Take a short break to discover the west Cumbrian town

 

INDOOR

An elegant, grade II* listed Georgian house next to Workington Hall, the building that houses the Helena Thompson Museum was bequeathed to the people of Workington and district. The museum reflects the history, industry, culture and social life of the area and is a community venue for many organisations and hobby groups, as well as hosting weddings, children’s events and concerts.

The town’s first female magistrate, Helena Thompson was well educated and ahead of her time. She set up a 19th century ‘soup kitchen’ and provided a shelter in Vulcan Park for old men. In 1930 she donated £5,000 towards the cost of building and equipping a new maternity wing at the Workington Infirmary. Parts of her collection of period costume from the late 18th to early 20th century can be seen in the museum’s costume gallery.

Lakes Escapes is a fun activity for family and friends who must try to break out of locked rooms using logic and common sense to solve a series of hidden puzzles, codes and clues.

Workington is the main shopping hub for the area with national chains including Marks & Spencer, WH Smith, Boots and more centred in Washington Square. Dunmail Park, just outside the town centre, has a branch of Whitehaven’s Dixons department store and more national brands.

Vulcan ParkVulcan Park OUTDOOR

Get a feel for the town’s history in Workington Hall Parklands which incorporates Curwen Park, Mill Field and the grounds of the ruined Workington Hall. A fortified house from late 14th century, the hall was the home of the mighty Curwen family whose fortune was built on coal that saw Workington become a fully-fledged coal port by the early 18th century. In the lower park, there are walks along the river Derwent and Mill Stream including a multi-user path (pedestrian and cycle track).

Fourteen-acre Vulcan Park is a ten-minute walk from the town centre with facilities including a children’s play area, outdoor fitness equipment, playing field, bowling green, paths and meadow areas and the cenotaph.

Carnegie Theatre, WorkingtonCarnegie Theatre, Workington STAGEDOOR

The Carnegie Theatre is Workington’s main entertainment venue and famous aces lining up this autumn include ex-footballers Phil Thompson and Bruce Grobbelar in An Audience With; Status Quo’s Francis Rossi in Tunes and Chat; Thin Lizzy, Celine, Beatles, The Eagles and Take That tribute acts; and Steel, a new play set on the west Cumbria coast created by Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake. Café Carnegie is a vibrant place for coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. The Theatre Royal was built in 1866 and has been the home of the Workington Playgoers since 1935. The town also has a multiplex cinema.

STAY

It is still a project in progress, but Hunday Manor Hotel was acquired last year by Osprey Management, the company behind The Peddlar, in Whitehaven, The Galloping Horse and appointed to run hospitality at The Edge, Whitehaven’s new community facility on the harbour. The company’s mission is to purchase and regenerate local hospitality businesses, refurbishing, relaunching and managing them to a high standard to build viable businesses and create local jobs. It is a case of watch this space, but when Hunday Manor – parts of which date back to 1760 when it was built as a private manor house – reopens it will be all shiny and new and therefore worth a visit. In the meantime, Washington Central Hotel is in the heart of the action.

EAT

Pub classics, along with pizzas, burgers, sharing plates and Sunday lunch, at the aforementioned Galloping Horse, at High Harrington.

Flavour is a popular tapas bar with Asian dishes thrown in and good options for vegetarians, and cocktails too. Not the most appealing name but Oily’s is popular for pub classics and steaks. When the new term starts, Graduates restaurant at Lakes College is a good way to support the next generation of chefs and front of house staff.

GET THERE

Workington has a train station, served by Northern, on the Cumbrian Coast Line, which runs between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. By road on the A595 from the south, A596 from the north and the A66 from the east.