Travel back in time to the bustling seaport of Whitehaven – home of the Jefferson family business.


The business was founded by Robert Jefferson in 1785 and the family traded in wines from Spain and Portugal and rum, sugar and molasses from the West Indies.
Most of the sugar imported into Whitehaven was from the Jefferson-owned estate in Antigua and it was from there they also imported their famous Jefferson’s Rum, with all the imports being carried by their own ships.
Journey through The Rum Story, our atmospheric attraction, and soak up Whitehaven’s fascinating history, from pirates and smugglers to Nelson’s navy and jazz age gangsters.
Housed in the original 1785 warehouse and offices of the Jefferson family business you can’t get any closer to real life history – dusty barrels and all!
Follow the passage of enslaved people from their west African villages to the sugar plantations of Antigua, learn about our maritime history and discover the role of the rum trade in Whitehaven, our American connections, how local produce was used, and our influence in Britain and beyond.
Since the year 2000 The Rum Story has been a top tourist attraction in Whitehaven and alongside our beautiful harbour, part of events and celebrations in town.
Onsite, we have The Rum Story Shop selling a variety of local and handmade produce including our famous rum.
Jefferson’s 1785 Extra Fine Dark Rum balances light toffee, banana and vanilla with hints of honeycomb, dried fruit and cinnamon. It’s a treat not to be missed.
Also, we have a few different flavours on offer, and in our gift shop there is a gift for everyone!
Coming soon will be our new exciting café run by Silly Goose, serving homemade food and desserts.
We also have an education suite and conference room to hire out with facilities, and have been the location for film, music and art.
Help us be here for the next 25 years by supporting us with a visit.