Beamish, the Living Museum of the North in County Durham

Had an absolutely brilliant time at Beamish.

Would recommend any day of the week full of interesting places. Not to mention the old sweet store, bakery and the fish and chips 😄

First time back in well over 10 years, it grown enormously since our first visit back then, the buses going round the huge site anticlockwise every 20mins is a brilliant idea, so much to see, I’d recommend going midweek and out of school holidays 👍

Not amazing but definitely worth it because its different from the usual attractions

Fantastic! The entry fee covers a years entry. We visited over two days. Lots to see. Walk or jump on the old style buses and trams for free. Nice traditional ale and bitter available at the 1950's style pub and at one of the farm buildings.

A great day out. Lots to see and do. The staff were amazing.

After so many visits, it never fails to impress. Such a unique and special place.

Fabulous day out with the family. There is a lot to do and see, great for all ages.

It was cold and a bit damp when we visited, plus the trams weren't running, but l really enjoyed my trip here. Glad I came mid week though, as I can imagine it gets very busy in the holidays or at weekends. I particularly liked looking in the houses and chatting to the volunteers. You could easily spend several days looking around as its a large site with different exhibits, with farms, a pit plus village as well as 1900 and 1950s towns, complete with shops and a cinema. We watched a 1954 Pathe news film in the cinema. We also had a freshly baked sausage roll from the bakers. I believe that you can get fish n chips from the shop as well as hand made sweets! There is a large tea room plus a cafe at the entrance. You can also hire a buggy to drive around in if you're disabled.

Absolutely outstanding day out for everyone, of any age. It would be almost impossible to see everything on offer here in a single day but luckily, the tickets are valid for a year so you can go back to see everything you missed the first time at no extra cost. Entering the Mine is an absolute must if you're not claustrophobic. I couldn't recommend this place more for multiple days out when the weather is good.

As an experience, this is hard to beat. A sprawling site filled with various time periods with vintage transport to get you around. I think if you get a nice day with lower crowds and switched-on staff- this is an absolute show stopper however it does have a few flaws. First, to the site. It's separated into distinct areas which are mainly: the newer 1950's town, 1900's town, the pit and colliery, Home Farm, 1820's Manor and railway works. There are lots of experiences on offer from a demonstration train ride on Puffing Billy to one-off craft experiences, the popular pit tour and more however it does depend on time of year so if there's something you're desperate to see- double check it's open/running! I really liked the 1900's town, very detailed and I think the re-enactors were very good here! There's a range of shops and some like the photography studios do sell a service while others are just for looking. I found the mining village really interesting too but (Puffing Billy aside) there wasn't as much interaction which is a shame as this is a part with real ties to the region. On our visit there were no trams so we just had the buses to get around. They were very frequent but I did find that by the middle of the day as visitor numbers increased, the buses were already full and if no one gets off- no one can get on. It wasn't that busy so I can imagine that in the height of summer, this is a real issue. Food wise, there are a few places to go. The chip shop in 1950's town was a really popular one with queues out the door. We went to John's Cafe where they do sandwiches and milkshakes- the food was really yummy and they have these cute little booths too! Be aware, there's not much seating though! The other main indoor area to eat is The Tea Room which is in the 1900's area up a walkway by the park. If you are at a busier time and they are full, there's also a cafe at the entrance too which may be quieter. I think this is an area which does cause problems, the site can take a large amount of visitors and at peak season, there isn't enough seating on site for customers (it wants something like an Ace Cafe between the areas!) Overall, we had a really lovely time and saw a lot (but definitely not all!)- very excited to see what's next for Beamish! The tickets are valid for a year so you can come back (entry process is a little slower as they have to take your photo too!). One thing to note is phone signal is very patchy (mine was nearly non-existent) and while there is wifi, with everyone trying to use it it can be extremely slow.

Really enjoyed our day out at Beamish. The staff are very friendly and helpful giving you a real feel of being in that part of history. The shops had some lovely souvenirs too. It's well worth coming but it is better to book online and get here early to avoid the worst of the queues.

It is recommended to reserve a lot of time for the visit. If you visit carefully, you can spend about 1 hour in each small area. I didn’t finish shopping today, but the ticket is a one-year pass, so I’ll come back next time.

Great day out and going back again tomorrow. Not quite 5 stars but very close. A lot of walking and some steps, we saw some elderly folk struggling but the staff were on hand to help.

So much to see and not enough time in 1 day. Worth getting the annual pass. We live about 2 hours away but will definitely go back in the summer.

Good day out plenty to see. We visited midweek outside of school holidays - no queues.

If I could write a book about the whole experience , it would take a while. We have visited the whole nine yards. Staying at the Beamish hall hotel. I, we. Have to say absolutely 100%. We have another visit to do. I think regardless. If you are on the Go. Absolutely fabulous. Sorry, I'm waffling. GO SEE IT.

Great day with my wee doggy ,weather was beautiful,thoroughly enjoyed the experience and very well rin with very enthusiastic and trained staff.

Really interesting place for all ages. Guides are very friendly and interesting to talk to.

What an amazing place this is, expect to spend all day here. There is food on site a special mention has to be the choice of 2 excellent fish n chip shops not that bad price either. Travel on different modes of transport. Go down a mine. Fun Fair. Lots of toilets. Staff are great and play their roles given very well. Gift shop. If you want to visit the sweet shop head there asap. Expect to Q' for most things 20/40min. Have and fun and go back in time.

Great place to visit for a taste of history and nostalgia, this place is huge! We were lucky to have a lovely sunny march day, and wondered in and out of buildings from the 1900s and 1950s everywhere we walked the employees talked to you with great enthusiasm for this mock mining town, we learnt so much, shame the trams were not working as being serviced but still enjoyed the old buses to transport you to various points of the site, we could have spent much longer there than we did! Excellent value for money!

Very nice place to visit so was the cafe!! A bonus was that "Peaky Blinders " was filmed there .

You forgot that you were in a museum. A perfect place to explore and see how they used to live. Enough transportation and smooth walking for everyone.

Brilliant day out well worth a visit going again with my grandchildren very soon

Hadn’t realised how big this place is. Had a great time. Did a lot of walking. Wasn’t too impressed with the chocolate though.

I'll always love this place. I've loved Beamish museum since I was a bairn. I have added a pic of my spiced apple cake, oh my days it was good.

A excellent day out .could not get round in the time I was there need to visit again

Being going years since it was opened when I was a kid , but I especially love the 1950s town .

great experience! absolutely worth the 1 hour bus ride from newcastle!

Brilliant place for all ages ! Ride the old buses & electric trolly buses around the grounds, from farming homes to pit villages, different periods of time right up to a 1950’s area! Totally fascinating place!

Overall very good, thankfully we went on a quiet day so didn’t really have to queue for anything. Prices inside are fairly expensive but no more than you’d expect really

We visiting for Science Week but quite 3 to 4 times a year. I highly recommend visiting Beamish if you are visiting the region. It’s huge and you can spend the day there, and learn so much and local History too. I am from France living in Newcastle and when my friends and family visit us, I always take them to Beamish.

This was our 3rd visit. Absolutely love it! Firstly it is such a very well thought out experience as you are taken through the years. Secondly the way the staff 'live' in the character makes the whole place come alive. Going into someone's house or workplace and hearing them chat about what life was like is amazing. Highly recommend! This time we also tried lunch and a pint in the Tavern. The staff serving were lovely, as was the food and drink.

Very interesting, unusual and extensive. Many things were fascinating. Shame the trams and steam train weren’t operating though. Would like to have seen more interpretation of the farms and more attention given to the wool industry - more varieties of sheep and cattle with information on their importance to sustainability and the economy.

A living museum taking you back in time in all aspects from homes and businesses and transport from the nineteen hundreds. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff in clothes of the time. A great place to visit.

Fantastic living museum with so much to see and experience. A full day out and more.

Incredible museum, couldn't see everything in one day. Will definitely be coming back!

Always a wonderful day out. Who said fun is just for children? We visited the 1950's village and a ride on the carousel. We bought goods from the bakery and sweets from the confectionery shop, well it has to be done! Thank you for a great day again. We are lucky to live in the North East and able to visit more than once a year.

Second visit. Loved it. Went in December, when there was a wonderful Christmas's atmosphere. Felt like a real piece of history, as if we were there in the past. With most staff/volunteers in full costume of the time and station/role they represent and some fully immersed in their characters, it really added to the fabulous experience. Loved reminiscing in the stores, the old police House and flats. So much to see and do. Would highly recommend the fish and chips in the pit Village. Seriously the best we've tasted. There are vintage, authentic busses circling the vast area of the living museum, however, we chose to walk to as many areas as we could. It's a push to see all of it in one visit, so, the tickets, which are valid for a whole year are absolutely fantastic value. Already looking forward to another visit in the summer.

Absolutely fantastic step back in time for the day

Great to have a day walking and listening to the band, seeing old houses etc

Amazing place, a must see. I drove for six hours to visit and it was worth every minute.

Great day out. You will need a 2nd day to see it all.

Love the new 50's section. Far more to see and do than you can fit into one day - good job the tickets give you unlimited access for a year!

Fab. Take a packed lunch if you want there are plenty of places to sit, long queues for fish and chips but the bakery wasn't too bad. Unfortunately the trams weren't running but they had bus replacement which were very regular. We did not have long enough there to see everything so leave yourself a good 6 hours if you can. So many things to see, lovely reminders of the past, so many houses to go in and look around. The day ticket can be used for 12 months if you ask....Well they offered it, definitely needs a revisit. We were blessed with good weather, I can't imagine it being as enjoyable in the wind and rain!

One of my favourite North East days out, though things inside the museum can work out a little pricey if you go eat and get drinks for a family. Great place for a summer picnic though, and the new 50s town is really cool especially the cinema and toy shop.

We visited Beamish Museum yesterday and had an absolutely fantastic time, thanks to their special science event run by Newcastle University. It was such a brilliant experience for both adults and children! There were loads of hands-on experiments, and the students running the activities were so knowledgeable, patient, and engaging. They had a real gift for explaining complex ideas in simple, fun ways that got the kids excited about science. We tried light spectroscopy, decoded Morse code, learnt how medicine is made, tested our taste buds with different sugars, and even took part in a smell test—our kids scored 100%! One of the highlights was the DIY photography station where they developed their own picture, which they were so proud of. A special thank you as well to the Beamish staff member who spoke to us in detail about Morse code—he was incredibly knowledgeable, answered all our questions, and was so lovely with the children. We visit Beamish regularly, but this has definitely been one of the most enjoyable days we’ve had there. Fingers crossed they run more events like this in the future—it was a perfect mix of fun and learning!

Great day out. Good value as ticket is an annual pass

Always a great day out, lovely place to walk around no matter the time of year, plenty of places for food (fish and chips) and drinks!

Brilliant day out. There from when it opened to when it closed. Great day out. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Will be better when trams are running! 1940s/1950s bus replacements were very good though.

Very good experience! Beautiful time travel!

Well worth a visit. Lots to see and experience across a wide spectrum of periods in time. Particularly liked the 1900s fair and 1950s cinema. Will definitely go again if only to experience the pit village mine underground.

Great day out for anyone, a visit back in time of mining days. Beamish has plenty of free parking and good ♿ access Allow a full day

Awesome place, so much to see and do. The mine, the pub, that fairground, all great. I'll definitely be back to finish exploring.

Great place with lots to do and see. Great value for money.

Great place to visit even if you have been before evry part is interesting

As ever we had a lovely visit to Beamish Museum. All staff, without exception, are lovely, friendly and know their subject. There is absolutely loads to take in and it always takes me back to my childhood, whether it be an old washing machine with a wringer or a lovely old bus. Lots to see, loads of memories!

Great fun for all the family. Staff very nice.

What can I say? WOW. It's the best attraction there is. We didn't realise how big it was, so had to do a return visit. We went twice last year. I am glad we did as the 1950s section opened up. I highly recommend a visit here, but spend the weekend, you won't be disappointed. Pay a visit to the chip shop, the fish and chips were proper nice. Great staff and tons to see and do. Hop on and off the old buses and trams. Beamish is amazing 👏 We visited May and August 2024

Always love visiting this place think it the best living museum in the UK. Was looking forward to fish and chips from Davy's but sadly it was closed so had some from Middletons in the new 1950's village but unfortunately found them not to be good, the batter was greasy and soft and the chips were like scraps of bruised potatoes...probably should have complained. Hope Davy's open next time. As for the rest of the museum and day out 5 star..love it

We went on Saturday for International women Day. It was absolutely heaving, no trams on, only a few buses which only went 1 way round and missed town area out. Bakery sold out of nearly everything by 1pm, chippy in pit area closed, so went to the chippy in the 50s town, took over 1 hour to be served because the que was horrendous. Sweet ship que was also horrendous and went down street, round corner and into the stable yard where the horses are kept so we didn't wait in it. Son was gutted. Plane milk from the New milk bar was £1.85 but then £4.50 for a splash of syrup in the milk 🤔 Overall disappointed day.

What a beautiful day to visit Beamish museum, Fri 16/4. Nice weather and due to the Covid regulations it is still rather quiet. All very well organised. Starting with the timed entrance booking and emails with all the information needed to visit.Toilets are open. There is coffee, tea, sweets, cookies for sale. No indoor visits at the moment but still enough to see. March 2024, a cold Saturday morning. Visited the Bakery and bought cookies. We were so early, no queue at all. The cinema is progressing well, new development behind it. Life carries on. And Beamish keeps in touch with what is going on in the world. Glad we've got a pass for a year. Stepping back in time or just stepping into a relaxing time, the thing of Beamish museum is that you choose!

Educational and fabulous immersive experience. Feels like you're stepping back in time. I've gone back to this place time and time again and it's always amazing! Great place to bring family and friends to experience Durham!

Great place for all family to visit never get tired of visiting here

We spent the whole day here and didn’t have time to see everything, so we are planning to return. By the way, purchased tickets are valid for 1 year. How amazing it was to plunge into the lives of people of past periods. The houses looked as if they had come to visit people and they were only gone for a while. In addition, you can get acquainted with the mechanisms used in the coal industry of the century before and last century and go into a coal mine. The place is definitely recommended for visiting.

A taste of yesteryear gone by.... An absolute treat......informative really pleasant staff wearing authentic clothes from their chosen profession assist and make your visit seem as though you really have gone back in time. Various samples of confectionery and soft drinks as well as alcohol from the pub....with lovely food served about the site.... you won't want to leave...... But...there's always next time.

Lovely day out even in the rain The chips from Middletons were absolutely delicious

Wonderful, really lovely day out, lots to see! Fun vintage transport can take around the museum or you can walk, there's different eras such as 1860s, 1910s, 1940s, 1950s and more. Staff are dressed in period costume and are extremely knowledgeable, the information I learned was fascinating and they enjoy chatting. The only draw back were the queues for food, be prepared! There is a cafe at the welcome centre and in the nearest museum exibit but then, as you go further out, there is only a 1950s fish and chip shop and an older period bakery, both look and smell AMAZING but we couldn't get close, queuetimes are so long, you wouldn't have time to get food and see everything. We ended up grabbing some sweets at a stall and missing lunch. Worth while packing some snacks or planning a lunch stop. Other than that the day was great fun and dad didn't stop reminiscing the whole way around, even in the 1800s?! Didn't know he was that old!!

This is a full day experience. There were long queues for the fish and chips, ice cream and the sweet shop. But worth the wait for the hand-made ice cream. The buses are regular at the pick-up points. It's definitely worth a visit. The ticket is valid for one year. If you don't live too far away, it's very good value for money.

Took grandchildren and they loved it, great day out would definitely recommend

First time back for many years but it won't be the last

Interesting village to visit, but better to take some food with you, cause prices are crazy and not yo much to eat except fish and chips and ice cream. Perfect for children interesting for parents

Me & my friend went there on Thursday because the weather was better.

Lots to see and do. The tickets are very good value as you get unlimited entry for a year, definitely needs a few visits to see and do everything. My 4yr old loves the trams and buses. He is train mad but both times I have visited with him the steam train wasn't running, not sure why. The Halloween event was brilliant and although we didn't book to see Santa at Christmas time, we did still get to see him in the streets when we visited in December, and he stopped to say hello and take photos with the children. The fair ground could be more reasonably priced, it's a highlight for the younger kids so it would be nice to get more rides from your money.

My son loves this place every weekend in fact ... he loves puffing billy and the waggon way men are amazing with him knows all there names and they know his

Lovely day out with family lots to see and do will have to return to see it all though

We visited Beamish on the last Friday of the February half term. When we arrived it was extremely busy but we got through quickly enough as we'd booked an annual ticket in advance. It is a pleasant walk around the different areas but we took advantage of the old transport to take us back to the carpark. There are plenty of toilets around. We had a drink in the old pub by the fire and a pasty at the colliery. The volunteers were very friendly and knowledgeable. We look forward to visiting again.

Brilliant, excellent site demonstrating superbly the history of the region. Further demonstrates that to travel back then you had to walk, or use public transport. Great experience! Love the slight hills!

Great place to explore. Expect it to be a full day out, and take drinks/snacks as the queues for the traditional shops are very long. Dogs welcome. However, only a couple of the buildings let you go in with dogs, so someone needs to wait outside with them. Little park at the 1950s town for the kids to play. This was a flying visit for us travelling back home, so we didn't get to see it all, but we will be back when visiting the area as we got an annual pass ticket. Buses and trams help you get around, and we we were allowed to take the dogs on the bus too, which was a bonus after complaints of "tired legs."

Always an enjoyable visit with so much to see, a grand day out for all the family

Absolutely fantastic day out, weather was dry and sunny. Staff were all friendly and helpful, loved the way they are all dressed in period costume. Can't see it all in one day so we will definitely be back before our ticket expires - valid for 1 year which is great value

What a place! If living and social history is your thing then Beamish is your vibe. Amazing attention to detail and recreation of different eras of British history from the 1840s through to the 1950s. Felt that some areas had more to do and see than others with the 1840s and 1950s eras feeling a bit incomplete! But still an amazing place for everyone - young and old alike

Amazing family day out. So much to do for young and old. We visit over 5 times a year from the North West.

Excellent place to visit, full of history, love it there 👍

Amazing place and a wonderful experience , I certainly recommend

Beamish is a magical place. I love visiting here often .halloween was amazing . As was xmas. Great all year round. My favourite place . Staff are amazing and very hardworking. Food is a delight . And being in the north east is a bonus . A must see for everyone

Not worth price today 2 adults and 1 child, as trams not on due to line work,many of cafe/ice-cream places closed, train not working till May .Place looked tired,even though sun was shining.staff were friendly, buses running .

No cars, trams, and the cafe food i found inedible - bland and over boiled vegetables. I would bring a packed lunch unless you want fish n chips. On the positive side, the staff were knowledgeable and approachable with interesting stories to tell.

Don’t visit when the kids are outa school, otherwise a really interesting and informative place to experience how we used to live. Staff are historically well informed and friendly

Honestly one of the best days out you can have, informative and helpful staff and really interesting place to wander around! It can get very busy during school holidays etc, a problem of it's own success.

Great day out and actors were interesting and knowledgeable. Fish and Chips at Pit Village area are fantastic. Cinema at The Grand was also fun!

Great day out. Well worth the ticket price

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Beamish Museum. So much to see and do. 1950s town really good now cinema there. Especially when you have such a glorious day weather wise. Only downside was when paying our admission. We were not asked if we wanted to Gift Aid or not. It wasn't till I looked at my receipt in tearooms that I found I had Gift Aided. Thought the admission staff would ask that question not finding out by looking at receipt.

Loved it despite the rainy weather today. Will definitely be back again when it's drier. Lots to see, enjoyed the school, church, the pit tour, the farm and visiting the shops and different houses. Had to try the coal ice cream! Who knew only the male canaries chirped?!

Fantastic day out, steeped in history

Amazing place,bit busy as last week of school holidays,but had a great time going back in time

Loads of new places to see here, with all the recent additions

Wonderful place with living history of England. We enjoyed the 1900s section and the mining area. The people staffing the exhibits were particularly well versed and informative.

This place is really amazing. Spend the whole day there, a surprise around every corner. Slight negative, 10 am opening time is too late and 5 pm closing is too late, especially in summer.

Great day out for the whole family