Arriving at Beamish was a warm welcome to the past

We recently decided to dust off our history books and took a step back in time at Beamish Museum in County Durham. We’d been promising Little C this adventure for ages. He was desperate to explore the corners we’d missed last time, and I was keen to see the new additions. The day was filled with learning, but it made us realise that childhood for us feels a long way off.

From the moment we arrived, we were swept into another era. Beamish Museum, famous for its immersive, open-air exhibits, did not disappoint. The place showcases life in North East England across the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s. Stepping through the cobbled streets felt like wandering straight onto a Catherine Cookson film set. Every building, every costume, every carefully staged detail oozed authenticity. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Old-fashioned sweets tempted your senses. It was enough to make you believe you’d actually stepped into the past.

What to wear: dressing for a day at Beamish

A quick word on what to wear because, trust me, this isn’t a museum you tiptoe through. Beamish sprawls across a generous chunk of County Durham. It has cobbled streets and grassy fields. There’s more walking than I’d bargained for when I put on my “just a short stroll” mindset. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. We all stuck with trainers, which survived the day admirably, and kept my Achilles from staging a protest.

Layers are your friend. County Durham weather is unpredictable. It switches from sun to drizzle faster than Little C can ask “Are we there yet?” Bring a light jacket. Keep a jumper tucked into your bag. Perhaps even carry a waterproof layer if the clouds look suspicious. This will see you through. Hats are essential on sunny days. Sunscreen is also important. You don’t want to come home looking like a lobster in midlife crisis mode.

For a little extra fun, add a vintage twist. It may add Instagram cred if that’s your thing, though I make no promises. Flat caps, scarves, or a quirky hat help you blend into the cobbled streets. They make you look like you’ve stepped out of a 1900s photograph.

Little explorers: keeping an eight-year-old entertained

Beamish is a goldmine for children. It is especially appealing to those around eight, like Little C. They are full of curiosity, energy, and the occasional sugar-induced squeal. Here’s what had our young adventurer utterly captivated:

• Exploring the 1900s Town: Cyrus practically disappeared into the sweet shop. Watching sugar being pulled and shaped into perfect strips was mesmerising enough, but tasting the results? Pure heaven. The old-fashioned trams and buses were another magnet for his imagination. He bombarded me with endless questions about how they worked. I silently applauded the engineers of yesteryear. I tried not to roll my eyes at his boundless energy. There’s something charming about seeing a child step into a bygone era. They genuinely picture life as it once was.
• Getting hands-on at the 1940s Farm: The farm is a hands-on delight. Pigs, chickens, and wartime kitchens kept Cyrus happily busy while giving a glimpse of history that doesn’t feel like history. Ration books and old appliances engaged him. Interactive activities like feeding animals or trying out wartime recipes kept him curious. He was occasionally plotting how to smuggle a piglet home. This part of Beamish is perfect for kids who like to touch, poke, and experience, rather than just look.
• Riding the Beamish Tramway: No visit to Beamish would be complete without a ride on the vintage tram. There’s something utterly charming about the clattering wheels, the open-air breeze adds to the charm. You feel as if you’re moving through history rather than just the museum. Cyrus fully embraced the fantasy. He pretended he was off to some faraway town. I secretly marvelled at how entertaining simple, old-fashioned transport can still be. It reminds you life doesn’t always need screens and apps to feel magical.
• Playing traditional games at the 1950s Welfare Hall: Next stop: the Welfare Hall, a veritable playground of the past. Little C loved the hoops, marbles, and old-school board games, all wonderfully devoid of Wi-Fi or batteries. Watching him concentrate so hard on rolling a hoop made me nostalgic. Fun used to be as simple as tossing a ring or flicking a marble. There’s also a small cinema under construction, which promises even more retro charm for future visitors.
• Pony rides and carousels: Cyrus also adored the fairground section. The traditional carousel, lavishly decorated in classic fairground style, proved irresistible. There was squealing, spinning, and a slight sense of vertigo. This is all highly recommended for anyone who wants a brief dose of childhood exhilaration without actually being eight again.
• Venturing into the Drift Mine: And then came the drift mine, a highlight that brought family history to life. Donning hard hats, we followed a former miner into the cool, shadowy tunnels. Cyrus listened to tales of coal dust, cramped spaces, and relentless work. These stories gave him a vivid sense of the toughness of colliery life. For me, it hit even closer to home. I’m the granddaughter of a colliery under manager who spent 45 long years underground. He endured the miners’ strikes (least said about those, the better). Sadly, he died of lung cancer, likely due to decades of coal dust. Walking through those tunnels, I could almost feel his resilience echoing in the walls. I shared this feeling with my own child. I hope he now senses how challenging life could be in the pit.

Lunch at the Tea Rooms: a vintage pause

We later retired to the museum’s Tea Rooms. It was a cosy spot. The Tea Rooms could easily double as a time capsule. Mismatched china, vintage décor, and the comforting aroma of traditional British fare made it a perfect pit stop. Cyrus went for fish and chips, naturally following up with a generous slice of Victoria sponge. Meanwhile, I nursed a cup of tea. I savoured a rare moment of calm. Secretly, I judged the number of sweets he’d consumed before lunch. We sat there and watched the world drift by in its old-fashioned charm. This moment gave us both a chance to pause and allowed us to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Reflections on a Memorable Day

Cyrus couldn’t stop talking about all he had learned and experienced. The visit to Beamish Museum was more than just a fun day out. It was an educational journey. It brought history to life for our family. We left with a deeper appreciation for the past. We also had a newfound curiosity about the lives of those who came before us.

How to get to Beamish

By Car: Beamish is well signposted from the A1(M), just 8 miles southwest of Newcastle upon Tyne, with ample parking available on-site.

By Public Transport: Regular bus services from Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, and Sunderland drop you off at the museum’s entrance.

By Train: Nearest stations are Durham and Newcastle. From there, catch a bus or take a short taxi ride to Beamish.