The Rum Story
The Rum Story
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Rum Story is a visitor attraction and museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria. It presents the story of the rum trade and the creation of rum. It is located in an original 1785 trading shop and warehouses.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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56 within 3 miles
Attractions
13 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Philmex1Southampton, United Kingdom1,741 contributionsSunday lunch at the Rum StoryReally took us by surprise - we were expecting snacks on a Sunday lunchtime, but then found out the Rum Story did a Sunday lunch. Very impressed! A choice of meats served with two types of potato (mash & boiled), and three different types of vegetable and Yorkshire pudding. Staff were lovely! Would certainly consider eating there again.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 31, 2023
- Peter C2 contributionsLovely little gem museum, 'The Story of Rum 'This little gem of a Museum is well worth a visit. Even if you are not a rum drinker it is fascinating as well as educational. It tells the story of rum making right from the beginning up to today. There are three floors with video and interactive displays,with the original Jefferson's office still intact on the ground floor.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 1, 2023
- Grant C6 contributionsA good attraction to visit, especially if the weather is poorA fantastic location and a well designed attraction. Good story boards and use of AV displays. We ate in the cafe in the centre and it was very good. One disappointment however - when we came out from the exhibition into the shop I have since found out we should have been offered a small tot of rum. Alas, the lady on duty was engrossed in conversation with a friend and made no attempt to speak to us or offer us our wee dram. Pity :(Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 4, 2023
- Jenny BMillom, United Kingdom16 contributionsWonderful meal at the Rum Story Cafe, Whitehaven.Fantastic visit to the Rum Story Cafe today. Generous portions and the best steak and ale pie I have had in a long time. It's definitely worth a visit, quirky place, great customer service, and excellent food 👌Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 16, 2023
- Nick WSwindon, United Kingdom51 contributionsHidden Gem of a Museum in West CumbriaReally interesting museum in Whitehaven that tells the story of the towns connection to the importation of rum from the Caribbean. Really well laid out over several floors and educational including the story of the slave trade, rum making process, the Jefferson’s story, American prohibition and the connection to the Royal Navy. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Certainly worth a visit if you are in West Cumbria and a great option if the weather is poor.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 21, 2024
- johnhouston2Knaresborough, United Kingdom5,258 contributionsWell worth a visit.Being situated in the old trading premises of the Jefferson family adds a certain touch of realism and poignancy to this exhibition, which is well worth a visit. This was our second visit and we found it just as interesting and informative as the first. The exhibition areas are spread over three floors and are very well put together.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
285 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
114
Average
20
Poor
7
Terrible
10
leuca
St Helens, UK11,938 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Jefferson’s Shop
Jefferson’s Rum
I was born and brought up in Whitehaven
For decades Jefferson’s rum was held in high regard.
On a return visit to Whitehaven I treat myself to a bottle for old times sake
It was overpriced at £35 a bottle and was very harsh and , well almost undrinkable . Ok with a mixer . Dark and Stormy.
I don’t think this is the original article but cheap rum sold on the back of the Rum Story.
I am very disappointed
Jefferson’s Rum
I was born and brought up in Whitehaven
For decades Jefferson’s rum was held in high regard.
On a return visit to Whitehaven I treat myself to a bottle for old times sake
It was overpriced at £35 a bottle and was very harsh and , well almost undrinkable . Ok with a mixer . Dark and Stormy.
I don’t think this is the original article but cheap rum sold on the back of the Rum Story.
I am very disappointed
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikepadgett2017
Redditch, UK10 contributions
Aug 2021
An amazing experience. Does not look much from outside but the inside has multiple floors with a well explained map to follow and gives you a complete picture of how the rum trade was established. Staff were friendly and explained and answered any questions.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernadette187069
Manchester, UK110 contributions
Feb 2022
I am a rum lover so this museum caught my eye.
I nearly had a heart attack at the startof the trail through the museum when a mannequin hidden in a dark room suddenly started talking.
The exhibition is interesting but seems more centred on the slave trade over the rum story.
I bought a bottle of the rum it seemed rude not to. I would like to see the shop offering any prospective purchaser a taste of the rum, it is there for tasting but you have to ask.
I saved opening my bottle until we got home so my son, another rum lover could also taste it with me. We both like it and drink it neat as a siping rum, deliciously smooth.
I nearly had a heart attack at the startof the trail through the museum when a mannequin hidden in a dark room suddenly started talking.
The exhibition is interesting but seems more centred on the slave trade over the rum story.
I bought a bottle of the rum it seemed rude not to. I would like to see the shop offering any prospective purchaser a taste of the rum, it is there for tasting but you have to ask.
I saved opening my bottle until we got home so my son, another rum lover could also taste it with me. We both like it and drink it neat as a siping rum, deliciously smooth.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This little gem of a Museum is well worth a visit. Even if you are not a rum drinker it is fascinating as well as educational. It tells the story of rum making right from the beginning up to today. There are three floors with video and interactive displays,with the original Jefferson's office still intact on the ground floor.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cal
Blackpool, UK14 contributions
Aug 2022
I visited with my 13-year-old son and we both loved it here. Looking at the museum from the road is deceptive - it's like another world when you step inside!
Lots of interesting things to see and read, many little surprises, and great, friendly staff. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend a visit.
Lots of interesting things to see and read, many little surprises, and great, friendly staff. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend a visit.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit here and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Written May 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick W
Swindon, UK51 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Really interesting museum in Whitehaven that tells the story of the towns connection to the importation of rum from the Caribbean.
Really well laid out over several floors and educational including the story of the slave trade, rum making process, the Jefferson’s story, American prohibition and the connection to the Royal Navy.
The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Certainly worth a visit if you are in West Cumbria and a great option if the weather is poor.
Really well laid out over several floors and educational including the story of the slave trade, rum making process, the Jefferson’s story, American prohibition and the connection to the Royal Navy.
The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Certainly worth a visit if you are in West Cumbria and a great option if the weather is poor.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK5,258 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Being situated in the old trading premises of the Jefferson family adds a certain touch of realism and poignancy to this exhibition, which is well worth a visit.
This was our second visit and we found it just as interesting and informative as the first. The exhibition areas are spread over three floors and are very well put together.
This was our second visit and we found it just as interesting and informative as the first. The exhibition areas are spread over three floors and are very well put together.
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean Porter
Dudley, UK3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I enjoyed it. Informative and atmospheric, some of their speakers can make you jump if you're distracted. Allot of the experience is text heavy but I think the building and atmosphere make up for it. I was in there for around 1hr 30minutes, honestly longer than I thought I would be.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, we are glad that you enjoyed your visit and we will see what we can do to make sure that the speakers don't make you jump next time you visit.
Written May 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philmex1
Southampton, UK1,741 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Really took us by surprise - we were expecting snacks on a Sunday lunchtime, but then found out the Rum Story did a Sunday lunch. Very impressed! A choice of meats served with two types of potato (mash & boiled), and three different types of vegetable and Yorkshire pudding. Staff were lovely! Would certainly consider eating there again.
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B95 & E27
Belper, UK122 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Great little museum with a lot of information about the slave trade and the making of rum. We found it to be too much reading and a little out of order on the second floor. Although a great experience and really cool it is in the original Jefferson’s building!!
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drthybaxter
Grangemouth, UK
can dogs get in
The Rum Story
Whitehaven, UK
Dogs are allowed into the shops and courtyard area, where water and treats are provided. Only guide dogs are permitted around the exhibition.
lian271983
Lake District, UK2 contributions
Is rum story open on bank holidays?
SAQ333
Thurnscoe, UK261 contributions
Yes
Ann B
Cumbria, UK75 contributions
Where to park
The Rum Story
Whitehaven, UK
There are a number of pay and display car parks within a short walking distance of the Rum Story in the harbour area. The multi storey car park is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays and offers the 1st hours parking for free. I hope that this is helpful, if you have any further questions please contact The Rum Story on 01946 592933.
Is it suitable for disabled people or wheel chair accessible?
The Rum Story
Whitehaven, UK
Yes! The rum story has lift access to all floors.
The Rum Story
Whitehaven, UK
Hello what are ticket prices?
The Rum Story
Whitehaven, UK
Adults £5.95
Children £3.95
Concession £4.95
Family £16.45
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Claim your listingThe Rum Story - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Rum Story
- The Rum Story is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Rum Story:
- (0.02 mi) Georgian House Hotel
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- Restaurants near The Rum Story:
- (0.02 mi) Georgian House Hotel
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