 25 metre x six lane main pool and a separate teaching pool, holding a wide range of activities from adult only swimming, parent and toddler sessions, inflatable fun time, swimming lessons and gentler sessions through our Active Life classes.
Our fitness suite opened in 2014 and is a great addition to the centre, with a spacious, modern fitness gym and multi-functional studio space for fitness classes and private hire, all on one level.
Whitehaven Sports Centre
Whitehaven Sports Centre has a great gym, studio, 9 x badminton court sports hall, squash courts, and a vast choice of classes and activities for children, adults and families. Jungle Jack's adventure soft play is a fun, safe haven for under 10s to let off steam, and our holiday activity sessions are a big hit with children of all ages. Take a look at the Activities and Facilities on offer for more information about what is available at the centre.
