Discover the creatures that came before the T.REX.
Step back to the Carboniferous period, 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Visit tropical forests and swamps teeming with bizarre and ferocious ancient monsters, some of which had larger teeth than T. rex. Meet the dinosaurs' distant ancestors, the very first reptiles, the largest creepy-crawlies ever to live, and prehistoric animals unlike anything you've ever seen before!
Come face-to-face with scorpions the size of dogs, millipedes the length of crocodiles, and giant meat-eating dragonflies the size of seagulls.
This blockbuster national touring exhibition features stunning 350 million year-old original fossils, reconstructed giant prehistoric animals, and skeleton casts from museums around the world, many of which have never been displayed in the UK before.
This exhibition shows what it was like 300 million years ago, and explores how the remains of these prehistoric plants were the source of the carbon which formed coal.
Discover how these ancient forests and swamps are linked to fossil fuels that powered the industrial revolution and the climate change we're facing today.
Suitable for prehistoric monster fans of all ages!
Please always check our note our opening hours change
| Season (18 July 2026 - 6 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 16:30 |
| Season (7 Sept 2026 - 11 Oct 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 | - 16:30 |
| Sunday | 11:00 | - 16:00 |
The Beacon Museum, WhitehavenSituated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Set along the beautiful coast of the Western Lake District, situated on Whitehaven's historic Harbour. Whether it be by car, bus, train and bike, there are many easy and convenient routes to get to us.
Feel free to call us if you would like any help or advice when visiting.
Address The Beacon Museum, West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY Telephone 01946 592302
What3Words: ///claps.polite.give
Parking
Pay and display parking on site with limited spaces.
There is also pay and display parking available at Quay Street Car Park (1 minute walk).
By train
Whitehaven's train station is 15 minutes gentle stroll around the picturesque sea harbour, around to The Beacon Museum. A stunning journey with the train line hugging close to the coastline as it travels north to Carlisle and south to Barrow-in-Furness and Grange-over-Sands.
By bus
Whitehaven is easily connected to by bus.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL