Workington Tourist Information

The ancient market and industrial town of Workington lies at the mouth of the River Derwent as if flows into the Solway Firth.

Workington, the site of a Roman fort, was once part of an elaborate coastal defence system linked to Hadrian's Wall. In the 18th century the exploitation of local iron ore and coalfields lead to Workington becoming a major industrial town and port.

It was here that Henry Bessemer introducted his revolutionary steel making process. Shipbuilding was also an important industry in the port.

With the decline of coal mining and the steel industry the town has diversified into light industries.

Today Workington is the main administrative centre for the borough of Allerdale.

A highlight of the town is the Helena Thompson Museum, bequeathed to the town by a local philantropist in 1940. Housed in an imposing Gerogian house, the museum includes pottery, silver, glass and furniture from Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods and displays illustrating the social and industrial history of Workington. An interesting tourist attraction to visit.

Nearby stands the ruins of Workington Hall, once one of the finest manor houses in the region. When Mary, Queen of Scots fled to England after her defeat at the Battle of Langside, she stayed as an honoured guest at Workington Hall before travelling on to Carlisle.

Another of Workington's attractions is Jane Pit, a 19th century coal mine built by Henry Curwen, Lord of the Manor in Workington.