Families are being invited to step into stories from the past at Beamish Museum during a summer-long programme of activities.
The event, titled Step Into Stories, forms part of Beamish Museum’s Summer of Fun programme running from July 18 to August 31, and promises a hands-on journey through time with immersive storytelling, character-led activities and interactive adventures across the museum’s different time zones.
Visitors can explore Beamish’s historic streets and landscapes by following themed trails, taking part in storytelling sessions and joining in with hands-on activities inspired by life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.
Connor Emerson, curator of social history at the museum, said: "This summer wehave been inspired by stories from different areas of the museum to create a series ofexperiences that our visitors can use to explore the musuem, compete with each other,solve problems together and be creative.
"There is something for everyone to enjoy, and many reasons to use your BeamishUnlimited Pass to return again and again and get a different experience each time!"
Among this year’s adventures is the Time-Travelling Transport Trail, which encourages visitors to discover the stories behind the museum’s many vehicles.
Younger visitors can join a drover’s journey through the 1820s landscape, help a maid find missing ingredients in the 1900s town, complete games and challenges in the pit village, and see what life was like for evacuees in the 1940s.
Visitors can also step into the shoes of a teenager growing up in the 1950s.
Craft activities will run throughout the summer, including weaving at 1820s Pockerley and embroidery sessions linked to the museum’s ongoing projects.
Each Monday in the 1900s Pit Village, families can watch the explosive Just One Spark session during Mining Mondays.
Fans of Edwardian history can join suffragette rallies every Wednesday and Saturday in the 1900s Town, where visitors are invited to make sashes, rosettes and placards before marching through the streets to campaign for votes for women.
At the 1940s Farm, families can learn about evacuees, semaphore signalling, and wartime toys.
At Spain’s Field Farm, visitors can try making hay rope and colouring postcards inspired by the museum’s collection.
In the 1950s town, a radio-style quiz called Shove It Up Your Jumper takes place each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the welfare hall.
The 1950s NHS Clinic will host teddy bear check-ups every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the event.
A carriage driving competition organised by the Concours d’International d’Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) will take place on July 18 and 19.
Beamish will also mark the 50th anniversary of Rowley Station with a special weekend of music, poetry and decorations.
The station was the first relocated building to open at the museum in 1976 and was officially opened by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman.
Visitors can continue to enjoy immersive experiences even after the holidays end.
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On Saturday, September 5 and Sunday September 6, Beamish Museum hosted the North East Horticultural Society and Beamish Museum Annual Show, where visitors could enjoy displays of vegetables, flowers and crafts as part of a friendly competition.
All daytime events are included with museum admission and free for holders of the Beamish Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership.
Beamish Museum was recently named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, a testament to its enduring popularity and success.
For full event details, ticketing information and opening times, visit beamish.org.uk.
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