FAQs for Visiting Beamish

We look forward to welcoming you to Beamish!

To find out more about our exhibits and facilities, including catering and toilets, see our visitor map here and our Explore and Discover pages.

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

Opening Times

Last admission is one hour before closing.

What you need to visit Beamish:

• Each person aged five and over needs a valid Beamish Unlimited Pass/Friends of Beamish membership. Adult, child, senior/student and family passes are available. Under 5s do not need a pass/membership. Please note, Beamish Unlimited Passes are non-refundable.

Visitors no longer need timeslots to visit the museum, you will just need your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to come to see us, which you can find out more about here.

Beamish Unlimited Passes and Friends of Beamish memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Please note, Beamish Unlimited Passes and Friends of Beamish memberships are not valid for Evening Events.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continuing support, it really does mean the world to us. Beamish is a charity and 95 per cent of our income is from our visitors, including ticket sales, retail and catering.

I am a carer, how do I get a ticket?

If a disabled visitor requires another person as their carer to allow them to visit the museum, then this carer visits free of charge (and does not need to purchase an Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership).

For more information about accessibility, please visit our Accessibility page www.beamish.org.uk/accessibility.

What if I have a gift voucher?

You will be able to redeem your gift voucher at our Entrance when you arrive.

If you have a query about gift vouchers, please email entranceteam@beamish.org.uk.

What if I lose my Unlimited Pass?

If you lose your Pass, please bring some form of ID with you on the date of your next visit and we will be able to print you a new one.

Are dogs allowed on site?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas of the museum, but there are restrictions on the indoor spaces they can access. Please see our full information for visiting with your dog here.

Please note, other animals are not permitted at the museum.

Do you have transport on site?

Yes, we have a number of our transport exhibits in operation. Our trams and vintage buses are operating throughout the day on a circular route around the museum, calling at the Entrance, Pockerley, 1900s Town and Foulbridge.

Our wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) will also be available and will be limited to its seated capacity. It will not be operating in general service and is solely available for those who require its adaptations, including the wheelchair lift at the rear of the vehicle.

Please note, folded-down pushchairs can be accommodated on most vehicles, space permitting and at the conductor’s discretion.

What catering options do you have?

We have sit-in and takeaway options available. See our visitor map here.

• The 1900s Town: The Tea Rooms (sit-in and takeaway), The Sun Inn pub (sit-in and takeaway), Herron’s Bakery (takeaway), Beamish Delicious Ices (takeaway).
• The 1950s Town: John’s Café (sit-in and takeaway), Middleton’s Quality Fish and Chips (takeaway. A vegetarian chip offer is available on request), bowling pavilion (takeaway).
• The 1900s Pit Village: Davy’s fish and chip shop (sit-in and takeaway), Sinkers’ Bait Cabin (takeaway).
• The 1820s Landscape: Drovers Tavern (sit-in and takeaway)
• Entrance: Coffee Shop (sit-in and takeaway).

Will I need to pay by card for any purchases during my visit?

We accept cash at the museum, though we do ask if payments can be made by card if possible.

Can I store any luggage at the museum while I’m visiting?

Unfortunately we do not have facilities available to store bags for visitors and are unable to accept items from the public. Please note, that if visitors are taking large bags and suitcases onto site, there are also restrictions on the size of luggage the museum transport can carry.

Can I cycle to the museum?

Yes, we have a number of bike racks outside the Entrance building and are well-connected by local cycle routes, including the C2C cycle route. Please be aware, bikes are left at the Entrance at visitors’ own risk.

What events do you have planned?

We’ve got exciting events and activities coming up, see our What’s On page and social media for more information CLICK HERE.

Download our inclusive trails, designed by members of our access panel, here:
1900s Town Trail
1900s Pit Village Trail

Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members can gain free entry to Beamish during normal daytime opening hours (last admission one hour before closing) for 12 months from the date of purchase. There are a small number of days and events when the Beamish Unlimited Pass is not valid, including special evening events such as Halloween Evenings or Christmas Evenings. Admission information will be included in the event details, however please telephone the museum or visit our website for details if you are unsure.

What new exhibits do you have?

Remaking Beamish is the biggest development in Beamish’s history. The exciting project includes over 25 new exhibits and attractions and is bringing a new era to the museum in the form of a 1950s Town and 1950s farm. The project will also see the expansion of our 1820s area.

Find out more about the Remaking Beamish project here.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Remaking Beamish project was awarded £11.8m by The National Lottery Heritage Fund – a major milestone in Beamish’s history and the largest investment ever seen at the museum.

How can I help to support Beamish?

Beamish is a self-reliant charity and 95% of our income comes from our much-valued visitors. Your donations help to maintain the museum, develop new and exciting exhibits and support our work to preserve North East heritage for future generations, while supporting today’s communities, including through our health and wellbeing and education work. Thank you!

Donations can be made by clicking here – we really appreciate your support!

You can also help us by becoming a Friends of Beamish member, buying or renewing a Beamish Unlimited Pass or giving a gift voucher. To find out more please click here.

You can also make a purchase from our online shop, with unique Beamish items, inspired by our exhibits and collection – click here to find out more.

Your donations and purchases are supporting the museum and helping to secure our future, thank you!

 

Thank you to everyone for your support, which is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you to Beamish soon.