Whitehaven Coast

Haig Pit Car Park, Whitehaven, UK
1-99 Years

Description

Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head. The site of England's first under-sea coalmine, Whitehaven had the deepest mines in the world by the 1730s. The last working pit here closed in 1986. The local community have succeeded in securing the funding to open it as a museum to Whitehaven's mining heritage.

For wildlife lovers, the best time to visit is May to July. The thin spoil-tip soils grow a colourful carpet of wild flowers. At the RSPB reserves on St Bees head, puffins, guillemots and razorbills join thousands of seabirds nesting on the tallest sea cliffs between southern Scotland and northern Wales.

We have partnered with the RSPB, Natural England, the Land Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the local councils to join up how we care for our 'Colourful Coast' between Whitehaven and St Bees. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Historic Coastline: Industrial coastline stretching south from the 18th-century harbour of Whitehaven, towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.
  • Meadow restoration: Wildflower meadow restoration of these seaside cliffs bringing much needed food and shelter to our pollinators as well as a splash of colour to the views.
  • Exploring the Whitehaven Coast: Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, the Whitehaven Coast stretches south from the 18th-century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head. From carpets of colourful wildflowers to thousands of nesting seabirds, there's lots to discover when exploring this part of the world.

Facilities

  • Parking: Free parking at Haig Pit car park, or pay and display parking at Whitehaven harbour and St Bees beach (not National Trust).
  • Dogs allowed: Dogs are welcome to our outdoor properties but please keep them under close control to protect stock and wildlife. Take a look at our Canine Code and enjoy a great day out with your pup!

What to see

The history of Whitehaven Coast: The Whitehaven Coast offers more than just sea views and a colourful coast. From Romans to Vikings, miners to sailors, there have been plenty of human influences leaving hidden gems of history here too. Discover coalmines, a fog horn station and an eighteenth-century harbour.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/whitehaven-coast/the-history-of-whitehaven-coast

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Coastline: Open all day.

Address: Haig Pit Car Park, Whitehaven, UK

Post Code: CA28 9BG

Council: Cumberland

County: Cumbria

  • By road: Sat nav postcode CA28 9BG. From north: 15 miles from Cockermouth on the A66 then A595. From south: 17 miles from Ravenglass on the A595. Once at Whitehaven follow brown tourist signs for mining museum.
  • On foot: Whitehaven coast is a short detour from the Coast to Coast footpath, which turns inland just where the Whitehaven Coast meets St Bees Head. Signposted walks from Whitehaven Harbour and St Bees Beach.
  • By train: Whitehaven Station 0.6 miles (1km). Walk around the harbour to the Beacon museum and follow coastal path signs. St Bees station 7 miles (11.2km). Walk down Station Road then turn left onto Beach Road and follow to the beach. Train stations at either end mean it is easy to walk along the 7 mile cliff path and catch the train back.
  • By bus: From north: 300/301 from Carlisle, Wigton and Maryport to Whitehaven. From south: 6/X6 from Millom, Ravenglass and Egremont to Whitehaven.
  • Parking: Free parking at Haig Pit car park, or pay and display parking at Whitehaven harbour and St Bees beach (not National Trust).

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