The Beamish Museum

Visit The Beamish Museum, an open-air museum in County Durham. Explore recreated historical settings, ride vintage trams, and experience life in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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Facilities

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Cafe
Parking
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Toilets
The Beamish Museum

The Beamish Museum

The Beamish Museum, located in County Durham, is an award-winning open-air museum that brings the history of North East England to life. Spread across 350 acres, this living museum recreates life in the region during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s, offering a fully immersive experience for visitors. From historic streets to working farms, Beamish allows you to step back in time and experience daily life as it once was.

Visitors can explore authentic period settings, including a 1900s town, complete with shops, a school, and a working pub, as well as a pit village showcasing the region’s coal mining heritage. Costumed staff and live demonstrations make history come alive, whether it’s baking bread in a 1940s farmhouse or riding on a vintage tram. Beamish also hosts seasonal events and activities, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique day out, The Beamish Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its combination of interactive exhibits, beautiful countryside setting, and excellent facilities makes it one of the UK’s most cherished attractions.

Highlights

The 1900s Town

Stroll through a recreated Edwardian town, complete with period shops, a school, and the Sun Inn Pub, all brought to life by costumed interpreters.

The Pit Village

Discover the life of coal miners in the 1900s, with authentic cottages, a chapel, and a working drift mine.

Vintage Transport

Ride on vintage trams and buses, experiencing how people traveled during the early 20th century.

The 1940s Farm

Step into wartime Britain and see how families adapted to life during World War II, complete with rationing and traditional farming techniques.

Plan a Perfect Weekend

Why not make a weekend of it? Explore Nearby Attractions. Scroll to zoom in or out on map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about The Beamish Museum? We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you uncover the highlights and visitor essentials.

What is The Beamish Museum?

The Beamish Museum is an open-air museum in County Durham that recreates life in the North East during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Is admission to the museum free?

No, there is an admission fee, but tickets often include unlimited return visits for a year.

What can I see at The Beamish Museum?

Visitors can explore a 1900s town, a 1940s farm, a pit village, and much more, all brought to life with costumed staff and demonstrations.

Are there Facilities on-site?

Yes, the museum includes restrooms, gift shops, and multiple dining options, including the Sun Inn Pub and a 1950s-style café.

What other attractions are nearby?

Nearby attractions include Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the Bowes Museum.

Nearby Attractions

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