You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Workington
Workington main areas of interest lie about its busy, pedestrianised shopping district in the middle of town, where most of the country’s best-known high street brands are well-represented. The wonderful Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre takes care of most of the cultural and entertainment needs, with a superb programme of concerts, plays and shows year-round. There’s a fine multiplex cinema and the Lakes Escapes, while if you fancy splitting some pins there’s always a spot of bowling.
Workington’s long history is proudly on show in Curwen Park, home to the picturesque ruin of Curwen Hall. It’s a fine place to while away some time on a sunny day. Workington was originally built on the bedrock of coal, and the Curwen family who traded in this resource, developed the old town on the hill clustered around the market place and cobbled Portland Square. Once the docks, shipyards and ironworks were established on the coast, the town rapidly extended towards the sea to become the bustling town and port of today.
Workington old town developed on high ground near Workington Hall and expanded to the south and west as a result of industrial exploitation of the local coal and iron ore deposits. When James I ascended to the English throne in 1603, he clamped down on the reivers – many of the ringleaders and their families were brought to Workington to await transportation by boat to the ‘wastes' of Ireland.
Under the guiding influence of the Curwens, Workington quickly expanded into a major port and town. The first dock operated in the 1760s, exporting coal to Ireland. By 1800 there were no less than 37 pits around Workington. In 1837 disaster struck when the roof of Chapel Bank Pit collapsed and 27 miners and 28 horses drowned as sea water inundated the mine. The Curwens suffered heavy financial losses as a result of this incident and made renewed attempts to find fresh sources of coal by sinking Jane Pit in 1843 followed by Annie Pit in 1864.
The expansion of the mines aided exports, prompting the Curwens to build Lonsdale Dock in 1865 to take ships up to 2000 tons. A major shipbuilding industry developed in the wake of the new dock, providing collier brigs for coal exports along with the complementary trades of sail and rope making. In 1927, the dock was enlarged again, this time to take 10,000-ton ships, and re-named the Prince of Wales dock.
The low phosphorus content of the iron ore was highly suitable for use in the Bessemer converter - a means of producing a higher grade of steel by blasting air through molten pig iron to drive off any impurities. The mines, ironworks and docks were linked by a network of railways that transported the coal and steel to other parts of the country and overseas via the West Coast ports. With the decline of the coal and steel industries in the 1950s, Workington diversified into light industries. The old iron ore workings and slag heaps were flattened and sites re-landscaped for modern industrial estates and out-of-town shopping centres. Instead of tall chimneys and iron furnaces, Workington's skyline is now dominated by the white twirling blades of wind turbines, providing an alternative and clean source of electricity for over 20,000 homes.
Whitehaven - The maritime port of Whitehaven was once the third largest in the UK with trade links all over the world. The wealth of Georgian architecture led to Whitehaven being listed as a ‘gem town' and voted one of the top 10 seaside resorts in the UK.
Cockermouth - The very pretty Georgian town of Cockermouth is the gateway to the largely undiscovered Western Lake District. It’s a lovely place to stay and the added bonus is you can be on a lakeshore, at the beach or up a fell within 20 minutes’ drive – if you can tear yourself away from its wealth of attractions.
Did you know?
the western lakes has a rich history, brilliantly told
Number of results: 15
Workington
Workington Town's first Pride
Workington
Our Dark Sky package is specially designed to ensure you are able to fully enjoy your stargazing experience. We provide use of a Sky-watcher telescope and comfortable outdoor seating, as well as blankets, hot water bottles, hot drinks and light…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviewsWorkington
Weekly Market each Wednesday. Good range of fresh produce, gifts and household essentials.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Workington:
1A Great Clifton - Workington.
30/30A/30B Thornhill - Whitehaven - Workington - Maryport.
31/31A Frizington - Cleator Moor - Whitehaven - Workington - Maryport
35 Workington - Great Broughton - Cockermouth l.
36…
Workington
Weekly Saturday Market. A good range of fresh produce, cakes, gifts and household essentials.
Great Clifton, Workington
Enjoy delicious meals and afternoon teas in our restaurant, The Conservatory at the Melbreak.
Open between 12pm - 2pm, 5pm – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm – 9pm Saturday and Sunday.
Afternoon Teas served between 2:30pm and 4:30pm daily –…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
136 reviewsWorkington
The west coast of Cumbria will be celebrating the start of the festive season with a Christmas Festival and light switch on from 11am – 5pm on Saturday 30th November in Workington. There will be live entertainment throughout the day, plus a host of…
Workington
Shopping centre with department store, 11 shops, 6 cinemas, 3 restaurants. Over 400 free parking spaces. Petrol and convenience store 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Workington
Armidale Cottages B&B is set in half an acre of land with a small orchard. Built in the 16thC the cottages have been lovingly renovated to a very high standard, retaining many of the original features.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviewsA 72 mile network of cycle routes linking off road sections on disused railways with the minor road system. The route links Cockermouth, Workington, Distington, Whitehaven, Cleator Moor and Ennerdale. There are branches from Cleator Moor to Egremont…
Great Clifton, Workington
Situated conveniently between Cockermouth and Workington, close to the A66, lies The Melbreak Hotel. Once a farmstead, the 38 en-suite bedroomed hotel has an elegant lounge, well stocked bar and popular restaurant. The hotel has 6 electric vehicle…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
935 reviewsWORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
Workington
Vulcan Park is a 14 acre town centre park situated in the centre of Workington.The park is used by the local community for relaxation and recreation as well as a variety of events and activities throughout the year. and is a ten minute walk from the…
WORKINGTON
Centrally located multi-storey car park with 427 spaces.
Height restrictions: 1.98m Open 7 days a week.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Workington
Harrington Nature Reserve is one of two Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in the Workington area and is an area of land protected for its contribution to wildlife, geology, education and public enjoyment.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL