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Historical characters come to life in museum's new app

Published: 19/08/2021

THE BEACON Museum in Whitehaven now has its very own app.

The free app, called West Cumbria with the Beacon Museum, guides users on walks around Whitehaven, or a drive around West Cumbria, seeking out exciting augmented reality characters and interesting content along the way. 

It also has all the information people might need about the museum itself, and lists events at the harbourside attraction.

During the trails, the app introduces people to historical on-screen characters who interact with their surroundings and share their stories.

Copeland's Portfolio Holder for the Beacon Museum, Coun Steven Morgan, said: "This app is a fantastic way to make a day out at Whitehaven and the Beacon an even more fun and interesting experience.

"You could meet Dr William Brownrigg, who attended to patients for decades in Whitehaven, or Hugh Lowther – The Yellow Earl who had a penchant for the colour yellow and devoted his wealth to a life of ostentatious pleasure."

There are three trails on the app:

*Discover Whitehaven Harbour
*In and Around Whitehaven
*Explore West Cumbria

The first two trails are walking trails. Their length is defined by the user, but on average they might last around an hour. Users can choose how much to interact with the 'discover points' and spend time enjoying the areas of interest.

The Explore West Cumbria trail is aimed more at people travelling in cars or on public transport. They can stop off at points of interest stretching from Millom in the south of the borough to Moresby's Roman fort, north of Whitehaven.

Coun Morgan added: "You can also capture photos of family and friends with the historical characters and sign up for future news and events from the Beacon Museum."

The West Cumbria With The Beacon Museum app is available on android and Apple platforms, is easy to use and is completely free.

The museum, on West Strand, Whitehaven, has four floors of exciting interactive exhibits and a programme of changing exhibitions and events. To book a visit or find out more, go to www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk or call 01946 592302.

The Beacon Museum is owned by Copeland Borough Council and managed by a partnership of the council and Sellafield Ltd.