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25th Oct 2024

‘Hidden gem’ seaside town just minutes from the Lake District with ‘seriously cheap house prices’

Harry Warner

I’m moving there immediately

Let’s be honest, getting on the property ladder in the UK in 2024 is tough, prices are rocketing as demand continues to grow and the supply of houses just can’t keep up.

This makes buying your dream house a nightmare, especially when location is factored into the equation.

It is no surprise the most desirable places tend to have the most expensive prices, with the entire south of England affected by the sprawling urban tangle of London, with commuters looking further and further afield as they drive up prices with them

This trend is even hitting places up north in growing cities like Manchester where the average house price has increased 250% since 2002 according to the Office for National Statistics, almost 50% higher than the national average.

However, it turns out there still exists places in the UK where the Venn diagrams of low house prices, and beautiful location cross to identify perfectly where X marks the spot.

This location has a name, Whitehaven.

Sat on the coast of the Irish Sea in the far North West of England, this town of around 23,000 people is starting to gather a bit of a reputation for being a ‘hidden gem’.

Unsurprisingly, one of its biggest selling points is the house prices which are eye wateringly cheap.

The average house price in the Cumbrian town is just £162,928 almost half the national average which sits at £293,000.

Furthermore, for the lone wolf, one-bedroom apartments can be picked up for just £7,500, otherwise known as one month’s rent in London.

And, to add to this, the town is located a measly 12 miles away from one of the country’s favourite and most beautiful destinations, the Lake District.

Adobe stock
The Lake District is only 12 miles away from Whitehaven. Credit: Adobe Stock

The town itself too is noted for its history and architecture, being a former maritime hub, famous for its Georgian buildings and even inspired much of New York during its expansion.

Whitehaven is also only 10 miles from Sellafield Nuclear site where nuclear waste is processed.

Employing 12,000 people, this could be an even better proposition for those nuclear engineers among you!

The locals are big fans of their little town too, making for a welcoming community.

Speaking to the Express, one man, Brian Pattinson, 76, who runs the town’s top rated Lismore Guest House, explained why Whitehaven is still slightly off the map for tourists.

He said: “The nearest lake is 15 minutes away. They [the tourists] tend to stay there and don’t explore this part of the world.

“It is a hidden gem. [But] lots of people stay with us three to four nights and the first thing they do is get in the car and go to the central Lakes,” he added.

Brian’s daughter, Claire Scott, said: “Whitehaven is a little pretty town. People think they are coming to a quiet little seaside town but it’s actually buzzing.”

Although, locals believe that despite the area’s perks, a little bit more government investment could really take the town to the next level.

So there you have it, cheap houses, mountains, lakes and sea, what is not to love?