iKnow Lake District
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Whitehaven Accommodation
The Beacon WhitehavenWhitehaven Tourist Information Social history Cumbria
Explore the social and maritime history of Whitehaven at the superb Beacon situated on the harbour side.
Industrial & Maritime History at The Beacon, Whitehaven
Start on the top floor in the Met Office Weather Gallery and enjoy panoramic views over the harbour, or have your go at being a TV weather reporter. Move down into the exhibition on 'Whitehaven Looking Out', which explores Whitehaven's links with the slave trade, smuggling, George Washington and more.
On the second floor is the exhibition 'Whitehaven Looking In', which focuses on the social heritage of the area, including coal mining, shipbuilding and iron ore mining. There's a mini-cinema in the museum which shows footage from 1920s and 1930s Whitehaven which makes fascinating viewing.
The Beacon is open all year, from Tuesday to Sunday (ex. Christmas Day), Open School and Bank Holiday Mondays, Easter to October: 10 a.m. - 5.30 p.m, November to March: 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. There's a cafˇ and superb gift shop on-site, crammed with books on the history of Whitehaven, and postcards and pictures galore.
The Beacon, West Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7LY, Tel: 01946 592302
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