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The Beacon Museum
Type:Museum
The Beacon Museum, W Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7LY
About
Situated on Whitehaven's historic Georgian harbour, the Beacon Museum and arts venue tells the story of historic Copeland, which boasts two World Heritage Sites set amongst the western Lakes dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes.
The Beacon Museum traces the social, industrial and maritime heritage of the area, using local characters, audio-visual interactive displays and fascinating museum pieces. From Romans to Russian Samovars, Viking raiders to Victorian traders, the collections and displays represent the vibrant history of Copeland. You can also see history merge with the present in our top floor viewing gallery that offers unrivalled views of Whitehaven and the Solway Coast.
Visitors can delve into the living heritage of the West Cumbrian nuclear industry, within the Sellafield Story, a chronological glimpse into how West Cumbria supported the war effort and, afterwards developed the origins of our Nuclear Industry. The exciting exhibition charts, warts and all, how that early weapons programme grew into a nuclear industry which has supported Cumbria’s economy for the past 60 years, and looks at what the future might be for energy.
The Beacon Museum also punches above its weight in terms of offering a world class blend of local and touring exhibitions that provide different experiences throughout the year, all housed within two state of the art galleries.
Also, don't miss the gift shop which stocks a whole range of locally sourced gifts and presents suitable for all.
The Beacon Portal is Whitehaven’s innovative state of the art venue available for corporate, community and personal hire, capable of hosting a multitude of events in one of the finest settings available in Whitehaven.
For further information please contact us on 01946 592302 or see our website at this link, or on our social media pages.
Howling Wolf Artisan Bakery and Café
Set on the harbourside overlooking the historic harbour. We provide Breakfast and Lunch using locally suppliers where possible, also our coffee and teas are supplied from the Lake District. All our cakes, pastries, and bread are made fresh in our cafe everyday.
Groups by appointment preferred.
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Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) |
|---|
* School holidays Open 7 days a week, 10am – 4:30pm, Term time: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm. Last admission: 45 minutes prior to closing. On the first Sunday of every month we host a ‘Quiet Hour’ for the first hour of opening.
Guide Prices
Day Tickets (as of Oct 2023)
Adult £7.00
Concession £5.50
Child £3.50
Family £17.50 (2 adults + 2 children)
Annual Passes
Adult £18.00
Concession £14.00
Child £9.00
Family £50.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
The benefits of being a Beacon Annual pass holder
- Unlimited access to the museum and it’s exhibitions
- 10% off shop purchases
- 20% off workshops/events
- Invitation to come to member-only events
- Monthly e-newsletter with news, exhibition and event listings.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Seating
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Changing Places
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- Facilities for visually impaired
- Level Access
- Wheelchairs available
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Tripadvisor
- Excellent230
- Very Good86
- Average15
- Poor7
- Terrible6
Awards
- Visit England
VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018 - Cumbria Awards
Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
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Map & Directions
Road Directions
A595 follow signs for Whitehaven town centre and the brown museum signs. Situated on south of harbour.
Public Transport Directions
Accessible by Public Transport: Whitehaven station is 1 mile away.
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