Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Whitehaven has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Whitehaven.
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Sights in Whitehaven
Whitehaven is a historic town in the English county of Cumbria. It is located in the west of the county on the coast of the Irish Sea, close to the border with Scotland. Whitehaven was founded in the 12th century and grew into a major port and market town in the 18th century. It was an important shipbuilding centre and a major producer of coal and other minerals. Whitehaven declined in the late 20th century as its industries declined, but it has since seen a resurgence as a tourist destination and as a base for offshore wind farms.
The town centre of Whitehaven is built on a grid system of streets, with many 18thcentury houses and public buildings. The Market Place is the main square and is home to the town hall, a Grade I listed building. Whitehaven Castle, a ruined fortress on a cliff overlooking the harbour, was built in the 13th century and was the scene of a major siege during the English Civil War. The harbour is still an important commercial port and is also used by leisure boats and as a base for charter fishing trips.
There are several museums in Whitehaven, including the Rum Story, which tells the history of the town’s rum trade; the Beacon, an interactive museum about the town’s maritime history; and the Haig Mining Museum, which is located in one of the former coal mines. Whitehaven also has a number of churches, including St Nicholas, the largest parish church in Cumbria, and Holy Trinity, a Grade I listed building which dates from the 18th century.
Whitehaven is located in the scenic area of the Lake District National Park and is a good base for exploring the area, with many walking and cycling trails in the vicinity. The town is also home to the Whitehaven Festival, a twoweek music and arts festival which takes place in July.
History of Whitehaven
Whitehaven is a town in Cumbria, England. Historically in Cumberland, it lies on the coast, to the west of Workington. WhitehavenParam>
The town was founded in 1778 by the industrialist Sir James Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale, whose grandfather had owned the site on which Whitehaven Castle was built. The new town was planned on a grid system by SirLowther’s agent Richard Moodie, with wide streets and plotting similar to that used for Maryland in the USA. Sir James built a harbour on the site of the old hamlet of Parton. In 1782 he also commissioned Thomas Telford to build a New Town Hall, designed to be one of the grandest in Britain.
Whitehaven was a crucial link in the country’s coal trade from the 17th century onwards. Coal was brought to the port from the Cumberland Coalfield, as well as from collieries in Newcastle and Durham. West Cumberland iron ore was shipped from the port, and exported around the world. Alum and marble were mined locally and shipped out through Whitehaven.
The town’s maritime trade declined from the middle of the 19th century, adversely affected by the growth of railways as a means of transporting coal to the rapidly industrialising cities of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Whitehaven’s maritime commerce revived in the late 19th century with the export of coal to Spain and Italy, and later to Ireland and Scotland. The Port of Whitehaven is still an active port, exporting coal and importing timber.
Whitehaven wasBombed by the German Luftwaffe in 1940; one of the bombs destroyed the New Galactic Cinema. Several other bombs fell on the town, causing 14 deaths.
In May 1986, Whitehaven made headlines around the world when the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union resulted in contamination of milk supplies in the area. Despite initial fears, there was no lasting radiological impact on the people or environment of Whitehaven.
Today, Whitehaven is a thriving town, with a growing tourism industry and a vibrant cultural scene. The town has several museums and heritage centres, as well as a number of art galleries and live music venues. Whitehaven is also home to theunique buildings known as the Candle Houses, designed by the French architect ÉtienneLouis Boullée in 1784.
Vacation in Whitehaven
There are many vacation possibilities in the city of Whitehaven in England. This city has something to offer for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Whitehaven is the perfect place. The city is home to many Bed and Breakfasts, as well as intimate hotels. You can stroll hand in hand through the city’s streets, and admire the architecture. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a hike up one of the nearby mountains.
If you are planning a family vacation, Whitehaven is also a great choice. The city has many familyfriendly activities, including a visit to the Whitehaven Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the city’s history. There are also several parks perfect for a picnic lunch, or a game of frisbee. The Whitehaven Beach is a hit with both kids and adults alike, and is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Finally, if you are travelling solo, Whitehaven is still a great destination. There are plenty of things to keep you busy, including exploring the city’s shops and restaurants, or taking a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages. No matter what your reason for visiting Whitehaven, you are sure to find something to suit your needs.
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