Activities & Workshops

School children in 1900s Pit Village school.

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Traditions of Christmas

Come visit a household preparing for Christmas in a time when celebrations were simpler, gifts homemade and children hoped to find an orange and a handful of nuts in their stocking.

Visit to Father Christmas

Bring your class for a magical trip to Father Christmas’ cosy Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard in The 1900s Town. Children will visit in small groups and everyone will have the chance to tell him what is at the top of their wish list.

Figure at 1820s potter's wheel.

Proper Canny Pottery

The session will focus on having a go at working with clay in the Georgian pottery. We will briefly talk about what life was like 200 years ago and see the types of items made by different skilled crafts people.

Chapel exterior

Get Out and Vote

It is 1868 and a general election has been called.  Students will need to decide who to vote for in this open election.

Your Local History

Inspired by the extensive Beamish collection, particularly the photographic archives, a researcher will put together a series of images and resources relating to your area’s local history and share these live with the children in the classroom.

Bah-Humbug – The Problem of the Poor

This is an enquiry-based activity linked to the English Literature GCSE curriculum, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.