Summary
Situated next to the Cumbrian iron ore field, Workington has a historical background in smelting that evolved into a significant steel industry fueled by the innovative Bessemer process during the 19th century.
Traveling by train in the UK, there’s a strong likelihood that the rails you are traversing are produced in Workington, despite the industry’s gradual decline.
Visitors to Workington can explore a diverse array of retail outlets at the Washington Square Shopping Centre, appreciate a fine local museum housed in a Georgian townhouse, and investigate the intriguing remnants of Workington Hall.
Moreover, you are merely ten minutes away from the western fringe of the Lake District and the childhood residence of William Wordsworth in Cockermouth.
1. Helena Thompson Museum
Housed in an elegant Georgian townhouse, the Helena Thompson Museum commemorates the affluent woman who resided there and curated various items for the museum’s collection.
Helena Thompson (1855-1940) was active in the Workington community, distributing nourishment to those in need, while also becoming the town’s inaugural female magistrate, president of the District Nursing Association, and a member of the Archaeological Society.
The museum features her assembled collections of costumes and textiles, along with numerous family heirlooms.
Among the exhibits is an agate cup gifted by Mary, Queen of Scots to Sir Henry Curwen of Workington Hall, a model of the now-defunct mansion, and a sideboard holding remnants of the bed in which Mary slept during her visit in 1568. Additionally, the museum’s Victorian parlour is arranged as though awaiting Helena for afternoon tea.
The gardens at the rear provide a tranquil area for relaxation.
2. Workington Hall
Perched on elevated grounds within serene parkland adjacent to the Helena Thompson Museum are the ghostly remnants of what was once one of the region’s most splendid manor houses.
Workington Hall was constructed in the 15th century as a fortified residence and is historically notable for being the site where Mary, Queen of Scots, spent her initial night in England in 1568, after fleeing Scotland.
Retaining many late-Gothic elements, along with enhancements by 18th-century architect John Carr, Workington Hall was lost to fire during the Second World War after its requisition by the War Office; nonetheless, much of the original stonework remains intact.
3. Lake District
This renowned region of lakes and mountains, safeguarded as a national park and housing England’s tallest mountain and largest lake, is easily visible on the eastern skyline.
The Lake District has inspired numerous English literary figures, ranging from Romantic poet William Wordsworth to influential Victorian author John Ruskin and beloved children’s writer Beatrix Potter.
Museums and dedicated paths commemorate these figures, with Hill Top (Potter) and Brantwood (Ruskin) being must-visit house museums.
From Workington, you are a short drive away from the picturesque market town of Keswick, found along the A66. From there, you can hike to spectacular vistas over Derwentwater, traverse the Catbells along the lake’s western shore, and visit Castlerigg, a Neolithic stone circle set against a breathtaking backdrop.
After Keswick, the A591 allows access to the entire Lakeland area, which is celebrated for being the most picturesque drive in England.
4. Cockermouth
Traveling along the River Derwent, Cockermouth can be reached in no more than ten minutes along the A66. This town lies just within the confines of the Lake District National Park and serves as a gateway to the stunning Bassenthwaite Lake, where woodland trails lead to beautiful lookout points, including one that overlooks nesting ospreys from April to September.
A visit to the National Trust’s Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth is essential, as it is the birthplace and childhood environment of the poet who is so closely associated with the Lake District.
The site features a beautiful riverside garden with centuries-old flower and herb varieties, an engaging multimedia exhibition showcasing personal memorabilia such as Wordsworth’s ice skates, as well as activities designed for children, including dress-up costumes and replica toys.
Cockermouth can also serve as an entry point to the grand fells of western Lakeland, such as Grasmoor and High Stile, as well as the stunning Buttermere lake, which is managed by the National Trust.
5. Portland Square
Workington presents its most picturesque view to the west of the Helena Thompson Museum, which merits a brief walking tour.
The streets here are adorned with vibrant Georgian and Victorian houses, each uniquely painted and featuring distinctive details on windows, doors, and corner quoins.
The most enchanting sight is the cobblestoned Portland Square, which was meticulously planned, lined with pollarded trees along its walkways.
At its center stands an 1881 memorial obelisk dedicated to Dr. Anthony Peat, a physician who served the Workington community for three decades and was evidently held in high regard.
6. Jane Pit
Evidence of Workington’s industrial legacy is readily accessible at Workington Dock, which was instrumental in exporting steel tracks and iron ore globally, along with the historic British Steel railmaking site located at the Derwent Howe Industrial Estate.
Adjacent to the latter, at the intersection of Mossbay Road and Annie Pit Lane, lie the remnants of Jane Pit, a 19th-century colliery (closed in 1875) characterized by whimsical Gothic Revival architectural styles.
Its site features two castellated chimneys and a castle-like steam engine house.
Also of interest is the circular earthwork mound, once the location of the horse gin, reflective of the era when equine power was employed to extract coal from the shaft.
The artist L. S. Lowry, known for his affinity for the industrial landscapes of northern England, depicted Jane Pit in the 1960s.
7. Carnegie Theatre
Inaugurated in 1904 following a generous contribution from the Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, this theatre located on Finkle Street is recognized as the premier performing arts venue in West Cumbria.
The Carnegie Theatre accommodates 330 seats and offers a diverse and engaging program that includes dance, theatrical performances, stand-up comedy, spoken word events, musicals, and live music featuring both local and visiting artists.
The venue promotes community involvement by hosting classes and workshops covering various disciplines, including music, acting, singing, and dance, while also providing space for community organizations to hold meetings, seminars, and social gatherings.
8. Sea to Sea Cycle Route
The Sea to Sea (C2C) route, considered the most traveled cycling path in the UK, commences in Workington or Whitehaven, leading through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Northern England towards Tynemouth or Sunderland.
This 140-mile trail primarily follows traffic-free tracks and serene country roads, traversing the Lake District before descending into the verdant Eden Valley and crossing the stark moorland of the North Pennines.
If the entire journey seems daunting, consider spending a day cycling deep into the Lake District to visit Keswick and immerse yourself in the stunning views of Derwentwater before retracing your route.
9. Workington Golf Club
The renowned Scottish golfer and course designer James Braid (1870-1950) laid out the 18 holes at Workington Golf Club, which has been operating since 1893. The course winds through picturesque parkland, offering players scenic views of the Cumbrian Fells and the Solway Firth, alongside chances to observe pheasants and hares.
Variations in elevation present a challenge even for experienced golfers; however, guests can benefit from practical insights from the club’s welcoming staff.
The course is open to visitors every day, with green fees set at £35 on weekdays and £40 during weekends.
10. Workington Comets
From March to September, enthusiasts can enjoy exhilarating bike racing at Workington’s 12,000-capacity Derwent Park, which is also utilized by the local rugby league club.
This venue serves as the home track for the Workington Comets, competing in the SGB Championship, which represents the second tier of speedway racing in the UK.
The team achieved remarkable success in the 2018 season, winning the league title in addition to the Challenge Shield and Knockout Cup, marking a historic treble.
For those unfamiliar, speedway entails up to six riders racing on an oval dirt track, riding single-gear bikes without brakes.
Races typically take place every other Friday or Saturday, with the Comets facing off against teams from across the UK in either league matches or cup competitions.
Team composition varies each season; in 2018, the squad featured two English riders, two Australians, and three Danes.
11. Washington Square
Workington stands out as West Cumbria’s premier shopping hub, as evidenced by the £50 million pedestrian shopping mall that opened in 2006. Featuring over 60 retail outlets, the mall has thrived, incorporating captivating public artworks such as Andy Plant’s interactive Workington Clock.
Now well into its second decade, Washington Square remains one of the few shopping centers in the UK boasting a 100% occupancy rate.
Among the retail offerings, you will find a variety of prominent UK and international brands such as H&M, Laura Ashley, Next, River Island, Clarks, Clintons, and WHSmith.
