Beamish’s programme of activities to support health and wellbeing has been commended by the Royal Society for Public Health for its excellent and innovative contribution to arts and health practice.
We aim to provide everyone, regardless of age, health needs and abilities, with opportunities to enjoy the museum, take part in traditional activities, learn new skills and improve self-confidence, and to thoroughly enjoy the company of others.
We work with a range of organisations across the region, such as local NHS adult mental health teams, occupational therapists, social prescribing link workers, Alzheimer’s Society & community support groups.
Our cosy Clover Cottage in The 1950s Town with its treasure trove of objects, as well as its accessible facilities, make it an ideal place to host many of our activities. We also run activities in other parts of the museum too.
Here are our current weekly activities:
Day | Activity | Meeting Point & Time | Booking Information |
Mondays | ‘Best Foot Forward’ Beginner’s Walking Group
Dementia Friendly A gentle walk of 1-2 miles around the museum Small group |
Meet at the museum Entrance 1.45pm
Walk 2pm – 3.30pm |
Booking required
Open to anyone wanting to do some gentle exercise and socialise with a small group of people |
Mondays | Musical Mondays
Dementia Friendly Musicians playing traditional familiar songs. Come along and join in! |
1900s Pit Village band hall. 1.30pm – 3pm. |
No booking required, open to all. |
Tuesdays | Men’s Groups
Dementia Friendly Small weekly group sessions for men aged over 55 to support mental health & wellbeing |
Clover Cottage, 1950s Town
10am – 12pm 1pm – 3pm |
Places are limited so booking is required.
Referrals open to anyone living in County Durham. |
Wednesdays | ‘Midweek Melodies’
Dementia Friendly An hours of music, singing and some gentle movements, all to lots of familiar 1950s songs and music |
Welfare Hall, 1950s Town
Meet at museum Entrance 1.30pm. Session 2pm – 3pm |
Places are limited, so booking is required |
Thursdays | ‘Canny Cuppa’
The Canny Cuppa Men’s Group at Beamish Museum is a weekly group for Men living with dementia. This group focuses on the use of traditional heritage crafts to learn new skills and gain confidence. |
Clover Cottage, 1950s Town
1.30pm – 3.30pm |
Places are limited so booking is required. |
Fridays | Walk Durham Wellbeing Walks
A walk of between 3-4 miles, starting from the museum car park. Lead by Walk Durham Volunteers music |
Meet in top bay of museum car park 9.45am
Walk 10am – 11.30am |
Click here for more information |
Small group sessions in Clover Cottage are able to be booked by groups too. Click here to find out more.