Workington between parkland and architectural heritage
Workington Hall stands at the edge of a steep slope, overlooking the floodplain of the River Derwent. The building is listed Grade I and is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The parkland includes mature woodland, a network of paths and a variety of wildlife. Walking routes follow the River Derwent and Mill Stream; one is a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. The Yearl in the parkland is considered a good place for wildlife watching. The paths therefore combine walks with opportunities to observe nature; conditions on individual routes may change, so check before your visit.
Parks, events and birdlife
Vulcan Park covers 14 acres and is located on Vulcan’s Lane in the centre of Workington. Community events are held there regularly throughout the year, including family days, live music and sports activities. Dates vary. In the wider Workington area, Siddick Ponds is a Local Nature Reserve and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is home to a variety of birdlife, including bitterns. Workington therefore offers both events in the town centre and a nearby nature area as distinct themes to consider when planning a trip.
Churches and architecture
The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Michael was built in 1876 to designs by Edward Welby Pugin. It is designed in the Early English Gothic Revival style and has a red St Bees sandstone façade. St John the Evangelist in Workington was built in 1823 in memory of the Battle of Waterloo. In 1844, the church was given a stone tower, replacing the wooden bell turret. If you are planning to attend a service, check the current arrangements.
Industrial history and public art
The remains of Jane Pit in Workington are considered the best-preserved example of the ornate, castellated architecture of a colliery building. The Helena Thompson Museum is housed in a Georgian building listed Grade II. Public art is also among the things to discover locally: the paving design of The Coastline depicts the Cumbrian coast as a map, with Workington and the River Derwent at its centre. The Coastline is located on Washington Street.
The Hub is a permanent outdoor performance space for three-dimensional sound presentations in Workington. The Workington Transport Heritage Trust has a collection of buses, fire engines and other vehicles of regional significance. The historic vehicles are used throughout the year at various events and open days; check the arrangements for each occasion before visiting. The Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre attracts local people and tourists to a regular programme of comedy, theatre, music and dance. The individual event listings change.
Getting here and cycling route
Workington is a starting point for the C2C cycle route. Workington railway station has a ticket office; as service information can change, check the latest station information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Cockermouth, Little Langdale, Scotby, Torpenhow, Stapleton, Penrith, Skinburness, Seascale.
For the wider travel guide: Cumbria.
