AN Alnwick museum has been named as one of the top attractions in the country for youngsters to visit – alongside the likes of the Eden Project and the Tate Liverpool.
The Bailiffgate Museum is considered to be one of the 25 best days out for youngsters, as listed in the summer 2010 edition of the Early Years magazine, which is published by the Department for Education.
The recognition is a huge achievement for
the museum – which presents the history of Alnwick and district – ranking it alongside other attractions to be listed, including London's Royal Air Force Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
James Etherington, project development manager at the museum, said: "We are so pleased. To even be on the list is a massive privilege. We are absolutely over the moon. It is reward for all the hard work that has been put in over the years.
"We are a small, independent museum and it shows that we are good value for the funding we get and we have spent the money sensibly."
The museum has been praised for its interactive features for youngsters, which include a brass-rubbing table, Victorian school area and replica Northumbrian mine.
Early Years groups can also use the Art Cart, a free resource with lots of art resources and ideas linked to temporary exhibitions.
James said: "We have tried to make the museum as interactive as possible, and we have tried to ensure that there are activities in the school holidays.
"It (being on the list) proves we have been doing something right and confirms that we are on the right track. It is really gratifying."
Tom Pattinson, chairman of the Bailiffgate trustees, said it was a 'dream' to be included.
"It is unbelievable to stand alongside the Eden Project and Kew Gardens and so on," he said.
"We are absolutely stunned by it but of course delighted that something like this has come out of the ether.
"We have been going for about eight years now.
"New museums starting out tend to fold very quickly but we have kept going and we have worked hard, and we have had support from people around us, including the Alnwick Castle and Garden."
The museum's current exhibition is the RAF in Northumberland and every week throughout the school holidays there will be a different flying, RAF or Second World War-themed activity.
Others to make it on the list include the Life Science Centre in Newcastle and Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium.
