Coach Friendly Status Renewed for Beamish Museum

24th May 2024

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is celebrating the renewal of its Coach Friendly Status by The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

The Coach Friendly Status recognises the museum’s commitment to providing excellent service for coaches and groups and demonstrates Beamish’s understanding of the coach, its passengers and driver.

Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer at Beamish Museum, said: “We’re thrilled to have had our Coach Friendly Status renewed and to be one of only a handful of places in the North East to hold this award.

“At Beamish, we are proud to offer a warm welcome and first-class experience to all of our visitors so to have this acknowledged by The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK is fantastic.”

The accreditation was presented to the museum by Gavin Scott, CPT Regional Vice Chair who said: “As an operator we are thrilled Beamish has gained CPT Coach Friendly status for a second time. The award is testament to the hard work, commitment, and collaboration with the bus/coach community to ensure an excellent visitor experience.”

Gavin is also Transport Manager at family-run travel company Stanley Travel. He added: “Beamish Museum is a wonderful attraction and one close to my heart. It always delivers a warm welcome to drivers, organisers, and groups. There is ample coach parking space adjacent to the main entrance and express entrance for passengers. Drivers are also very well taken care of, which is always a bonus! By gaining the award, Beamish has further enhanced their ability to attract large private groups and school visits, minimising congestion and environmental impact whilst promoting sustainable tourism practices. Many congratulations.”

The CPT represents the bus and coach industry, including consultation on legislation, regulations, operational practices and engineering standards.

Andrew McGuinness, Regional Manager (North of England), said: “We are delighted to renew the Coach Friendly accreditation for Beamish Museum. Gaining CPT's Coach Friendly accreditation shows destinations are working to reduce congestion, improve air quality and the environment whilst continuing to develop tourism. It provides a very recognised assurance that coach operators, drivers and passengers will be well catered for and welcomed!

“In the case of Beamish, we receive lots of positive feedback on coach parking, and how the museum caters for visitors and staff. We are pleased to continue to work with the museum so closely while it continues to expand and widen its offer.”

Beamish Museum was first awarded the Coach Friendly Status in 2018. The Coach Friendly Status renewal comes after the museum was presented with the national Visitor Welcome Award at the Museums + Heritage Awards 2024. Beamish Museum welcomed 801,756 visitors including more than 800 coach groups last year and is the North East’s most visited attraction.

Groups are invited to be part of history during a visit to Beamish Museum. The award-winning County Durham open air museum tells the story of life in North East England in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Set in 350 beautiful acres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Beamish offers discounted day admission for groups of 15 or more paying visitors. There’s free coach parking and free admission for coach drivers and group visit organisers.