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Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

National Museum & Exhibition · County Durham, England

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is a national museum & exhibition in County Durham, England. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £35 · Child £20.50 · Family £85.50
Checked on the official page: adult £35, child (5-16) £20.50, under-5s free, family (2 adults + 2 children) £85.50. No timeslot needed. Prices may change with the season.
Opening times28 Mar to 23 Oct 2026: daily 10am-5pm. 24 Oct to 1 Nov: daily 10am-4pm. 2-20 Nov: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. 21 Nov to 24 Dec: daily 10am-4pm. Closed 25-26 Dec and most of January. Last admission one hour before closing.
Best time to goWeekdays in term time. Cool days are comfortable for walking.
School holiday tipEarly July suits Scottish families. Late August is English peak; arrive at opening.
Best agesAll ages; very large site, so plan rest stops
All ages.
If it rainsMostly outdoors between buildings; trams and buses help
ParkingFree parking in the Main Entrance Car Park (7 levels). Accessible bays are on two levels closer to the admissions building. Number of spaces not stated. (Free)
FoodCafes, pubs and takeaways across the site, including the Coffee Pot Café at the entrance, Tea Rooms, pubs and fish and chip shops (sit-in and takeaway). Admission is needed for catering outlets except the Coffee Pot Café. Picnic policy not stated on the pages we checked.
Money saverTickets are annual passes, so you can return all year
Top tipsTake the tram to the town first, then the 1900s pit village. Use the tram or bus to cover distances.
What to packWaterproofs, comfortable shoes, pram

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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