Christmas at Beamish Opens!
If you were in Durham City Centre last Saturday morning, you may have seen a very jolly chap making his way through the Market Place on a very different mode of transport...
Father Christmas' reindeer were having a day off, so he and his Edwardian helper travelled by 1923 Sentinel Steam Waggon to Palace Green, before stopping to greet shoppers.
Father Christmas and his helper then travelled to Beamish Museum by bus, (the 128 to be precise!) which runs hourly from Durham Rail and Bus Stations every Saturday, directly to the Museum entrance.
If you travel by bus, you can get a 25% discount on your admission to Beamish by showing your bus ticket when purchasing your annual pass!
Father Christmas then caught the Y7 steam locomotive to Rowley Station, and then, in our replica Armstrong Whitworth car joined a fabulous parade of of vintage bicycles, cars, and steam engines through the Town Street. The parade was accompanied by music from Spennymoor Town Band.
The procession paused next to the Town Christmas Tree, and Father Christmas welcomed visitors and declared Christmas at Beamish open!
With lights a'twinkiling, carol singers carolling, and the Market stalls brimming with Christmas goodies, the atmosphere was wonderfully festive with some very excited children!
Christmas at Beamish
Father Christmas then made his way to his magical fireside Grotto at Pockerley Waggonway, where he will be every weekend until Christmas, and from Tuesday 20th December to Saturday 24th December.*
Christmas weekend visitors can also take a spin on the real ice-rink in the Pit Village* and enjoy the Edwardian Christmas decorations in the Pit Cottages.
At Home Farm the fires were blazing to warm the cockles. The farmer's wife was hard at work in the kitchen baking a delicious Victorian Christmas cake, while at Pockerley Old Hall visitors can see how the Georgians celebrated Christmas and decorated their houses with festive greenery.
Every weekend from 19th November-2nd January, and from Tuesday 20th - Saturday 24th December. Click here to find out more about Christmas at Beamish.