The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop - Image 1

The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop

Whitehaven, United Kingdom•4.5(344)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore interactive exhibits tracing rum's global history from Georgian Whitehaven to the Caribbean, featuring immersive displays on trade, pirates, and colonial heritage.

The Rum Story is an indoor museum housed in a historic Georgian building in Whitehaven, offering visitors a compelling journey through centuries of rum production and trade. The venue features multiple themed exhibits including Mr Jefferson's office, an Antiguan rainforest experience, and displays exploring the complex history of sugar cane harvesting and the global rum trade. Visitors can explore eight distinct exhibition areas covering topics from the 17th-century colonial trade routes to prohibition-era speakeasies, piracy, and the Royal Navy's relationship with rum. The museum addresses both the commercial innovation and the darker historical aspects of the industry, providing educational content alongside immersive atmospheric spaces. The venue is pushchair-friendly and welcomes families, school groups, and tourists seeking cultural and historical experiences. It also operates Jefferson's Shop for retail purchases and hosts private events and venue hire for parties, meetings, and weddings, making it a versatile cultural attraction in West Cumbria.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.5(344 reviews)
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Tim Audin

Tim Audin

a month ago

Wonderful museum covering many aspects of the rum trade and the Jefferson family. Nice cafe on site and a well stocked shop for rum to take home 🍹

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Richie 005

Richie 005

3 months ago

The Lady in the front shop was very lovely and helpful. The self walk round tour was quite informative of the past slave trade connections, takes around 45mins. A £5 discount off a large bottle if you’re interested afterwards.

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4 months ago

I have visited The Rum Story totally random and I loved it. Overall a well displayed and described history of the port and else. I love to read and hear about the raw truth as it happened, so for me it was eye opening. ;) Worth the money! Staff is very kind and helpful, they have many delicious items in their store as well. Also, not sure what was that smell in “the jungle” but i liked that too. 😄 Thank you very much!

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Helen Whitehouse

Helen Whitehouse

a year ago

Fascinating and thought provoking museum which needs more promotion. All about the Jefferson family, rum and the slave trade. Not a huge museum but packed with interesting artifacts and information. Fully accessible to the three floors for wheelchair users. Small gift shop and a cafe attached for light meals and drinks. Rum and drink shop for adults.

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H L D

H L D

a year ago

A wonderful museum dedicated to Rum, the museum is wheelchair friendly and has accessible WC. There is a cafe and gift shop on site. Parking is on the main street. The museum is set off the high street, and it's the actual building that was used to make Jefferson's Rum. The building is old and has a lot of character. There are some areas that make us a bit claustrophobic, and it can get a bit warm and stuffy inside. There are a lot of reading materials giving insight into Whitehaven's dark rum history, which is quite fascinating and quite terrible at the same time. Don't forget to check out the gift store and also the main shop off the high street. The rum raisin chocolate fudge looks great with different selections of rum to buy and sample. It's worth a visit if you're in Whitehaven.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop

Is The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop free to visit?

The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop.

Is there parking at The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop?

The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop?

The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop.

How do I get to The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop by public transport?

Whitehaven station is approximately 8 minutes' walk from The Rum Story & Jefferson's Shop.
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