The Beacon

Alex Saint
TheBeacon, courtesy of venue

Right out on the windy west coast of Cumbria is The Beacon, which has provided a well-used museum service for local families and visitors since it reopened in purpose built gallery spaces in 1996. It draws on rich collections  – fine and decorative arts, social history, archaeology and natural sciences – that tell the story of the area, in particular the maritime history of Whitehaven. The interpretation is lively, with lots of activities for children.

West StrandWhitehavenCA22 2DW View map
Telephone: 01946 592302 Visit Now

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible

Admission Charges

Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.00, Under 16s free when accompanied by a paying adult

Children and Families

Children's activities

Services and Facilities

Restaurant and activity room

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near The Beacon

Of Mice and Men at Octagon Theatre Bolton
Until
TheatreBolton
Of Mice and Men at Octagon Theatre Bolton

This gut-punching tale – with themes of loyalty, migration and prejudice – still strike a chord with a contemporary audience. Check out this new large-scale production of Steinbeck’s iconic story.

from £15.00
Eleanor Rees
LiteratureLiverpool
Eleanor Rees at Open Eye Gallery Liverpool

Launching her shiny new volume of selected poems in Liverpool, where much of it was dreamed up, Eleanor Rees will be reading live and also chatting about the production.

free entry

Where to go near The Beacon

Cumbria
Gallery
Lowes Court Gallery

Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft, led by a membership of artists.

Cumbria
Gallery
Florence Arts Centre

Florence Mine has been transformed into a centre for cultural activity, offering workshops, gallery space, cinema and music venue.

Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Cumbria
Theatre
Rosehill Theatre

A cosy theatre, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment, in an exceptional setting on the outskirts of Whitehaven.

Cumbria
Wastwater

Wastwater is the deepest lake in England at 258 feet and one of the most dramatic spots in the country to swim.

Cumbria
Museum
Muncaster Castle

The Muncaster Castle estate takes in a haunted castle, bluebell woods, Hawk and Owl Centre and more.

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, image via Visit Cumbria
Cumbria
Music venue
The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

Culture Guides

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

the artist
Music in the North

The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.
Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.