To provide you with the best experience on this website, cookies are used. By using the site it's assumed that you're happy with our use of cookies. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. More info on cookies.
Allow cookies

Workington

Towns

Cumbria

Add Workington to your Itinerary

Workington
A lively town with a great mix of high street and local shops, theatres and public street art. The name is thought to come from an Anglican chieftain 'Weork'. In Roman times there was a fort at Burrow Walls which formed part of the coastal frontier.


The town as it is today developed around coal and iron ore mining which helped to develop other thriving industries around the steel and ironworks, shipyards and the port. The steel industry was revolutionised when Henry Bessemer (1813?1898) invented the Bessemer Converter and brought it in to use in Workington. The rails produced at the Moss Bay steelworks were exported to railways all over the world.


The Curwen family were involved in several important events in the town's history. The ruins of their ancestral home, Workington Hall, can be visited in Curwen Park and has its own chequered past - the dungeons were used to imprison the notorious border reivers and Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) stayed at Workington Hall for one night in 1568 after fleeing from Scotland by boat. Her gift to Sir Henry Curwen, a drinking cup known as the 'Luck of Workington', can be seen at the Helena Thompson Museum along with a collection of women's costumes from the 18th century.


It is also a great place for cycling with lots of off road, traffic free options on the old railway track beds that form the West Cumbria Cycle Network.

What's Nearby

  1. Solway Sunsets

    Solway Sunsets

    5.6 miles away
  2. Wallsend Wigwams and Camp Site

    Wallsend Wigwams and Camp Site

    Deluxe ensuite camping cabins sleeping up to 4 people. From £60 per night per cabin. Pets welcome...

    25.31 miles away
  3. Wallsend Guest House

    Wallsend Guest House and Tearoom

    Beautiful village location situated at the west end of Hadrian's Wall Trail. All rooms ensuite....

    25.31 miles away
  4. Lindow Hall

    Lindow Hall

    Located at the start/end of the Hadrians Wall Trail and a major point of the Hadrians Wall Cycle...

    25.33 miles away
  1. The Old Chapel

    The Old Chapel

    The Old Chapel is situated at the end of Hadrian's Wall and provides excellent facilities for...

    25.43 miles away
  2. Shore Gate House

    Shore Gate House

    Offering spectacular sea views and tranquility; Shore Gate House dates back to 1684 and was...

    25.47 miles away
  3. Highfield Farm

    Highfield Farm Bed & Breakfast

    Highfield Farm Bed & Breakfast is a unique and special place to stay. Visit England 4 Star Bed &...

    26.35 miles away
  4. Highfield Farm Camping

    Highfield Farm Camping

    An ideal location for a camping and cycle holiday, the tranquil rural location and the breathtaking...

    26.35 miles away
  5. Hillside Farm

    Hillside Farm

    Come and stay in a Georgian Grade II Listed farmhouse built in 1856 on the Solway Coast. With...

    26.39 miles away
  6. Hillside Farm Bunk Barn

    Hillside Farm Bunk Barn

    Converted from our Georgian Farm Stable to a purpose designed bunk barn. The barn will sleep 12-13...

    26.4 miles away
  7. The Old Brewery Residences

    The Old Brewery Residences

    Stay in an award-winning conversion of the former Theakston’s Brewery.

    29.95 miles away
  8. Carlisle City Hostel

    Carlisle City Hostel

    Welcome to Carlisle City Hostel - Carlisle's only Independent Backpacker Hostel, located in the...

    30.04 miles away
  9. Hallmark Hotel

    Hallmark Hotel Carlisle

    Hallmark Hotel Carlisle is the most conveniently located hotel in the city. Adjacent to Carlisle...

    30.16 miles away
  10. Ashleigh Guest House

    Ashleigh Guest House

    Located in the city centre we are a perfect location for all that Carlisle has to offer.

    30.42 miles away
  11. Angus Hotel

    The Angus Hotel & Almonds Restaurant

    A family-run hotel, situated just ten minutes walk to Carlisle city centre.

    30.45 miles away
  12. Howard Lodge

    Howard Lodge

    Howard Lodge is a friendly family run Victorian guest house located a short walk (approx 0.25...

    30.51 miles away
Previous Next

My Itinerary

Build your own itineraries by clicking the Add to Excursion button to add an item to your Itinerary basket.