natural wonder
Ennerdale Water
The most remote Lake District lake, with no public road along it, at the heart of the Wild Ennerdale rewilding project.
14 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Whitehaven
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Whitehaven
Whitehaven works well as a base: 10 minutes from Cleator Moor, 14km from Ennerdale Water.
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.
About Whitehaven
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.
Where to Stay in Whitehaven
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Whitehaven?
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.
How do I plan a road trip to Whitehaven?
Plan your road trip to Whitehaven with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Whitehaven as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Whitehaven located?
Whitehaven is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.5490 latitude, -3.5841 longitude.
What is the population of Whitehaven?
Whitehaven has a population of approximately 22,945 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 22,945
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 54.5490, -3.5841
Emergency & Services
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 KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Whitehaven
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Loweswater
The smallest and most tranquil of the western lakes, uniquely draining inland towards Crummock Water rather than out to sea.
15 km · about 30 min drive
waterfall
Scale Force
The Lake District's highest waterfall at 52m, hidden in a mossy ravine above Crummock Water.
17 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Crummock Water
Buttermere's larger neighbour, with Scale Force - the Lake District's highest waterfall - hidden in a ravine on its western shore.
18 km · about 20 min drive
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
famous road
Newlands Pass (Newlands Hause)
A single-track climb from Braithwaite to Buttermere over 333m, with a roadside waterfall at the summit and views down to Crummock Water.
21 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Wastwater
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
Newlands Pass
A quiet, narrow pass through Newlands Valley with the Moss Force waterfall tumbling beside the road.
22 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Whitehaven
9 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- 21 kmNewlands Pass (Newlands Hause)A single-track climb from Braithwaite to Buttermere over 333m, with a roadside waterfall at the summit and views down to Crummock Water.
- 22 kmWastwaterEngland's deepest lake, ringed by towering screes, voted Britain's favourite view and reached by a single dramatic dead-end road.
- 22 kmNewlands PassA quiet, narrow pass through Newlands Valley with the Moss Force waterfall tumbling beside the road.
- 24 kmHonister PassA steep, single-track pass linking Borrowdale and Buttermere with hairpins, a slate mine and exhilarating gradients.
- 25 kmHonister Pass (B5289)A 1-in-4 slate-quarry road between Borrowdale and Buttermere, narrow and steep with superb views over Honister Crag.
- 25 kmWhinlatter Pass (B5292)The forested pass between Braithwaite and Lorton, England's only true mountain forest road, gentler than its Lakeland neighbours.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Whitehaven.
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