Living in Westlakes

Westlakes is located in the scenic West Cumbria, close to the Lake District. Find out more about living and working in Westlakes.

Our campus

Our Westlakes Campus is based in the picturesque Cumbria countryside, close to the sea. The campus is compact, with students living and learning in close proximity. There's a cafeteria on-site which serves meals.

It's just three miles from Whitehaven, a coastal town with a rich history. There's a choice of cafes, pubs and shops. 

Local area

Whitehaven is a coastal town, which has its own marina. There are lots of local cafes, restaurants and pubs serving food. The town centre has high street shops, as well as independent boutiques.

It's also just a 30 minute drive to the Lake District, with incredible scenery. The nearest lake is Ennerdale Water. You can complete a hike around the lake followed by a pub lunch nearby. If you like water sports, you can head to Keswick, Windermere or Coniston.

Contact our People Team

If you'd like more details about any of our jobs  or to find out more about working here, get in touch with our People Team and email peopleteam@uclan.ac.uk

Get in touch

Leisure

There are lots of things to do in Whitehaven. It's surrounded by beautiful countryside, which offer excellent walks and hikes. Whitehaven Marina is another popular spot for a stroll.

If you'd prefer to stay indoors, the Gaiety Cinema is a stunning 1920s cinema. It shows all the latest releases, as well as old-time favourites. It's perfect for a family day out.

There's also lots of local history and culture to explore. The Beacon Museum dives into Whitehaven's past as one of the most important ports in Britain. It also has displays on pop culture, Sellafields and the mines.

The Rum Story looks at Whitehaven's role in the rum trade. It takes you from the Georgian office of Henry Jefferson, to the rainforest, to a look at the slave trade. You can truly immerse yourself in history at this museum.

You could make a day trip to the Lake District. The nearest lake is Ennerdale Water, which is around a 25 minute drive. Ennerdale has truly spectacular views, which you can take as you walk its rugged shores. You'll have to travel a little further for water sports like kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. You can do this at Keswick, Windermere or Coniston.