Christmas comes to Beamish - but only to its grounds as North East remains in toughest Covid tier

Beamish Museum is getting ready to reopen after lockdown – but only its grounds as the North East continues to live under the toughest Covid restrictions.
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The attraction will welcome people back through its gates from Saturday, December 5, but due to the region remaining in Tier 3, it will keep its indoor areas and exhibits closed, while it will only run its wheelchair accessible bus.

However, visitors will still be able to enjoy a stroll around the grounds, with festive food on sale and Edwardian stalls set up in The 1900s Town.

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Beamish Museum is looking forward to welcoming back visitors as it reopens its grounds following the easing of the national lockdown.Beamish Museum is looking forward to welcoming back visitors as it reopens its grounds following the easing of the national lockdown.
Beamish Museum is looking forward to welcoming back visitors as it reopens its grounds following the easing of the national lockdown.
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Takeaway treats can be bought from Herron’s Bakery, Jubilee Confectioners sweet shop, The Sun Inn, Davy’s fish and chip shop and the Sinkers’ Bait Cabin.

Families can take a walk through Elf Wood and complete the Christmas Elf Trail by spotting the mischievous hidden elves around the museum.

The gallopers ride at The Fairground will be open on weekends and school holidays.

Timeslot tickets for visits to the museum from Saturday until Friday, December 18, are available to book now on Beamish’s website, with the museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

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The government is due to review the tier system by mid-December and the museum will keep people updated about tickets for later in the month.

Deputy director Rhiannon Hiles said: “Being in Tier 3 was a huge concern and devastating for attractions unable to reopen, however we are fortunate that we are an open air museum and are able to open our grounds.

"This is excellent news for Beamish although we are mindful that our friends and colleagues in other hospitality businesses may not be in the same position.”

Although Beamish is unable to open its indoor Christmas Grotto, it offer a limited number of outdoor Father Christmas visits in Rowley Station yard, from Saturday, December 12.

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Tickets are £6 per child, including a small gift with early dates available online from 10am on Tuesday, December 8.

Father Christmas will make an appearance in a period vehicle this weekend, while Mrs Claus will travel around on weekends from Saturday, December 12.

It is also extending its popular Father Christmas video calls during December, which can also be booked online from Tuesday, December 8, to Sunday, December 13, from 10am tomorrow.

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