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WHAT’S ON
EXHIBITION – Light and Dark Gallery
14 February – 21 June 2026
J.D KENWORTHY
The West Cumbrian Portrait Artist. Celebrate the work of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell Kenworthy (1858–1954).
EXHIBITION – Harbour Gallery
28 March – 21 June 2026
I GREW UP 90s
Revisit the 90s and get ready to exclaim,‘I remember that!’
Join us for a trip back in time and discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the Nineties to vivid life. This exhibition has been curated by collector and cultural commentator Matt Fox.
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BEAKID
Saturday 13 June 2026 | 11am and 2pm
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL WORKSHOP
Explore the Dragon Boat festival through storytelling and games, learning why it’s celebrated and the legends of Qu Yuan.
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POP UP
Sat 13 & Sun 14 June 2026 | 10am – 4pm
WHITEHAVEN REWIND: The 90s Pop-up
Step back into 90s Whitehaven – discover the nostalgia, stories and culture that made the 90s unforgettable in Whitehaven.
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EVENT
Sunday 14 June 2026 | 11am – 3pm
FAMILY HISTORY DAY
Chat to our expert, where he will give practical advice, tips and hints on starting your family tree and searching your ancestry, from software to archive research.
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EVENT
Wednesday 17 June 2026 | 10am – 12pm
FINDS DAY
Have you found something that may be archaeological? We can examine your finds, as long as they are portable (something you can carry) and have been found, rather than purchased.
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WALK AND TALK
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | 10.30am – 11.30am
PEOPLE, PUBS & POLITICS
Join us for the first walk and talk of the series as we explore the Social History of Whitehaven Town. This week’s theme – Caribbean and Virginia Trade connections.
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THE BEACON BOOK CLUB
Thursday 25 June 2026 | 7pm – 8.30pm
JUNE’S THEME – CUMBRIAN FOLKLORE
A book club with a difference!
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TALKING TUESDAY
Tuesday 7 July 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
The Life of Mildred Gale
Explore the remarkable story of Mildred Warner Washington Gale, tracing the early beginnings of the Warner and Washington families in America and her later journey to Whitehaven.
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WALK AND TALK
Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 10.30am – 11.30am
PEOPLE, PUBS & POLITICS
Join us for the second walk and talk of the series as we explore the Social History of Whitehaven Town.
This week’s theme – Public Health.
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EXHIBITION – Harbour Gallery & Light and Dark Gallery
18 July – 11 October 2026
CARBONIFEROUS MONSTERS
Step back to the Carboniferous period, 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Visit tropical forests and swamps teeming with bizarre and ferocious ancient monsters. A must-see for prehistoric monster fans of all ages!
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POP IN – FAMILY FRIENDLY
Sunday 19 July 2026 | 10am – 4pm
ARCHAEOLOGY POP IN
Come and celebrate the opening of our Festival of Archaeology. There will be hands on activities from the past. Learn how Archaeologists use evidence from sites to date certain time periods and help tell the story of our ancestor.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Monday 20 July 2026 | 11am & 2pm
CAVE ART WORKSHOP
Travel back to the Prehistoric age! Explore the environment our ancestors lived in. Learn how cave art represented the people, have a go at making the art and hear about the lost stories that went with it.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Wednesday 22 July 2026 | 11am and 1pm
GLASS FUSING FOR KIDS
A fun creative summer activity for kids. Make a bowl or wall hanging in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 23 July 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS – Mini Beasts
Discover the amazing world of tiny creatures in this hands-on adventure! Please note: This session may include spiders – if you have arachnophobia, please be aware before booking.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Sunday 26 July 2026 | 11am & 2pm
COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Discover Whitehaven’s seaside history, explore how the ocean changes old places, and make your own mini coastal scene.
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BEAKID
Tuesday 28 July 2026 | 11am & 2pm
IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
Join the Beacon Rocket Scientists as they defy gravity and shoot rockets in to ‘space’.
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WALK AND TALK
Tuesday 28 July 2026 | 10.30am – 11.30am
PEOPLE, PUBS & POLITICS
Join us for the second walk and talk of the series as we explore the Social History of Whitehaven Town. This week’s theme – Pubs.
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POP IN – FAMILY FRIENDLY
Wednesday 29 July 2026 | 10am – 4pm
ARCHAEOLOGY DEMOSTRATIONS
Come and discover ancient crafts from the past and have a go yourself. Hear about how our ancestors day to day lives and the tools and techniques they used to help live. *Museum admission required*
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS – REPTILES
From scales and claws to camouflage and keen senses, get up close with some amazing reptiles and discover the fascinating adaptions that help them survive and thrive.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 11am & 2pm
BECOME AN ARCHEOLOGIST
Help to uncover the secrets of the past by finding evidence and artefacts that can be used to recreate the past and help us to understand how people live. Get hands on with activities and research.
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POP IN – FAMILY FRIENDLY
Sunday 2 August 2026 | 10am – 4pm
FESTIVAL FINALE
Join us for the final day of our Festival of Archaeology as we bring together the highlights. Explore our workshop exhibition, discover ancient crafts, enjoy short talks, and get hands-on.
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BEAKID WORKSHOP – KIDS
3, 5, 7, 8 August 2026 | 11am & 2pm
PIRATE EXTRAVAGANZA
Become a real pirate. Join us for an Arrghmazing Pirate Adventure, packed with hands-on fun, creativity and discovery! Arrr you ready?
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 6 August 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS – AMAZON
Discover the wonders of the Amazon in this up-close animal encounter! From curious frogs to colorful insects, discover the secret stars of the rainforest.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 13 August 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS
Embark on an unforgettable experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals.
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BEAKID WORKSHOP – KIDS
Monday 17 August 2026 | 11am & 2pm
IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
Join the Beacon Rocket Scientists as they defy gravity and shoot rockets in to ‘space’.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Wednesday 19 August 2026 | 11am and 1pm
GLASS FUSING FOR KIDS
A fun creative summer activity for kids. Make a bowl or wall hanging in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 20 August 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS – AFRICA
Get up close with some incredible animals and learn all about the amazing wildlife of Africa! Perfect for all ages—learn, explore, and leave with a new appreciation for nature’s smallest treasures.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
Thursday 27 August 2026 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PET ENCOUNTERS
Embark on an unforgettable experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals.
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WORKSHOP – KIDS
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 very own Christmas ornament in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass.
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WORKSHOP
Sunday 22 November 2026 | 11am – 2pm
FESTIVE CONTEMPORARY GILDING
The perfect workshop to ring in the Christmas Spirit!
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.