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 - An Epic Tale of England 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 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, The Living Museum of the North explore this ever-fascinating story with costumed guides that bring to life the hard times and good times, the wash days and work days and the longforgotten 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, 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 the artistic skills of Durham coal miners, who include Tom McGuinness (1926-2006) and Norman Cornish (1919-2014). The remarkable artwork captured the dark world of the mines, as well as life above ground in mining communities. The gallery forms part of The Auckland Project visitor destination.

Be sure to round off an evening at Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, with a whistle-stop tour of 2000 years of British history with the live action open-air spectacular that seats guests in the ‘tribune’ to experience an
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 Georgian 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

Evening:
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
June - September

Visit kynren.com for performance dates

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Hotel suggestions…

Ramside Hall Hotel

Hall Garth Hotel

South Causey Inn

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Useful information…

Coach travelling time:

Beamish to Bishop Auckland
(via A1) - 50 mins

SatNav:

Beamish DH9 0RG

Kynren DL14 7SF

Mining Art Gallery DL14 7NP

Ramside Hall Hotel DH1 1TD

Hall Garth Hotel DL1 3LU

South Causey Inn DH9 0LS