The Beacon

Alex Saint Last Updated 28 November 2023

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The Beacon

West Strand, Whitehaven, CA22 2DW

01946 592302

Website

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.

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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.

What's on near The Beacon

26 Jun – 28 Jun

MusicBlackpool

The Black Lights in Blackpool

The White Hotel’s Blackpool takeover places The Caretaker, Blackhaine and A Guy Called Gerald inside the town’s most iconic spaces.

From £150.00

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Until 1 Dec

Food and DrinkBlackpool

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Step into the majestic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for an experience like no other. With stunning architecture, live music and treats galore, Afternoon Tea here is highly recommended.

From £60.00

Until 1 Dec

ActivityBlackpool

Turtle Feeding Experience at SEA LIFE Blackpool

Come face to face with SEA LIFE Blackpool’s hungriest resident. This unique experience gives you the chance to feed Phoenix the green sea turtle and learn about this endangered species.

From £75.00

Text reads The Memory of Water. A image of three women in black sitting by a coffin, two with cups of tea, one in the middle raising a wineglass

29 Jan – 21 Feb

TheatreBolton

The Memory Of Water at The Octagon Theatre

Three sisters, one bitter-sweet reunion – grief, whisky and buried truths collide in a sharply funny Northern family reckoning.

From £15.00

A Christmas Carol at Octagon Theatre Bolton. A person in a long coat and top hat walks alone down a cobblestone street at night, surrounded by colorful holiday lights and softly falling snow. The scene glows warmly from shop windows and string lights, creating a festive and mysterious atmosphere.

Until 10 Jan

FamiliesBolton

A Christmas Carol at Octagon Theatre Bolton

A heartwarming festive treat for all ages, this brand-new musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings Bolton’s stage to life with music, magic and Dickensian spirit.

From £15.00

Until 10 Jan

FamiliesBolton

A Christmas Carol

Bringing music, laughter and a welcome dose of festive cheer, a brand-new adaptation of the Dickensian classic is the perfect festive treat for families this Christmas.

From £15.00

Until 1 Mar

ExhibitionsLiverpool

John Moores Painting Prize 2025 at the Walker Art Gallery

The John Moores Painting Prize is back, and bigger than ever! Head to Liverpool’s Walker Gallery to see the best of contemporary painting.

Free entry

Until 29 Mar

ExhibitionsLiverpool

Treasure: History Unearthed at Museum of Liverpool

‘Treasure: History Unearthed’ gathers the largest collection of archaeological Treasure ever shown in the region.

From £5.00

See all events

Where to go near The Beacon

Cumbria

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Lowes Court Gallery

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Cumbria

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Cumbria

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Rosehill Theatre

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

Cumbria

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

Calling steam train enthusiasts big and small! The Ravenglass & Eskdale heritage train is ready to transport you back in time.

Cumbria

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

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Winder Hall

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Cockermouth and West Cumbria

Restaurant

The Trout Hotel

Independent hotel in an idyllic setting.

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.

Cockermouth and West Cumbria

Gallery

Percy House Gallery

Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.

Cockermouth and West Cumbria

Bar or Pub

Castle Bar

A snazzy wine and food joint, with a lovely terraced beer garden.

Cockermouth and West Cumbria

Museum

Cockermouth Castle

Privately-owned Cockermouth Castle dates back to Norman times and is occasionally open to the public.

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Kendal and Sedbergh, Cumbria

Packed with fantastic places to visit and a wide range of high-quality restaurants, bars and pubs, there’s loads to do in Kendal and Sedbergh.

Culture Guides

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Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.

Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

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Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.