Whitehaven Harbour

A visit to my optician this morning meant a visit to Whitehaven in West Cumbria. The old harbour was looking fantastic in the morning sunshine.

It was once one of the busiest ports in the country. The harbour was originally used for the export of salt and coal, and by the 1700s, it was importing large quantities of tobacco from Virginia and Maryland.

The harbour was first developed in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Lowther, who built a stone jetty to export coal from his mines. The harbour quickly grew in importance, and by the 18th century it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. In the 19th century, the harbour was further expanded to accommodate larger ships.

Today, Whitehaven Harbour is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy walks along the waterfront, and fish and chips in the harbourside restaurants. 

The harbour is still used for commercial shipping, but it is also a popular spot for fishing, sailing, and kayaking. 

• The first quay was built in 1634.
• The harbour was once the busiest coal port in England.
• The West Pier Lighthouse was built in 1833.
• The Old Quay is one of the oldest remaining coal wharves in Britain.
• The Queens Dock was built in 1872.