Accessibility

Beamish is a large open air museum with many historic buildings, some of which are not always completely accessible to visitors.

A copy of our access information document with detailed access information on each area of the museum can be downloaded by clicking here.

Flash player 9 or above required to view the slide show. 

Beamish is a hands-on museum. Many sounds, smells, tastes and textures can be experienced; and objects, surfaces and textiles handles making for a multi-sensory experience.

To create an authentic feel, there are a variety of ground surfaces, some of which are uneven by nature. There are steep slopes in places, and some buildings and exhibits have stepped access.

If a visitor over the age of 5 with a disability requires someone to accompany them in a caring capacity to enable them to carry out a successful visit, then the carer is admitted free of charge.

Free wheelchair hire is available. As numbers are limited, please contact the museum in advance to reserve and avoid disappointment: 0191 370 4000 (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9am-4.30pm).

Visitors using motorised wheelchairs or scooters should use the pathways and not the roads around the museum. Please note we are not able to hire out motorised wheelchairs.

Accessible Bus: J2007 looks exactly like a single deck Northern bus from the First World War years, but is fully accessible for all visitors with a rear wheelchair lift and space for up to four wheelchairs inside.

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum.

Free accessible parking is at the lowest level of our car park to the left of the Entrance Building. There are ramps into the Entrance Building and at the rear of the building providing access to the Museum site.

There are accessible toilets and baby changing facilities within the following areas:

• The Entrance Building - Unisex accessible toilets, Baby and adult changing facilities also available.
• The Town - Unisex Accessible toilets in Masonic Hall. Accessible Toilets and baby changing facilities in tram shelter and Tea Rooms.
• Pockerley Old Hall - Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
• Pockerley Waggonway - Accessible toilets only.
• Home Farm (The Cart Shed) - Accessible toilets only.
• The Pit Village and Colliery Yard (Lamp Cabin) Accessible toilets.
• Regional Resource Centre - Accessible toilets only.

Information for dog owners: Dogs are welcome at Beamish but must be kept on a lead at all times. Only assistance dogs are allowed into any of the buildings (except the Entrance Building) or into the catering areas.

Within historic areas we have files of photographs and information which can be viewed by visitors unable to access an exhibit.

Induction loop systems are installed in the following exhibits of the Town: The Sun Inn, The Garage, Barclays Bank, Number 2 and 3 Ravensworh Terrace, The Co-op, The Masonic Hall, the Sweet Shop and the Print Shop.

Our staff undertake disability equality training and seek to provide honest, helpful advice.

Admission concessions are available for groups of disabled people. Please telephone the Bookings Team on 0191 370 4026 for more information.