Enter another world at Beamish's 'living museum'
Located between Durham and Newcastle, Beamish is a living museum where you can see pit workers go about their daily business, work on a 1940s farm, or shop in the turn of the century town - all recreated to the last detail. The museum is very hands on and kids love helping the Land Girls manage their pigs, riding on the Beamish Tramway or buying traditional treats at the sweet stores.
Go (Beamish) Wild at the adventure park
Just up the road from the main museum is Beamish Wild. This adventure park has everything from archery classes, treetop walks and more. The 2-hour treetop course is the highlight of the park. Working its way through woodlands, there are zip-wires, rope bridges and free-fall experiences.
Take a ride on the world's oldest railway
A few minutes north of the Beamish is the Tanfield Railway - the world's oldest railway. The traditional train runs regularly during the summer, and a day pass means you can jump on and off to your heart's content. A highlight of the railway's calendar is the annual North Pole Express at Christmas. Looking for accommodation in Beamish? The Travelodge Washington A1(M) Northbound Hotel provides easy access to the motorway and is close to Beamish.