Workington works wonders for scenic thrill seekers!

A retreat at the end of a great Stagecoach journey!

Bragging rights in Workington

Uppies and Downies

Two great teams!

Workington Man!

In recent years, Workington became renowned for the somewhat patronising term “Workington Man” which was a political term used by polling companies and was first used ahead of the 2019 General Election. “Workington Man” describes the stereotypical swing voter who it was believed would determine the election result. Their support of the Conservatives in the election helped the party break the Labour Party’s ‘Red Wall’ of safe seats. The term was invented by Onward, a centre right think tank, with a Guardian article describing the characteristics of Workington man as a northern male over the age of 45 without a university degree, who enjoys rugby league, previously supported Labour but voted for Brexit in the 2016 referendum.

Culture, heritage, architecture, scenery and much more!

There’s plenty to explore in Workington, starting with the Helena Thompson Museum, housed in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history and artifacts, including exhibits on coal mining and the town’s maritime past.

Nature enthusiasts can revel in Workington’s coastal charm. Stroll along the scenic Harrington Harbour or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Derwent Park. Workington’s proximity to the Lake District allows for day trips to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

For a cultural dive, catch a performance at the Carnegie Theatre or visit St. Michael’s Church, an architectural gem with a history dating back to the 12th century. The Castlegate House Gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, featuring contemporary works by local and national artists.

There’s some interesting modern architecture in the town centre, created as part of a re-development in 2006. “The Coastline” (above) can be found on Washington Street and represents the border between land and sea was created by Simon Hitchen. The tall central sculpture (the world’s largest ever solid pour of polyurethane resin at the time), paving and bespoke sculptural seating, combine the materials of hard granite and crystal-clear resin to represent earth and water.

“The Hub” (above) was created by Base Structures and is a permanent outdoor 3D sound performance space and is the only one in the UK. ​The Hub’s 3D sound system can be configured to broadcast any live or recorded sound and lends itself to an outdoor performance space in the centre of a busy town.  The hub is constructed from a three-chord rolled steel truss which is clad with steel panels and supports a state-of-the-art inflatable ETFE cushion. 

Foodies can indulge in local delicacies at the town’s eateries, savouring traditional Cumbrian dishes or exploring diverse culinary offerings. One of our favourites which the bus passes is “The Junction” where there’s always a great atmosphere and vibe!

To delve deeper into the area’s industrial past, a visit to the Siddick Wind Farm or the Derwent Howe Industrial Museum provides insight into Workington’s immense contributions to the energy sector and industrial innovations.

All in all, Workington really is an under-rated lovely town with a blend of fascinating folklore and history as well as modern, progressive thinking and, of course, stunning coastal scenery. It feels a bit off the beaten track, which does give it a certain charm, but actually on the X4 and X5 from Stagecoach, it is very well connected and with a frequent, fast and reliable service. The views from upstairs on the bus are great too as it navigates its way through the Lake District into deepest Cumbria. Once you’ve devoured Workington, a trip on the train down the Cumbrian Coast to Barrow is also spectacular – an incredible coastline, with waves crashing close to the train and a remoteness that creates a very unique ambience from inside the carriage, looking outwards. Barrow’s also a hub for Stagecoach bus services and you can continue your adventure by catching the bus back into the Lake District to Keswick and picking up the X4 or X5 to Penrith – completing a tantilising loop!  To find out more and plan your journey, check out   X4/X5 Penrith – Workington – Great Scenic Journeys