Step back in time to see for yourself what life was like in the North East at Beamish, one of Durham’s hottest tourist attractions.
Beamish is a living and working open-air museum which transports you back to the 1820s, 1910s and 1940s to celebrate the region’s rich heritage, brought to life by people dressed in authentic costumes.
A great attraction to centre on your break to Durham and the North East, with ticket admission and hotel accommodation included as part of your package deal with National Holidays.
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Beamish Living Museum
Telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s through exceptional actors, original buildings and a huge collection of artefacts, here are a few of our favourite things to do and see at this spectacular open air museum:
1900s Town
Jubilee Confectioners - immerse yourself in the smells and tastes of the past with a visit to the local sweet shop! From sherbet lemons to cinder toffee, this is the perfect place for anyone with a sweet tooth.
1950s Town
Elizabeth’s Hairdresser’s - look the part by getting a 1950s hairstyle, and have your photo taken under the dryers from Beamish’s collection!
Rowley Station
This station was the first relocated building to be opened at the museum. See Rowley Station as it looked in Edwardian times and enjoy a look around the signal box, waiting rooms and goods yards with a variety of waggons on display.
1900s Pit Village
Francis Street Cottages - originally built in Hetton-le-Hole in the early 1860s, 6 of the original row of 27 homes were moved to the museum and rebuilt in 1976. Explore this terrace of miners’ cottages, and don’t forget to look for the communal bread oven in the back lane.
Beamish Tramway & Vintage Buses
Not only will the trams and buses provide you with an essential means of transport across the 300-acre site, but they also recreate the experience of tramway and motor bus operations of yesteryear.
1820s Pockerley
Pockerley Old Hall & Gardens - Visit the ‘old house’, which dates back to at least the 1440s and roam the beautiful terraced gardens that feature Georgian-era plants, herbs and vegetables.