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Whitehaven

Built-up area in Cumberland, England

Coordinates:54.542, -3.574
OS grid ref:NX 98 17
Population:24,900
Dialling code: 01946
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Whitehaven in historic Cumberland, north-west England, sits on a deep, sheltered harbour on the edge of the Irish Sea. Founded and laid out as a planned port in the 17th and 18th centuries, the town still shows a strong Georgian grid pattern around its quays; it grew on coal exports and maritime trade and its merchants were active in the wider Atlantic economy of the period.

Today Whitehaven combines that industrial and maritime heritage with tourism and light industry: the harbour remains active while museums such as The Rum Story and preserved townscapes draw visitors. The town is a gateway to coastal walking and seabird cliffs at nearby St Bees Head, and it sits within easy reach of the Lake District, so its economy and community are a mix of local services, regeneration projects and sea‑facing leisure.

Postcode districts covering Whitehaven

Most populated places nearby

Neighbouring places

Example postcodes in Whitehaven

Transport links

  • Glasgow Prestwick Airport 78 miles125.5 km
  • Newcastle International Airport 82.4 miles132.7 km
  • Corkickle Railway Station 0.3 miles0.5 km
  • Whitehaven Railway Station 0.9 miles1.5 km

Hotels near Whitehaven Ad

Schools in Whitehaven

  • Bransty Primary School Primary
  • Jericho Primary School Primary
  • Kells Infant School Primary
  • Monkwray Junior School Primary
  • St Begh's Catholic Junior School Primary
  • St Benedict's Catholic High School Secondary
  • St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School Primary
  • St James' C of E Infant and Nursery School Primary
  • St James' C of E Junior School Primary
  • St Mary's Catholic Primary School Primary
  • Valley Primary School and Nursery Primary

Local points of interest

  • Whitehaven Marina Marina 0.9 miles1.4 km
  • St. Bees Beach Seafront Beach 3.8 miles6.1 km
  • Winscales Estate 6 miles9.6 km
  • Derwent Park Stadium 7.4 miles11.9 km
  • Borough Park Stadium 7.4 miles12 km
  • Calder Hall Estate 9.1 miles14.7 km
  • Cumbrian Mountains Mountains 16.5 miles26.6 km