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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North and its collection

Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
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The North of England Open Air Museum, also known as Beamish Museum, is a renowned open-air museum situated in County Durham in the United Kingdom. It was awarded the European Museum of the Year in 1987. The museum is located southwest of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in northeastern England and covers an area of 120 hectares.

Establishment and Operation of Beamish Museum

Established in 1972, the Beamish Museum was created to depict the living and working conditions of the 19th and 20th centuries in Northeast England. The museum is operated by the county and nine of its cities. Approximately 95 percent of the operating costs are covered by the revenues from admission fees, souvenirs, and the sale of the products produced, as well as the Friends of Beamish association founded in 1968.

Building Complexes and Exhibits at Beamish Museum

The Beamish Museum consists of several building complexes, most of which are replicas or originate from the region. The larger part of the facilities depicts life in Northeast England in 1913, while a smaller part is based on life in 1825. The past is vividly represented not only through exhibits but also through costumed actors and historical means of transport.

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NLBeamish: North of England Open Air Museum
DENorth of England Open Air Museum
ITBeamish Open Air Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Open air Historic house Industrial heritage

#21 History & Anthropology in England #12 Historic houses in England #6 Industrial & heritage museums in England #1 Open air museums in England #30 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #19 Historic houses in United Kingdom #10 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #2 Open air museums in United Kingdom #129 Historic houses in Europe #21 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #12 Open air museums in Europe

#21 History & Anthropology in England #12 Historic houses in England #6 Industrial & heritage museums in England #1 Open air museums in England #30 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #19 Historic houses in United Kingdom #10 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #2 Open air museums in United Kingdom #129 Historic houses in Europe #21 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #12 Open air museums in Europe

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Beamish Museum
DH9 0RG Beamish

Images of Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Visitor information Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

31st March – 24th October 2025

More opening hours

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 16£20.00
60+£25.00
Adults£33.00
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children)£55.00
Family (1 Adult + 3 Children)£66.00
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child)£71.00
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)£82.00
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children)£92.00
Students£25.00
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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee

Location & Map

Beamish Museum, Beamish

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Exhibitions

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North Reviews

Beamish - The Living Museum of the North has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Beamish - The Living Museum of the North is an immersive and educational experience that transports visitors back in time to explore the industrial and social history of Northeast England. Located in County Durham, this open-air museum spans 300 acres and features reconstructed buildings and exhibits from the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s.

    Visitors consistently praise the museum for its attention to detail and authenticity. The costumed interpreters who populate the various areas add greatly to the immersive experience, providing insights into daily life from different eras. Many reviewers highlight the tram and bus rides as enjoyable ways to navigate the expansive grounds.

    The recreated town, complete with shops, houses, and a working pub, receives high marks for its realistic depiction of early 20th-century life. The coal mine exhibit is often cited as a standout attraction, offering a sobering look at the region's industrial past. The 1940s farm and the newly added 1950s town are also popular among visitors.

    On the downside, some visitors mention that the museum can get quite crowded during peak seasons, which can detract from the experience. A few reviewers note that the food options, while period-appropriate, can be somewhat limited and pricey. Additionally, the large scale of the museum means that it can be challenging to see everything in a single day, especially for those with mobility issues.

    The museum's seasonal events, such as the Christmas celebrations, are widely acclaimed, though they can lead to increased crowds and higher ticket prices. Some visitors suggest that the museum could benefit from more indoor spaces or covered areas to provide shelter during inclement weather.

    Overall, Beamish offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the region's history, appealing to visitors of all ages. Its mix of education and entertainment, coupled with the opportunity for hands-on experiences, makes it a standout attraction in Northern England.

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