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WHAT’S ON
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EXHIBITION – Harbour Gallery *OPENING SOON*
24 October 2026 – 31 January 2027
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-second year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on 24 October 2026, featuring some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.
The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.
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EXHIBITION – Light and Dark Gallery *COMING SOON*
31 October 2026 – February 2027
PILLAR 200: 200 YEARS OF CLIMBING IN ENGLAND AND WALES
The Mountain Heritage Trust is marking 200 years of climbing history with Pillar 200, exploring the development of rock climbing in England and Wales from 9th July 1826 to the present day.
Two centuries later, Pillar 200 explores how climbing has evolved through stories, photographs and objects drawn from collections across the climbing community.
On display will be material from the Mountain Heritage Trust, the Fell and Rock Climbing Club, guidebook writer and Needle Sport founder Stephen Reid, DMM, and the Abraham Brothers.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2026 | 10am, 12pm, 2pm | £15 per child
THE BEACON SCHOOL OF MAGIC
Step into a world of magic at The Beacon School of Magic! With plenty of hands-on fun, wonder and a little wizardry along the way, it’s the perfect magical adventure for budding witches and wizards!
Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
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POP UP
Monday 19 – Sunday 25 October 2026 | 10am – 4pm | FREE
70 YEARS OF CALDER HALL
There’s always a story… what’s yours? Join us for a free community exhibition celebrating the people, memories and stories connected to Calder Hall and West Cumbria’s nuclear heritage.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 October 2026 | 11am, 1pm & 3pm | £9 per child. £5.50 per adult
PET ENCOUNTERS
Embark on an unforgettable Pet Encounter Experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals. Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
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BEAKID WORKSHOP
Wednesday 28, Friday 30, Saturday 31 October 2026 | 11am & 2pm | £5 per child
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN CRAFTS
Get into the spooky spirit with a fun and creative Halloween craft workshop! Roll up your sleeves and get a little messy as you make your own Halloween-inspired creation. Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 29 October 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm | FREE
SPOOKY STEM Workshop with Sellafield Education Outreach Team
Join us for an exciting hands-on STEM workshop packed with fun, creativity, and problem-solving!
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THE BEACON BOOK CLUB
Thursday 29 October 2026 | 7pm – 8.30pm
LIFTING THE VEIL
Is it….. A Veil of Mist across the Valley…. A Bridal Veil…. Harry Potter’s Veil of Mystery… Which Book reveals what is behind The Veil? Come along and share what you have discovered.
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TALKING TUESDAY
Tuesday 10 November 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
Eskdale Mill – Paul Pharoh
Illustrated history and restoration.
Booking is required.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS – SOLD OUT
Sunday 15 November 2026 | 11am and 1pm
CHRISTMAS GLASS
Make your very own Christmas ornament in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass.
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WORKSHOP – ADULT ONLY – SOLD OUT
Thursday 19 November 2026 | 6pm – 9pm
CHRISTMAS GLASS
Make your own Christmas ornament in this glass fusing class with Roxy of RD Glass. Learn a new skill, have fun being creative and the freedom to create your own designs.
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WORKSHOP
Sunday 22 November 2026 | 11am – 2pm
FESTIVE GOLD LEAF GILDING
The perfect workshop to ring in the Christmas Spirit! Learn the art of Contemporary Gilding, how it has changed over time and how you can use it in your home to give your possessions the Midas touch.
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THE BEACON BOOK CLUB
Thursday 26 November 2026 | 7pm – 8.30pm
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
Whether it’s the spoof Ascent of Rum Doodle, a nostalgic look at the Story of the Trapp Family Singers or Hillary and Tenzing Conquering Everest, there’s a Mountain of Books to choose from to pair with the new Pillar Rock Exhibition!
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WORKSHOP – ADULT
Friday 27 & Saturday 28 November 2026 | 11am – 1pm
CHRISTMAS WREATH
Learn how to create your very own beautiful Christmas wreath, with guidance and inspiritation from Emma (from Eliza & Flo).
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FAMILY EVENT
Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December 2026
SANTA’S NORTH POLE ADVENTURE
Step into the elves’ magical workshop and discover what really goes on behind the scenes then head to a place that very few people ever get to see — Santa’s private office.
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FAMILY EVENT
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 December 2026
MEET SANTA (Only)
Spend some magical time with Santa Claus himself! Share your Christmas wishes, take a festive photo, and see if you’re on the Nice List. Please note: This is a stand alone event.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 December 2026 | 11am, 1pm & 3pm | £9 per child. £5.50 per adult
PET ENCOUNTERS
Embark on an unforgettable Christmas Pet Encounter Experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals.
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TALKING TUESDAY
Tuesday 9 March 2027 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
The Yellow Earl’s Big Adventure
This illustrated lecture follows the story of one of the most unusual nineteenth century journeys undertaken by a Cumbrian – that of The Yellow Earl to the Artic coast of northern Canada.
Booking is required.
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HARBOUR AND TOWN TRAIL APP
ALL YEAR
WEST CUMBRIA WITH THE BEACON
Enhance your visit with the West Cumbria with The Beacon Museum App, designed to help you uncover the fascinating stories, people and places that make Whitehaven and West Cumbria unique.
Eat, shop and discover
VISIT
Everything you need to know on visiting The Beacon Museum.
THE BEACON SHOP
Discover the perfect gift and remember your visit with something special.
HOWLING WOLF ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFE
Sit back and relax with family and friends and enjoy a delicious bite to eat in the Café.