As of Saturday 26th November, Christmas has officially landed at Beamish Museum!

Adam and I absolutely love a trip to Beamish, especially at this time of year, so we were very happy to be invited along to travel back in time to experience the magic of Christmases past on Sunday afternoon. We decided to make it a full family trip with my Mam and Dad (and Florence) coming too with the passes that they already had.

From Georgian and Edwardian festivities right through to 1940s and 1950s celebrations, there is so much on offer to help visitors enjoy their Christmas visit to the living museum.

Traditional decorations are displayed all around the site including festive displays in the Pit Village cottages which were lovely – I also loved the smell of the coal fire as we walked through them! There are several big, beautiful trees lit up around various spots as well which look so stunning.

If you’re planning on taking children along to Beamish between now and the 24th December, there is so much that you can do with them! Elves have taken over Birch Wood and you can have a wander through to spot them working or hanging about their houses. Some of the mischievous elves have escaped though, so you might want to pick up an elf trail activity sheet upon your arrival to spot them as you walk around the site. You can also download your copy of the trail activity sheet in advance HERE. There are also Christmas crafts that little ones can take part in inside the Masonic Hall each weekend.

Father Christmas is on site every day that the museum is open until the 24th December and you can visit his Grotto down at Rowley Station Goods Yard! Tickets for this must be booked online in advance and are subject to availability so if you’re planning a visit, make sure you have a little look online ahead of your trip. If you’re lucky enough though, you might even spot Father Christmas travelling around the site in traditional transport so if you see him make sure to give him a wave!

One of my favourite spots to visit was brilliant fairground! Helter skelter, swings, and a carousel all there to enjoy at a small charge. All the rides are 1 token – tokens can be purchased at the fairground and are £2 each. My Mam managed to convince me to hop on the carousel with her which was actually great fun! There’s a little cafe spot inside a tent at the fairground so we decided to have a well deserved sit down and a hot chocolate. I also couldn’t resist getting a photo in Santa’s sleigh, obviously!

In the 1900s town you’ll find a few shops and stalls where you might find some great little gifts for Christmas – I was definitely tempted by the Beamish gin as a gift to myself!

Beamish is magical any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas. We absolutely loved our visit and it won’t be long until we’re back again.

Christmas at Beamish Daytimes opening hours are as follows:

• 26th November to 16th December 2022 (inclusive): Wednesday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
• 17th December 2022 to 24th December (inclusive): Open daily, 10am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

**Full disclosure: We were gifted 2 tickets in exchange for this blog post.