The West Cumbrian town of Whitehaven is situated on the coast between the sparkling sea and the Lakeland Fells. It was one of the first ‘planned’ towns in England and today can boast almost 250 Listed Georgian buildings and some beautiful parks and gardens. Today the town’s harbour is a designated conservation area and visitors can learn about the town’s history at the excellent Beacon Heritage Centre. The surrounding coastline has much to offer, not least its old smugglers villages, such as Ravenglass, and the red sandstone cliffs of pretty St Bees – now the start of Wainwright’s famous “Coast to Coast” Walk. Meanwhile inland you can enjoy the tranquillity of the Western lakes: Ennerdale, Loweswater, Crummock, Buttermere and Wastwater. Ennerdale is perhaps the most peaceful of all the lakes, with no public roads running along its National Trust owned shoreline.
Sandwith and St Bees are two small but historically rich villages on the western coast of Cumbria, England. Both settlements have deep ties to the region’s maritime, monastic, and industrial past.
Sandwith
Sandwith is a small farming village located just south of Whitehaven. Historically, it was a rural settlement with strong links to agriculture and mining. The nearby Sandwith Anhydrite Mine, opened in the 20th century, played a key role in local industry, extracting minerals used in chemical and construction industries. The village remains a quiet residential area with a strong sense of community, offering stunning views of the Cumbrian coastline.
St Bees
St Bees is best known for its historic priory and its scenic location on the Irish Sea. The village takes its name from St Bega, an Irish nun who, according to legend, founded a religious settlement there in the 9th century. St Bees Priory, established in 1120 by the Normans, became an important religious site until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.
The village has long been a hub for education, with St Bees School, founded in 1583, serving as one of the country’s oldest public schools. St Bees also marks the starting point of Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk, attracting hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Both villages have played significant roles in Cumbria’s history, from their early religious significance to their industrial and maritime contributions. Today, they are cherished for their natural beauty, historical landmarks, and strong local heritage.More about Whitehaven;
Whitehaven, a historic market town and port in Cumbria, England, has a rich maritime and industrial past. Originally a small fishing village, Whitehaven grew significantly in the 17th century under the Lowther family, who developed it into a planned town with a strong coal and trade economy. By the 18th century, it was a major coal-exporting port and played a key role in transatlantic trade, including connections with the American colonies.
Whitehaven was notable for its well-planned Georgian architecture and grid-style layout, influencing town planning in America. In 1778, it was the site of the only American attack on British soil during the War of Independence when John Paul Jones led a daring raid on the harbour.
As coal mining and shipbuilding declined in the 19th and 20th centuries, Whitehaven transitioned to other industries, though its port remained active. Today, the town is known for its heritage, including the Whitehaven Harbour, Beacon Museum, and remnants of its industrial past.
