Expert: Iain Reynolds - 3/10/2008

Question
My husband & I may be traveling to Workington this spring. We live in the US (Tennessee to be exact) Nothing definite but his company has plans to send him over to work for 6 weeks or more.  I have many questions about what I can do while he is working 12 hours a day. Also, what can we do together when he has some down time.  We enjoy fishing, motorcycling, sports in general and just love checking out local scenery.  He is very concerned about traveling overseas as this would be a HUGE step outside his comfort zone, but I figure most people are pretty much the same all over the world.  They are nice if you are nice & respectful to them.  Anyway, anything you can share with me about the area, customs, people or activities would be so helpful.

Thanks,
Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Workington, old steel works town with deep routed traditions.  I lived there for three years and enjoyed most of my time there.  Geographically, it's 45 minutes south of the main town in Cumbria and 20 minutes from the area called The Lake District.  It isn't the prettiest of towns as its a working class town based around factories and the steel works (now closed).  You don't say whether you will be mobile when your husband is working?  That would really help you.  If not, there is a good local bus service up and down the coastline.  Locally, you will not be stuck for things to do.  There are many beautiful villages and small towns nearby for gifts and antiques as well as regular shopping.  I will list a few names of local "attractions" and if you "google.co.uk" them, you should be able to find out more about them without me having to write pages.

Muncaster Castle, Laal Ratty, Wast Water, Cockermouth, Maryport, Whitehaven, Ennerdale, Scafell Pike, Cumbrian Fells, Buttermere, Crummock water.

Fishing, there is plenty of sea fishing around but river and lake fishing I would assume you will need a license.  

Motorcycling - Is this as in racing, speedway perhaps?  There is a local racing track for speedway.  Maybe you mean riding yourself?  Let me know.

Sports - Big sports area, Rugby, football (soccer) golf all close to Workington.

I hope you make it to the UK and to Workington. It will be one heck of first-time trip for your husband and the locals as Workington is not usually visited by American tourists.  One thing is for sure, you can expect a warm welcome to the area as Northerners are soooooo much more friendly than Southerners!!

If I can be of any further help.....you know where to find me.

Iain
xx