Beamish

Educational Activities

For a little extra cost, you can enrich and enhance your school’s visit to Beamish by booking an educational activity. All activities last approximately one hour. For more information and to book a session contact the Beamish Education Team, education@beamish.org.uk or telephone 0191 370 4011

Model Engineers

As a boy George Stephenson made model engines from clay. He grew up to become the father of the railways. Come to the Waggonway at Beamish and be inspired to build your own clay engine in the setting George would have experienced.

Building on the History Curriculum, a famous person from history – accompanying CD is available.

KS 1 – £35 per half class

We ARE Amused !

Explore the world of Victorian entertainment.
For KS 1 – Play with a range of Victorian Toys.
For KS 2 – Make a thaumatrope and zoetrope or make a shadow puppet play using the ‘Lambton Worm’ as inspiration.

“To the past - and beyond”

KS 1, 2 - £50 per class

Victorian Lesson

Don’t blot your copybook

The very best way to learn what school was like for Victorian children. Step back in time to a Board School to use dip pens, ink, blotting paper or slates during an authentic recreation of education long ago.

“Always start with a clean slate”

KS 1, 2 – £45 per class

Pit Cottage

Cobbles to coal dust

Hands-on experience of how hard life was 100 years ago, in a real miner’s cottage.

“Poss those clothes, sweep that floor, everyone lends a hand in here !”

KS 1, 2 – £35 per half class

Pockerley Manor

To the manor born

Make candles, use quills, prepare biscuits and much more ! Beautiful Pockerley Manor provides children with the opportunity to experience the lives of 1820s scullery boys and girls.

“Don’t burn your candle at both ends”

KS 1, 2 – £60 per class

Victorian Crafts

Settle down in the warm and cosy Home Farm kitchen and get to grips with a range of traditional Victorian crafts with a seasonal flavour. And the best bit of it all – taking something you’ve made away with you.

“There’s no place like home”

KS 1, 2 – £60 per class

Promenade and Picnic

A Victorian walk in the countryside. Children experience a guided walk with activities through an area of the museum not normally accessible to visitors. Activities include storytelling, framing the landscape and making postcards.

KS 1, 2 – £50 per class (April to October only)

Evacuees

Have your class evacuated to Home Farm !
Preparing for war at Beamish. A unique opportunity to explore the changing feelings and experiences of children who were taken from their homes to safety in the countryside as the spectre of war loomed….

KS 2 – £60 per class (November to March only)

Murder Mystery

There's a dead body in The Railway Station! Use your detective skills to find the clues. Quiz the townpeople, they will be able to tell you who, what, when, where and how. A great way to develop thinking skills, a fun way to find out about town life.

KS 2, 3 - £50 per class

King of the Rails

Feel the thrill of the competition as the four great engineers campaign against each other in a bid to decide who should be declared 'King of the Rails'. Your campaign team will need to show enthusiasm, originality, flair and dedication if they are to be successful when it comes to the vote.