The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is set to welcome visitors of all ages this summer with a varied programme of exhibitions, workshops and interactive sessions designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Beginning on 18 July, Carboniferous Monsters invites visitors to step back 100 million years before the dinosaurs to a world of tropical forests and swamps. The exhibition explores a landscape teeming with unusual and formidable prehistoric creatures, offering an engaging experience for anyone fascinated by the ancient past.
From 19 July to 2 August, the museum will take part in the national Festival of Archaeology, starting with a launch event in the Beacon portal. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, learn how artefacts were made using natural materials, and discover how archaeologists interpret evidence to understand the past. A series of themed workshops will run alongside the festival.
Children can take part in glass fusing workshops on 22 July and 19 August, led by local artist Roxanne Denny, where they can design and create their own decorative pieces in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Animal lovers can enjoy the return of the popular Pet Encounters sessions on selected dates throughout July and August, offering the chance to meet and interact with a variety of animals in a safe and engaging setting.
The Beacon’s Beakid sessions also return, with activities designed to spark young imaginations. Science-themed sessions on 28 July and 17 August will see children creating mini parachutes and gyroscopes while learning how astronauts travel and work in space. In early August, pirate-themed sessions will transform young visitors into swashbuckling adventurers, timed to coincide with the arrival of the historic Nao Santa Maria ship to Whitehaven.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“We’re proud to support such a varied and engaging summer programme at The Beacon.
“It’s fantastic to see opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and I’d encourage residents and visitors alike to make the most of what’s on offer this summer.”
Heather Holmes, Customer and Visitor Experience Manager at The Beacon Museum, added:
“This Summer Programme demonstrates the breadth of the Beacon Museum’s offer, combining culture, heritage, science and creativity to deliver high quality experiences for our communities and visitors.”
Together, the programme offers a mix of learning, creativity and family-friendly entertainment, encouraging visitors to explore history, science and art in an accessible and interactive way.