The Beacon Museum

Museum | Whitehaven | England | United Kingdom

The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is a fascinating cultural center that focuses on the history and heritage of the West Cumbria region. Located on the coast of Whitehaven, it offers visitors an exciting journey through the local history, industry, and development of the town.

The museum comprises several exhibition rooms that explore various aspects of the region's history, including the Industrial Revolution, the importance of the port of Whitehaven, and the development of the coal industry. Another key theme is maritime history, as the port of Whitehaven played a crucial role in trade and shipping. Particularly interesting are the exhibitions on the history of seafaring and historical shipbuilding in the region.

Another highlight of the museum is the collection of artworks, especially the works of local artist Percy Kelly, known for his powerful depictions of the region. These artworks provide visitors with a unique insight into the landscape and industrial past of Cumbria.

The Beacon Museum also regularly hosts events and activities for the general public, including lectures, workshops, and interactive exhibitions that further promote the heritage and culture of Whitehaven. There is also a museum shop and café where visitors can relax and enjoy local products.

The museum is a vibrant place for the preservation and celebration of local history, offering a valuable opportunity for both locals and tourists to learn more about the history of Whitehaven and Cumbria.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
W Strand
CA28 7LY Whitehaven

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday11:00 - 16:00
Monday--
Tuesday10:00 - 16:30
Wednesday10:00 - 16:30
Thursday10:00 - 16:30
Friday10:00 - 16:30
Saturday10:00 - 16:30

Reviews

531 Reviews

Paul Hurst
01.12.2024

It was the cafe underneath we visited. Lovely food and service I'd definatly recommend.
Lyn H
28.11.2024

Was very more too it then meets the eye and reasonable price xxx
Steve Clark
22.10.2024

We went to the cafe underneath rather than the museum itself, nice coffee and cake
Steve King
20.10.2024

Definitely worth a visit, whether you're a local or a visitor to Cumbria. Something for everyone, young or old. Didn't expect there to be so much either, so allow a good 3 hours to see everything.
Lea Somerfield
22.10.2021

Magical time lots to do foe all ages we took our 20mth old and he loved it
Debbie Woodward
26.09.2024

Very interesting to visit.learned a lot about Whitehavens history and the area.staff warm and welcoming
Allison S
12.09.2024

Great place for all ages, bought out the big kid out in us. Lots to do/see and very interactive. Friendly staff and good value . Coffee ship is good too
mark jones
26.08.2024

Interesting
Geoffrey Carter
25.08.2024

Attended one of the circus workshops and took a tour of the beacon with the grandchildren. They loved it all! Lots of activities for them to do!
Rosie Stevens
20.08.2024

Really interesting place and such helpful people. We went for the Peter Rabbit experience which my granddaughter loved, but she ended up spending loads of time in the Sellafield section as well as the Beach section. Had to be dragged away at closing time!
Thomas Pitts
19.08.2024

We visited while on holiday recently. A very well designed set of exhibitions were on. Well maintained and informative. And great views from the higher floors. I loved hearing about the evolution of the harbour below.
Sam Piplica
13.08.2024

The Beacon museum is always a great visit. We visit once a year when camping in the Lake District. It’s a great rainy day activity. Some good permanent exhibits on 2 floors and a couple that change too. Great views from the top across the harbour.
Jacqualine W
15.07.2024

The Peter Rabbit storytrail was alot of fun couldn't get my 2yr old out of it, not my 9yr old. Lots of interesting interactive exhibits for all the family to enjoy. Good family day out
Janet Whincup
23.06.2024

We attended a lecture with a slide show in their other building early June. It was very well presented and informative.
John Waters
18.06.2024

I thought the museum was great spent 2 1/2 hrs. Very interesting and engaging. But the cafe was a big disappointment ordered tea and a coffee had to ask a gane as the forgot the order. And poor quality .
Gillian Wheatley
15.06.2024

Really interesting museum. Lots of interactive displays and nostalgia. Plus, there is a brilliant view of the area from the top floor. Great facilities and friendly helpful staff. Something for all ages and easy access. We spent over 3 hours and never got bored
Martyn Weston
05.06.2024

Great star wars exhibition and enjoyed the local history exhibition
Trevor Murdoch Cert CIH pr DIP I HYP
04.06.2024

Friendly little museum
chris barras
17.04.2022

Great helpful friendly staff and a great place to take kids
Jamie Lang
01.06.2024

Rather like Dr Who's Tardis, the Beacon somehow manages to be significantly bigger on the inside than it looks from outside! A very effective mix of permanent displays and regular new (and always different and interesting) temporary exhibitions. Friendly and helpful staff, and a well stocked shop full of locally produced and often handmade products. Also: fantastic views of Whitehaven harbour and the sea from top floor 🙂
David Chadwick
01.06.2024

Lovely staff and well worth the visit... Very interactive for children and adults 😊
Janett Sarfert
30.05.2024

We were in the area only to see the harbour and came in mainly due to the observation platform. Friendly knowledgeable staff at the front desk. What a fantastic museum - the digital displays were very exciting for the children and there were some I never saw before (digital dress-up). We especially enjoyed the Sellafield story - super informative for all family members. The play construction area again was something I did not see before and our 6 year old loved it. The adults were trying their skills at moving radioactive waste barrels safely. We ran out of time and only browsed through the current Star Wars collection but what an unexpected great experience- can thoroughly recommend. I wish more museums would be like this!
Neil Wheatley
28.05.2024

Kids and parents in our group really enjoyed this. Friendly staff. Great building with a view of the water from the top. Lots of interactive exhibits. I really liked the VR mining.
Ashok Kumar
02.05.2024

Beacon Museum is really great and must visit place if you’re planning Whitehaven. Especially the weather presentation room is really awesome which gives a feel of how would you look on telly if you present weather news😀

 

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