Beamish, the Living Museum of the North — Attraction in Urpeth

A lovely day out but quite a lot of money if you only go once. The season ticket lasts for 12 months but not so great for tourists who are only able to visit once in that time. We are lucky not to live miles away and so we will be able to make use of it.

We arrived on opening time, left at closing time and didn’t see everything. I would say a good 2-3 visits of careful planning would cover just about everything.

The kids loved the tram ride but were a bit disappointed the train station wasn’t open due to repairs that are scheduled to be completed by next spring/summer.

Going down in to the old mine was a good experience, not recommended if you get claustrophobic in small spaces… especially when they turn all the lights out.

I loved the old school!

The cobbled roads and the old shops and houses were full of atmosphere in the 1900’s town. Some of the Christmas bits were up when we visited but hope to go again a bit nearer Christmas to get the real effect. We didn’t go in all of the shops but we did go in the sweet shop as it smelt amazing! I was expecting wonderful delights. Bought some chocolate… was rather disappointed if I’m honest. My husband and I agreed it was very hard, shiny and no flavour. Our 5 year old daughter who would live off chocolate given the chance didn’t even finish her chocolate lolly; she didn’t like it!!! I loved the house where the lady was baking cookies… they smelt so good and the open fire in the kitchen was so atmospheric. I wanted to go in and bake with her!

1950’s town was effective and nice to see. The shops were pretty spot on, kids enjoyed making some craft bits in one of the houses. However, the houses from the outside are a sight I’ve seen a lot of, even over the past few years and so I can’t say that this area was my personal favourite area in the museum; the interiors were quite interesting though.

The steam fair had a carousel as well as a few other bits. Unfortunately, after spending £71 for our family of 4 to get in we couldn’t afford 10 tokens for £20 for a few rides.

The staff were amazing! Our little boy’s batteries ran out in his camera and so my husband asked if there was anywhere on site that sold them. He searched the whole site for some and came back with a no but had rummaged some batteries from out of other devices in order to ensure our son could take all his pictures.

All in all it was a great visit. The only thing I felt let it down a little was some of the pricing. I understand everything is becoming more expensive and the cost of keeping these quality places open is costly, I can’t however warrant paying £50 for 2 cuddly bears. £24.99 each, 2 kids… sorry, not happening. Next time would be nice to try the bakers and the old fashioned pharmacy as I’ve read the pharmacy has some nice items.

I would recommend taking packed lunches and snacks… especially if you have little ones with you. Queues for food can take a time and it’s a long day exploring.

One thing I really loved was that dogs are allowed and are made to feel so welcome. Our dogs are like our additional children and so we always take them with us wherever we can. Staff made a real fuss of them and there were dog bowls full of...

I have wanted to visit Beamish for over 30 years and finally got to go last Friday. Buying tickets online was simple - we stayed in Gateshead and made the short drive to be there for as soon as it opened.

I would certainly advise doing this, to anyone visiting as the car parks were already filling up and there were already quite large queues to enter (both on the pre booked tickets and pay on the day). That being said, the staff were very efficient and we were soon able to enter the museum itself.

It was a glorious day and pretty busy, we managed to visit some quieter parts first, by going to the ones that were furthest away initially.

We didn't use the transport as we are used to doing a lot of walking - please note the area encapsulated by the museum is HUGE (we covered around 10 miles walking - we did re-visit a few parts and were there from 10am until 4.45pm )

We both absolutely LOVED our whole experience. The houses and streets, the farms, the scenery, there is just SO much to see and do and is lovely and immersive.

We ate sausage and chips which were gorgeous (long queue but so worth it) and also had cake and coffee in the tea rooms.

Everything is beautifully kept, bins are emptied continuously so everything is lovely and clean and tidy.

I would say, weekends and school holidays are probably exceptionally busy and might be best avoided.

I would also probably say that this isn't particularly an attraction suited to youngsters (although there is a fairground and a playground and plenty to see, very little ones will likely not understand the history of the various exhibits so may get bored.

The 1900s street and the 1950s street were by far the busiest however, we visited those just after lunch time (VERY BUSY) then again around 4pm (practically deserted)

We thought that the price of the tickets was exceptional value for the amount of things there was to do, and the fact we were kept busy and entertained for a whole day. Especially as we can go back for free, anytime over the next year. I've seen some people moaning about the price of the tickets but honestly I thought they were great value for a full day out, with so much to see. I guess if you don't care much for history then it wouldn't be for you.

It's just utterly charming and fascinating to be able to immerse yourself in the history - to go into the houses, the cinema, the shops etc. Buy things in the sweet shop, the chip shop and the bakery etc.

I kind of think anyone who didn't enjoy it is either: Not really interested in history Too young to understand Went when it was too busy

So pick your time to go wisely and consider whether little ones will get as much out of it...

This past weekend, my wife, our three teenage children, and I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. I can honestly say it was one of the most unique family days out we’ve ever had.

From the moment we arrived, we felt transported back in time. Beamish isn't just a museum; it's a living, breathing celebration of the North East’s rich history. Every corner of the massive location was bursting with authenticity, from the bustling 1900s Town to the charming 1940s Farm. The staff — dressed impeccably in period costume — were not just informative, but truly brought history to life. Their passion and friendliness added a depth to the experience that no ordinary museum could replicate.

Our children, theoretically past museum-going age, were absolutely captivated. They loved hopping aboard the vintage trams and buses. They even marvelled at the old-fashioned sweet shop (where, naturally, we indulged)! Seeing real blacksmiths, bakers, and printers hard at work using traditional methods was just remarkable. Our highlights included visiting the 1900s Pit Village and the incredible 1950s town, complete with its newly opened welfare hall and houses. Each area felt so alive and meticulously crafted, it was like stepping into a time machine. The attention to detail was just outstanding.

What really stood out for me, however, was the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone we met. The team at Beamish clearly love what they do, and it shows. They made us feel not like visitors, but like honoured guests in their historic world. Practicalities were also spot on — parking was easy and free, facilities were clean and well-signposted, and the food options were varied and reasonably priced, with delicious traditional treats on offer.

In short, Beamish is an absolute treasure. It offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and pure joy for all ages. We left with our hearts full, our minds enriched, and a strong desire to return (tickets are valid for the year). It’s a place that doesn’t just tell you about history — it lets you live it. Can’t wait for our next visit.

So if you find yourselves up North, make sure you go. Be prepared to spend the day there, it's that good. Consider booking ahead and, big piece of advice — you will want to take a family portrait — make sure you book ahead. It is truly a...