There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline
The only Heritage Coast in North West England could be extended to give more protection to wildlife, heritage and access on the Whitehaven Coast
Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.
The site of England's first under-sea coalmine, Whitehaven had the deepest mines in the world by the 1730s. The last working pit here closed in 1986. The local community have succeeded in securing the funding to open it as a museum to Whitehaven's mining heritage.
For wildlife lovers, the best time to visit is May to July. The thin spoil-tip soils grow a colourful carpet of wild flowers. At the RSPB reserves on St Bees head, puffins, guillemots and razorbills join thousands of seabirds nesting on the tallest sea cliffs between southern Scotland and northern Wales.
We have partnered with the RSPB, Natural England, the Land Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the local councils to join up how we care for our 'Colourful Coast' between Whitehaven and St Bees.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
