High Harrington can be explored through its natural environment, harbour and architectural history. Harrington Nature Reserve focuses on a range of habitats and a short walk; Harrington Harbour combines present-day leisure use with a dated chapter in the harbour’s history. Other highlights include the Church of St Mary, a cycle route along former railway lines and further traces of the area’s industrial and architectural history.
Nature among meadows and riverside woodland
Harrington Nature Reserve is a Local Nature Reserve. It is protected for its contribution to wildlife, geology, education and public recreation. Its habitats include extensive areas of willow scrub, two meadows and riverside woodland. This mix brings open and wooded habitats together and makes the reserve a distinctive focus of the area.
The reserve offers a walk of around 15 to 30 minutes along a level, wheelchair-friendly path. This gives you an idea of how long a short visit to enjoy nature might take. Path conditions can change, so check them before your visit.
Harbour and cycle route
Harrington Harbour is now a leisure facility; specific amenities may change. One dated chapter in the harbour’s history is the quay that Squire Henry Curwen had built in 1760 on the south side of the River Wyre. Present-day leisure use and a specific historic structure are thus distinct aspects of the harbour.
The West Cumbria Cycle Network runs along former railway lines through Harrington, from Distington to Workington. The use of former railway lines as a cycle route adds a route-based dimension to the harbour’s history: what stands out here is not a single structure, but the route through several places. Path conditions and signage may change, so check both before setting out.
Church and architectural history
The Church of St Mary in Harrington is a Grade II listed parish church. The west tower contains two stones and a doorway that are thought to date from the 12th century. The church was rebuilt in 1634 and again in 1884–85. Possible older building elements thus sit alongside two later phases of rebuilding, giving the building several layers of history.
More recent stained-glass windows depict the area’s industrial and maritime heritage, including the wind power industry. They connect the church with themes that reach beyond its own architectural history, while keeping the wider history of the region in view.
Industry and preserved architecture
The “Magnesite” plant in Harrington was established by the Ministry of Aircraft Production during the Second World War. Its purpose was to extract magnesium from seawater for aircraft components and incendiary bombs. The plant’s history is therefore shaped by its purpose at the time.
The Harrington Infant School building also retains architectural details: its original floor plan is largely unchanged. Features that survive include the roof structure, chimneys, panelling, arched doors and door lintels with carved spandrels. This example adds another facet of local architectural history to the church’s rebuilding phases: a largely preserved original floor plan.
Discover more destinations: Maryport, Pooley Bridge, How, Wheyrigg, Hawkshead, Levens, Alston, Shap
For the regional travel overview: Cumbria.
