Bransty's little ones have got a new play park at Harbour View, chip shop panel and all New harbour-themed play area opens at Harbour View in Bransty
Marra Mode is how your mate would tell you down the pub over a pint. Switch it off for the straight version.
The new play park at Harbour View is open for under-sixes, with a role-play panel based on a local chippy. A bigger one for older kids at Bransty School is next.
Got little ones in Bransty? You've finally got somewhere to take them. The area's been without a play park since the old one went, and folk have been asking for one for ages.
The new play area at Harbour View is open after about six weeks of building. It's for kids up to six, and it looks out over the harbour and the Irish Sea, which isn't a bad view for a swing. There's sensory kit and stuff for imaginative play, plus a one-off role-play panel based on a local fish and chip shop. It sits right next to the community garden that Bransty CIC built and looks after.
Cumberland Council paid for the lot. They asked residents what they wanted back in January, and say what people said shaped the equipment and design.
Bransty councillor Joseph Ghayouba, who pushed for the money, said: "I'm really pleased to see the kids enjoying the playpark and it's something the community have been crying out for since the last one was removed."
And there's a second one on the way for older kids. Back in January the council said it wants a bigger play area on the grass at Bransty School, for kids four and up, open to everyone outside school hours with the way in from South View Road. Cllr Ghayouba said: "We're now waiting for the school's feedback on the draft agreement. Once that's agreed, we can get moving on the next phase for older kids."
What to do: just turn up, it's open now at Harbour View by the community garden. The council's news pages on the Bransty play areas have the details, and keep an eye out for the school one.
A new play area for children up to six has opened at Harbour View in Bransty, Whitehaven, after a six-week build. A second, larger play area for older children at Bransty School is the next phase.
This is for families with young children in Bransty and the north end of Whitehaven, who have been without a play park since the last one was removed.
A new play area has opened at Harbour View after a six-week build. It is designed for children aged up to six and overlooks Whitehaven harbour and the Irish Sea. Its dynamic and sensory equipment is meant for inclusive, imaginative and social play, and it includes a bespoke Harbour View role-play panel inspired by a local fish and chip shop. It sits beside the community garden developed and maintained by Bransty Community Interest Company.
The play area was fully funded by Cumberland Council. Residents were asked for their views at a consultation in January 2026, and the council says that feedback shaped the choice of equipment and the design.
Councillor Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Bransty on Cumberland Council and campaigned for the funding, said: "I'm really pleased to see the kids enjoying the playpark and it's something the community have been crying out for since the last one was removed."
There is more to come. In January the council announced two play areas for Bransty. The second, larger one is planned for the grassed area in the grounds of Bransty School, for children aged four and over, and would be open to the public outside school hours with access from South View Road. Cllr Ghayouba said: "We're now waiting for the school's feedback on the draft agreement. Once that's agreed, we can get moving on the next phase for older kids."
What you can do: the play area is open now at Harbour View, next to the community garden. Cumberland Council's news pages, "New coastal-themed play area coming to Bransty, Whitehaven" and "Two new play areas for Bransty", have the details. Watch for news on the Bransty School site.