Visiting with a Care Home

Visiting with a Care Home?

As Beamish is a large Open Air Museum, which can sometimes mean visits can be very tiring and challenging for care home residents and staff, we have created Orchard Cottage.  Here we can offer the uniqueness of Beamish but in the one cosy, comfortable place and create a session just for you!

Orchard Cottage

This cosy cottage, based at our 1940s farm, has been adapted to make it wheelchair accessible, but while keeping all the familiar surroundings, sounds and smells, that make a visit to Orchard Cottage so special.  The cottage is full to the brim with original pieces, from a real coal fire, piano, lots of ‘nik naks’ and of course the all important tea pot, complete with tea cosy, to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade toast together.   Everything can be touched, used, and enjoyed.  Popular activities include baking, music, gardening, reminiscence and art.

Orchard Cottage has its own accessible parking space too, suitable for minibuses, so there is very little walking to get to the cottage.   There is also an accessible toilet inside.  Groups can book a half day session for between 3-5 residents and additional carers or family members for £50.

This cost does not include entry to the Museum.  If you would like to visit the rest of the Museum during your visit then an additional admission fee is charged per person.  We would also advise you to view our Access Information before visiting to help plan your visit.  As Orchard Cottage is at Home Farm, there is a steep slope to get to the nearest bus stop for the other areas in the Museum.  Feedback from some of the Care Homes who have visited recently have said they felt that a visit to Orchard Cottage was far more enjoyable and relaxing for the residents than trying to get around the whole Museum during a visit.

To find out more and to book a session please contact michellekindleysides@beamish.org.uk or 0191 3704050.

Loans boxes

Click here to find out more on how you can prepare your very own loans box.

Workshops for carers

We run regular skills workshops for staff and volunteers who support and care for older people and people living with dementia.  Click here to find out more.

Business Friends of Beamish for Care Providers

We have developed a membership scheme specifically for care providers in the region.  Click here to find out more.