Take a Step Back in Time

Heritage is at the heart of Durham. See history come to life and watch the dramatic spectacle of Kynren in this historical tour of a legendary county. Find out why Durham wears its industrial heritage with pride.

The year is 1913. In Britain, the Suffragette movement gains momentum and the first ever Chelsea Flower Show is held. In California, Charlie Chaplin is making movies. And in County Durham, the Great Northern Coalfield reaches its peak of production where coal mining shaped the lives and landscapes of the North East.

At multi award-winning open-air Beamish Museum, explore this everfascinating story with costumed site guides that bring to life the hard times and good times, the wash days and working days and the long-forgotten pastimes of yesteryear. Explore the 350-acre site by open-top tram.

Try some treats in the sweet shop or bakery in the 1900s Town, then stroll through an 18th century Georgian landscape towards Pockerley Old Hall.

And if the Steam Elephant on the Pockerley Waggonway is running, then hop aboard this authentic steam train experience taking in the iconic sights and smells of Britain’s early railways.

The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland showcases some of the artistic skills of Durham coal miners Tom McGuinness (1926-2006) and Norman Cornish (1919-2014). Their remarkable artwork captured the dark world of the mines which shaped men into “industrial gladiators”. The gallery forms part of a wider restoration project in the area.

Be sure to round off an evening at Kynren with a whistle-stop tour of 2000 years of British history with the live, open-air spectacular that seats guests in the ‘tribune’ to observe this extravaganza of music, drama and fireworks (and even a gaggle of geese)!

Did you know…

Beamish Museum is expanding; plans are afoot to develop a range of new ways for people to experience the heritage of the North East. The centrepiece will be a reconstructed 1950s Town, meaning that the museum will once again include a period within living memory. Visitors will also be able to stay overnight in a re-creation of a coaching inn. For more information visit beamish.org.uk

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Tour suggestions…

Half day:
Beamish Museum

Full day:
Beamish Museum plus the Mining Art
Gallery in Bishop Auckland

Evening:
Kynren – an epic tale of England*
2017: July – September (evenings)
2018: Dates to be announced.

*Visit elevenarches.org for more
information.

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Hotel suggestions…

Ramside Hall Hotel.

Park Head Hotel.

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Useful information…

Coach travelling time:
Beamish to Bishop Auckland
(via A1) - 50 mins

SatNav:
Beamish DH9 0RG

Ramside Hall Hotel DH1 1TD

Park Head Hotel DL14 8QB

Kynren DL14 7SF