Get ready for an unforgettable year at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, as the award‑winning open‑air museum unveils its exciting 2026 events programme.

With the Unlimited Pass, you can pay once and visit for a full year, making it easy to return and explore the museum’s events time and time again.

Whether you're planning a family day out, a history‑filled adventure, or a return visit with your Beamish Unlimited Pass, there’s something special waiting for you in every season.

Here’s your season‑by‑season guide to the top events happening at Beamish in 2026.

Spring at Beamish Museum (February – May)

A lively start to the year with hands-on family fun, cultural celebrations and historical anniversaries.

February Half Term: Canny Creations	Kick off spring with creative fun inspired by brilliant inventions from the North East. Expect hands‑on activities perfect for families.	14 February – 1 March
International Women’s Day	Join Beamish for special activities celebrating the achievements and stories of women across history.	7 - 8 March
Mothering Sunday	Treat someone special with a heart‑warming day out across the museum’s historic settings.	15 March
Easter at Beamish	Experience Easter traditions from the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s, including egg hunts, crafts and seasonal treats.	3 - 19 April
Horses in Harness	Meet Beamish’s magnificent working horses and learn about their important role in the past.	25 - 26 April
Centenary of the General Strike	2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the historic and important 1926 LocklOut and General Strike. The museum will be celebrating with immersive experiences and storytelling across the museum.	1 - 12 May
Traditional May Day Celebrations	Enjoy ribbon dancing, music and classic May Day traditions.	3 - 4 May
Festival of Transport	See a spectacular display of historic vehicles with Beamish’s own fleet and guest transport from across the UK during May half term.	23 - 31 May

Summer at Beamish Museum (June – August)

A packed season of outdoor events, competitions, heritage celebrations and family activities.

The North of England Classic & Pre‑War Automobiles Club Display	A big summer highlight featuring The start and finish of the 53rd Beamish Reliability Run, and the lively Brass at Beamish band competition.	21 June
Mini Miners’ Gathering & World Quoits Championships	Enjoy pit village traditions, children’s activities, and the return of the World Quoits Championships.	4 - 5 July
Meccano Exhibition	Marvel at incredible model engineering creations.	11 - 12 July
Concours d’International d’Attelage de Tradition (CIAT)	A stunning weekend of traditional carriage driving, showcasing skill, heritage and beautifully presented horses.	18 - 19 July
Summer of Fun at Beamish	A full programme of hands‑on activities across the museum — perfect for families throughout the summer holidays.	18 July - 31 August

Autumn at Beamish Museum (September – October)

Seasonal traditions, historic gatherings and thoughtful commemorations.

Annual Horticultural Show	Green‑fingered visitors can show off their homegrown produce and enjoy a celebration of gardening heritage.	5 - 6 September
Georgian Gathering	The 1820s Landscape comes alive with dancing, music, crafts and Georgian storytelling.	19 - 20 September
Harvest Celebrations	Discover how communities of the past marked the end of the farming year with traditional activities around the museum.	3 - 4 October

Winter at Beamish Museum (November - December)

Step into a wonderfully festive past this Christmas at Beamish Museum.

Remembrance Sunday	A reflective and respectful commemoration honouring those who lost their lives in conflict.	8 November
Christmas at Beamish	Soak up the magic of a traditional Christmas with seasonal street scenes, festive food and drink, and traditional gifts. Soak up the nostalgic glow across the museum’s beautifully recreated towns and villages. A great way to end the year.	21 November - 24 December

All daytime events are included with standard museum admission and are free for Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members.

With so much happening all year round, 2026 is the perfect year to visit Beamish, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.