Steo back in time with a visit to Beamish Museum.
Beamish is a living, breathing museum, where history is experienced. Walk through historic streets, meet costumed engagers, and watch traditional skills in action.
History comes to life through costumed engagers, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Whether it’s chatting with a 1900s shopkeeper or watching a blacksmith at work, there’s always something new to discover.
Pay once and visit for a whole year FREE of charge, including daytime events so if you’re worried that you won’t be able to fit everything into one day, now you can come back as many times as you like for a whole year!
Beamish was the vision of Dr Frank Atkinson, the Museum’s founder and first director.
Frank had visited Scandinavian folk museums in the early 1950s and was inspired to create an open air museum for the North East. He realised the dramatically-changing region was losing its industrial heritage. Coal mining, ship building and iron and steel manufacturing were disappearing, along with the communities that served them.
Frank wanted the new museum to “illustrate vividly” the way of life of “ordinary people” and bring the region’s history alive. Beamish remains true to his principles today and brings history to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Frank passed away on 30th December 2014.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum which brings the history of North East England to life at its 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1940s Farm, 1950s Town and 1950s Spain’s Field Farm exhibit areas.
And try some fantastic food and drink inspired from the past! From our famous fish and chips at Davy’s to a unique Beamish ale at the Drovers Tavern.
Tim Lichfield at Beamish Museum
My first visit to Beamish Museum had been on my list for years, and somehow it still managed to completely exceed my expectations. I’d heard people describe it as “stepping back in time”, but I didn’t realise just how immersive it would feel until I actually walked through the streets, climbed aboard the old transport and started chatting with the volunteers who bring the whole place to life.
One of the standout moments of the day was meeting 82-year-old Eric at the Pit Village. Within minutes of talking to him, you could tell he had a lifetime of stories and knowledge to share. He took us down into the mine and guided us through what life would’ve been like for miners all those years ago. It wasn’t just informative, it felt personal. Hearing the stories from someone so passionate made the experience unforgettable, and it’s one of those moments that sticks with you long after you leave.
Another highlight was trying out the ‘Booler’ at the 1900s school. In basic terms, it’s a hoop and a stick and was a popular playground game and isn’t that easy to master! Sitting in the old classroom and makes you realise how much has changed over the years. I’m just glad I didn’t get the cane! Beamish has this incredible way of making history feel interactive rather than something you simply read from a sign.
What really impressed me was the scale of the place. Every area feels completely different, and moving through the different eras almost feels like travelling through time. One minute you’re wandering through traditional streets lined with vintage shops and trams, and the next you’re exploring farms, homes and villages from entirely different periods in British history. There’s so much detail everywhere you look that you could probably visit multiple times and still notice something new each trip.
I also decided to try my hand at pottery while I was there, which gave me a whole new appreciation for people who actually know what they’re doing. It turns out making pottery look easy is a real skill in itself. Even so, it was brilliant fun getting involved rather than just watching from the sidelines.
And then there’s the food. One thing you definitely won’t struggle with at Beamish is finding somewhere good to eat or grab a drink. From traditional bakeries and sweet shops to old-fashioned pubs and fish & chips, there’s something around every corner. Even stopping for a quick drink felt like part of the experience because every building stays true to the era around it.
Possibly one of the best things about visiting Beamish is the value for money. Your admission ticket gives you unlimited access for a full year, which honestly makes it feel like a no-brainer. After spending one day there, I can already see why people go back again and again. There’s simply too much to take in during a single visit.
For a first trip, Beamish Museum absolutely delivered. It’s nostalgic, interactive, educational and genuinely entertaining all at once. Whether you’re into history or just looking for a unique day out, it’s the kind of place that surprises you in the best way possible.
