Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition – Whitehaven 2026–27

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is coming to Whitehaven! See 100 astonishing photographs from one of the world's leading nature photography competitions at The Beacon Museum, beside Whitehaven Harbour.

Selected from more than 65,000 entries across 121 countries and territories, these images capture remarkable animal behaviour, varied landscapes and the extraordinary lives of wild creatures. The touring exhibition is on loan from London's Natural History Museum and is displayed in the Harbour Gallery.

Dates

Saturday 24 October 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027. The museum will close for a period over Christmas; the exact closure dates are still to be confirmed. The gallery is accessible during museum opening hours, not continuously throughout the exhibition dates.

Admission

The museum currently lists standard day admission at £7.50 for adults, £6 for concessions, £4 for children aged 4 to 16 and £19 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Children under 3 go free. These are standard museum prices; check with The Beacon whether any separate exhibition conditions apply before booking.

Opening hours

Usually Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4.30pm and Sunday 11am–4pm. Normally closed Mondays, with seasonal changes possible. Last museum admission is 45 minutes before closing.

Getting there

The Beacon Museum is at West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY. On-site pay-and-display spaces are limited; Quay Street Car Park is nearby. Whitehaven station is roughly a 15-minute harbour-side walk away.

Make a day of it

Combine the exhibition with the museum's permanent displays and a stroll around the Georgian harbour. See The Beacon Museum place guide, our full exhibition news and visitor guide or explore more things to do in Whitehaven.

Check the official exhibition page for changes before making a special journey, especially at Christmas.