Plan your visit
Discover and explore the past, present and future at the Beacon Museum.
Come and see what you can discover at The Beacon Museum, with four floors of family-friendly galleries and exhibitions. There really is something for everyone.
Between Whitehaven’s mines and Harbour, The Beacon Museum tells the story of historic Cumberland, an area set amongst the Lake District’s dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes.
We want everyone to enjoy their visit to the Museum and have lots of ways to make that possible. Find out how to make the most of your visit and plan your trip in advance on our Accessibility at the Museum page.
Opening times
During School Holidays
29 March – 14 April 2024
- Open Monday – Sunday | 10am – 4.30pm
During Term Time
From 15 April 2024
- CLOSED MONDAYS
- Open Tuesday – Saturday | 10am – 4.30pm
- Open Sunday | 11am – 4.00pm
Please note that last admission is 45minutes prior to closing.
On the first Sunday of every month, we hold a ‘quiet hour’ for the first hour of opening (11.00am – 12.00pm).
Admission prices
Day ticket
Includes admission to all exhibitions. Please note events and workshops are charged separately.
Adult
Concession *
Child **
Family ***
* Concession is students (including mature students) and people over 60.
** Child admission from 3 to 16 years, admission is free for children under the age of 3.
*** Family admission is for 2 adults and 2 children.
Annual pass
The annual pass allows unlimited access to The Beacon Museum for 12 months, 20% off events/workshops and 10% off shop purchases.
Adult
Concession *
Child
Family **
Group visit
If you’re looking to come to the museum as a group (over 10 visitors), please get in touch with our friendly team by emailing thebeacon@copeland.gov.uk
Getting here
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
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).
Invisible
By car
Travelling north from Millom and Muncaster, follow the A595 North. When approaching Whitehaven the Museum is signposted by brown AA heritage road signs.
Travelling South from Carlisle or across country from Penrith and Keswick, follow the A66 to Cockermouth which then joins the A595 straight through to Whitehaven. The one way system in the town centre, leads direct to the harbour and The Beacon Museum.
By bus
Whitehaven is easily connected to by bus. Timetables can be downloaded from here.
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. Timetables can be found here.
By bike
Whitehaven is host to the start of the famous C2C cycle route, an epic 140 miles cross country cycle route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth. Many visitors call into the Museum the day before the epic cycle ride, the Museum can be seen from the starting point on the harbour’s edge. Many local cycle paths lead to Whitehaven. The C2C route can be found here.
Eat, shop and discover
Howling Wolf artisan bakery and cafe
Bakery & Cafe serving delicious coffee & meals & in-house baked bread & pastries. For more information click here (please note this link takes you to a Facebook page).
Currently open
Tues-Sat 10.00am – 4.30pm
Sun 11.00am-4:30pm.
The Beacon Museum Shop
Featuring a range of unique gifts that continue the story and themes of your visit. From iconic Whitehaven scenes in print, to locally crafted preserves and gifts.
Explore Whitehaven
The Beacon Team have lots of knowledge of Whitehaven and the local areas. They are more than happy to help direct you to discover the stunning area surrounding the Museum.