PRESTON Park Museum has enjoyed a record summer – with the highest number of visitors since reopening in 2012 following a multimillion pound redevelopment.

The museum, in Eaglescliffe, attracted over 50,000 visitors during the school holidays after attractions including a 40ft pop-up beach was installed, complete with vintage beach huts, deck chairs, hook-a-duck, donkey rides and a coconut shy.

Different activities took place each day throughout the six-week break, including events such as the Great British Holiday, and Teddy Bears Picnic, as well as five outdoor theatre performances – all of which the museum described as its most ambitious programme to date.

Cllr Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Preston Park Museum which highlights the important role that culture has to play in our Borough.

“The activities and events offered in the park itself next to the museum also attracted a huge number of visitors. There’s an expanding range of things to do there such as making use of Rivershack’s rowing boats, the great skate park and the ever popular Butterfly World.

“The fantastic events programme delivered by staff and volunteers demonstrates the importance of putting the customer at the heart of everything we do and the need for museums to find new ways to become more accessible and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”

The council-run museum has announced plans for a Harry Potter-inspired October half term break, with the Victorian street being transformed into a likeness of the wizarding world’s Diagon Alley.

A feast from the museum’s walled garden, in partnership with the Waiting Room restaurant in Eaglescliffe, will take place on October 2 and the Christmas Bazaar, a festive market, will be at the museum on December 3 and 4.

There is also a last chance for members of the public to see the First World War exhibition ‘Spence-The Art of War’ and to take part in a series of free WWI talks.

The museum underwent a £7m refurbishment after securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and reopened in 2012 following the restoration project. It was once home to industrial magnate Robert Ropner. The attraction also features a nature reserve, adventure playground and a walled kitchen garden.

For more information and to view the full calendar of events taking place at Preston Park’s museum and grounds, visit www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk