The Beacon Museum is inviting visitors of all ages to enjoy a varied programme of events this October, with everything from local history talks and magical adventures to animal encounters, spooky crafts and hands-on STEM activities.
The programme begins on Tuesday 6 October with the latest Talking Tuesday session, An Illustrated History of Newhouses. Drawing on the work of local artist John Armstrong, the talk will take visitors on a journey through the history of the former mining community, exploring how people lived and worked while uncovering the area's rich industrial heritage. The session runs from 2pm to 4pm and costs £5 per person.
Families can then step into a world of wizardry during The Beacon School of Magic on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October. Returning by popular demand, the magical experience invites young witches and wizards aged 3 to 10 to brew potions, create enchanting crafts and meet real-life magical creatures. The two-hour sessions, held at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, include an hour of magical activities followed by a live magical creature’s encounter. Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes awarded to the best dressed. Tickets are £20 per person.
Animal lovers can look forward to Pet Encounters on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October. Visitors will have the chance to meet and interact with a variety of friendly and fascinating animals in a fun, hands-on experience suitable for all ages. Sessions take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets cost £9 per child and £5.50 per adult. Museum admission is not included in the ticket price.
The half-term fun continues with Halloween Spooky Crafts on Wednesday 28, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October. Young creatives can get stuck into a messy and imaginative craft session, creating their own Halloween-inspired masterpiece to take home. Workshops take place at 11am and 2pm, with tickets priced at £5 per person.
Visitors can also enjoy a free Spooky STEM Workshop on Thursday 29 October, delivered in partnership with the Sellafield Education Outreach Team. Younger children can explore coding through interactive Blue-Bots, while older participants can design and build using MTA Construction Kits. The workshop offers hands-on learning through creativity and problem-solving, with sessions running at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
"October is always a busy time at The Beacon, and this year’s programme offers a great mix of activities for visitors of all ages. Alongside opportunities to explore and celebrate our local history, families can enjoy a range of half-term events for children, from magical adventures and animal encounters to creative workshops and hands-on STEM activities. It's a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to make the most of everything the museum has to offer this autumn."
Heather Holmes, Customer and Visitor Experience Manager added:
"School holidays are always a great time at The Beacon. We've tried to create experiences that children can get involved in, have fun and hopefully remember afterwards. Whether it's magic, animals, crafts or STEM, there's something different to discover each day, and we're really looking forward to welcoming everyone this October."
Looking ahead, visitors can also start planning their festive season with a range of Christmas events already on sale, including Santa's North Pole Adventure on 5 and 6 December, Meet Santa on 12 and 13 December, and special festive Pet Encounter sessions over the same weekend.
For more information and to book tickets, visit The Beacon Museum website or follow the museum's social media channels.