History Comes to Life: Beamish Museum’s 2025 Events Guide

If you’re looking for a year filled with history, adventure, and fantastic family fun, Beamish Museum’s 2025 events programme has got you covered!

Whether you're fascinated by steam engines, a classic car enthusiast, a lover of all things vintage, or simply looking for a fantastic day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Spring (February to May)

As winter fades, Beamish Museum bursts into life with cultural celebrations, historic anniversaries, and family-friendly fun. 

During February Half Term (22 February – 2 March), dive into the region’s artistic heritage with Creativity in the Coalfield, where you can explore local art, meet artists, and even try your hand at sketching.

International Women’s Day (8 – 9 March) brings Suffragette rallies and an inspiring Women’s Institute exhibition to The 1900s Town, followed by hands-on activities for Science Weekend (15–16 March). And don’t forget to treat your Mam to a special day out for Mothering Sunday (30 March).

Springtime at Beamish is packed with excitement, including a Meccano exhibition (5 – 6 April), Carlin Sunday celebrations (6 April), and a stunning display by the Sunderland & District Classic Vehicle Society (13 April). The museum’s Easter Celebrations (12 – 21 April) promise traditional fun for the whole family, while May Day Festivities (4 - 5 May) and a special event marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day (8th May) add a historic touch to the season.

For horse lovers, Farrier Training Day (13 May) and the Napoleonic Muster (17 – 18 May) offer fascinating insights into equine history. Meanwhile, Dementia Action Week (19 – 25 May) highlights the museum’s award-winning work supporting health and wellbeing.

Summer (June – July)

Long days and sunny skies make summer the perfect time for open-air entertainment, vintage motors, and hands-on experiences. 

The action continues into summer with the incredible Rail200 Festival of Transport (24 May – 1 June), an unmissable Horses in Harness weekend (7 – 8  June), and an array of classic car events including the Morris Car Rally (14 – 15 June) and the legendary Beamish Reliability Run (15 June).

July is all about hands-on fun! Crank It Up! (5 – 6  July) is packed with STEM activities, while the brand-new A Collier’s Life: At Work and Play (5 – 6  July) will celebrate mining heritage with immersive experiences. Throughout the Summer Holidays (19 July – 1 September), expect a whole host of family-friendly activities!

Autumn (Late September – November)

As the leaves turn golden, Beamish embraces the changing season with harvest traditions and historical re-enactments. With crisp autumn air and an exciting line-up of events, it’s the perfect time to wrap up warm and enjoy a day out in the past.

As autumn arrives, Horticultural Show (6 –7  September) invites green-fingered visitors to showcase their best homegrown produce and handmade crafts, followed by a spectacular carriage driving competition (13 – 14 September). Explore wartime farming at Home Front, Home Farm (20 – 21 September), enjoy a Classic Car Rally (27– 28 September), and join in Harvest Celebrations (4 – 5 October).

The autumn season rounds off with family fun for October Half Term (25 October – 2 November), and the annual Remembrance Event (9 November).

Winter (November – December)

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Beamish Museum transforms into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, roaring fires, and heartwarming traditions. 

Christmas at Beamish (Dates TBC) – Experience a truly traditional Christmas with carol singing, festive feasts, and vintage decorations. Wander through a beautifully decorated 1900s Town, warm up with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and even meet Father Christmas himself!

Twelfth Night Celebrations (Dates TBC) – Mark the end of the festive season with historic customs, traditional feasting, music, and merriment as we bid farewell to Christmas in true Georgian style. Discover how our ancestors celebrated the Twelfth Night with games, storytelling, and winter festivities!

More Than Just Events!

Beyond its packed events calendar, Beamish Museum offers an immersive journey into the past. Stroll through Georgian gardens, explore an underground coal mine, visit the 1940s Farm, or treat yourself to traditional fish and chips. Fancy a retro makeover? Pop into a 1950s hair salon for a vintage-inspired look!

Don’t miss last year’s exciting additions, including the Drovers Tavern and Georgian pottery in the 1820s Landscape, plus the Grand Cinema, Electrical Shop, toy shop, and record shop in The 1950s Town.

Plan Your Visit

All daytime events are included in standard museum admission and free for Beamish Unlimited Pass holders—pay once and visit all year round!

Don’t miss a moment, start planning your 2025 Beamish adventure today!