The Cumbrian town of Workington sits on the coast of the Solway Firth at the point in which the River Derwent meets the Irish Sea. It is thought that there has been at least one, if not several, settlements here since before the Romans. This bustling town has a largely industrial past with the main industries in recent history traditionally being coal and ore. Nowadays Workington is one large town, and the Port of Workington is the main port on the west coast of Cumbria.
Despite the change of fortune brought by the departure of steel making and mining in Workington, the town remains busy and is the primary place to go shopping along the west coast. Various regeneration projects in and around the town have created opportunities for a budding arts and culture scene and the proximity of Sellafield along Britain’s ‘energy coast’ provides employment for many of the town’s residents.
As well as the usual supermarket chains, the town centre has plenty of high street shops as well as a handful of independent retailers, a wide choice of eateries offering international cuisine, four theatres, a cinema and a number of heritage sites showcasing the history of this ancient market town. In addition to an exciting cultural revolution, Workington town is home to an enthusiastic sports following with local football team Workington AFC, rugby union and rugby league teams, cricket, Workington Speedway, golf and its very own medieval sport, Workington uppies and downies.
South of the mouth of the river, Workington Beach is a short stretch of shingly bay with some sand at low tide where anglers can be seen fishing for their tea. You can walk for miles north and south of the town along the Cumbrian Coastal Route, a 200 mile path that takes in the stunning coastline of Cumbria.
With a whole host of theatres and museums, including the Carnegie Workington, there are musicals, shows, live performances and comedies all year round in Workington. Other things to do in Workington include taking a stroll around the heritage trail, visiting one of the two nature reserves here or spending time in one of the parks or gardens dotted around the town centre. Or spend a day or two wandering around the town to find the many sculptures, hidden architectural gems and vibrant street art that decorate the town.
Workington is situated at the end of the A66 route that runs across the width of Cumbria. Just 32 miles from Carlisle and less than 10 miles from the Lake District National Park, Workington is the perfect place from which to explore the beautiful western shores of Cumbria, the Lakes and historic Carlisle. With plenty of places to stay in Workington and easy access by both road and the Cumbrian Coast Railway line, there is no better place to discover the best of Cumbria.
Funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield Limited. .
