Whitehaven - an 'England Gem Town'
Mining in Whitehaven began in the 13th century. The full story is told at the Beacon and Haig Colliery Mining Museum. The town's picture-postcard harbour dates back to 1633 and you need to visit the Rum Story to savour the 'Dark Spirit of Whitehaven'.

Maryport
The Senhouse Museum tells of the town's role as a Roman fortress. Its seafaring history can be found in the Maritime Museum with displays on Titanic owner Thomas Ismay and HMS Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian. And don't miss the Lake District Coast Aquarium with its new Wild Solway Centre. You can also visit the recently opened Wave Centre with its cinema, theatre space, bistro and visitor centre.

Carlisle - The Great Border City
As well as exploring mysterious chambers, stairways and dungeons at Carlisle Castle and seeing the 'licking stones' (once a source of lifesaving moisture for prisoners), you'll also find the Border Regiment Museum there. The magnificent cathedral has superb oak carvings and the Citadel, once a prison, is as captivating as ever.

Barrow-in-Furness
The story of the small hamlet that became the world leader in iron and steel and a major shipbuilding centre is told in the spectacular Dock Museum.