natural wonder
Buttermere
Tranquil lake surrounded by dramatic fells including Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, offering one of the finest circular walks in the Lake District.
20 km · about 25 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Whitehaven works well as a base: 10 minutes from Cleator Moor, 20km from Buttermere.
Whitehaven is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 22,945, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Whitehaven sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Whitehaven to your route.
Whitehaven is a town and civil parish in the Cumberland district of Cumbria, England. It is a port on the north-west coast, and lies 4 miles (6 km) outside the Lake District National Park. It is 35 miles (56 km) south-west of Carlisle. The parish also includes the small village of Sandwith. At the 2021 census theRead more
parish had a population of 24,040 and the Whitehaven built up area had a population of 22,945.
The town's growth was largely due to the exploitation of the extensive coal measures by the Lowther family, driving a growing export of coal through the harbour from the 17th century onwards. It was also a major port for trading with the American colonies, and was, after London, the second busiest port of England by tonnage from 1750 to 1772. This prosperity led to the creation of a Georgian planned town in the 18th century which has left an architectural legacy of over 170 listed buildings.
Whitehaven was the site of a major chemical industry after World War II, but both that and the coal industry have disappeared, and today the major industry is the nearby Sellafield nuclear complex, which is the largest local employer of labour and has a significant administrative base in the town. Whitehaven includes a number of former villages, estates and suburbs, such as Mirehouse, Woodhouse, Kells and Hensingham, and is served by the Cumbrian Coast railway line and the A595 road.
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Whitehaven offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Whitehaven is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.5490 latitude, -3.5841 longitude.
Whitehaven has a population of approximately 22,945 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Tranquil lake surrounded by dramatic fells including Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, offering one of the finest circular walks in the Lake District.
20 km · about 25 min drive
mountain pass
A quiet, narrow pass through Newlands Valley with the Moss Force waterfall tumbling beside the road.
21 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
England's deepest lake, ringed by towering screes, voted Britain's favourite view and reached by a single dramatic dead-end road.
22 km · about 25 min drive
mountain pass
A steep, single-track pass linking Borrowdale and Buttermere with hairpins, a slate mine and exhilarating gradients.
24 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
England's highest mountain at 978m, a challenging ascent rewarded with panoramic views stretching to Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man.
26 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A serene island-studded lake beside Keswick, perfect for a lakeside drive, launch cruise and the Surprise View overlook.
29 km · about 35 min drive
famous road
England's steepest road with gradients of 1-in-3, a white-knuckle single-track pass through the Lake District with a Roman fort at the top.
30 km · about 35 min drive
scenic viewpoint
England's steepest road pass with gradients up to 33%, offering spectacular views of the Eskdale valley and surrounding Lakeland fells.
31 km · about 35 min drive
April to October
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