The Beacon Museum

After an extended refit, Copeland’s award-winning harbour-side museum has now had its long awaited reopening. This popular museum pays homage to the people and history of the fascinating western Lake District.

Situated on Whitehaven’s harbour side, The Beacon Museum explores the maritime heritage of the area, along with its social history, its industrial past and its unique culture. Like many up-to-date modern museums, it uses state of the art technology to bring the fascinating history of the area to life, incorporating also audio-visual displays and bespoke pieces.

The museum also looks at the part west cumbria played in the war effort and how it pioneered the nuclear deterrent Trident, currently stored north of the border on the banks of the Clyde. The interactive exhibition explores how for a long time Cumbria has been at the centre of the UK arms industry, designing and developing weaponry in days of old, through to its present nuclear innovations, which have served the local economy well.

To top it all off, visitors can enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the surrounding city.

As well as a fantastic gift shop, there is also a splendid cafe/ restaurant serving the best in local produce.

For more information see www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk