Beamish is huge and we weren’t able to do everything we wanted to on Monday. Our entrance fee also gave us an annual pass so we decided to return as it was on our way home.
We spent time in the 1820s village of Pockerley and enjoyed a drink in the courtyard which was a sun trap and then walked to the beautiful medieval St Helen’s church with its family pews. It was moved from Eston, near Middlesbrough. The church was due to be demolished due to vandalism until it was saved and rebuilt at the museum.
As we left the church we could see steam in the distance We realized that the Pockerley Waggonway – a replica of 'Puffing Billy' was operating and taking passengers. As we were first in the queue we were able to stand in prime position behind the engine. Puffing Billy, is a replica of the original locomotive which was built in 1813 by William Hedley. Everyone (except Harris who was scared to death) really enjoyed the short journey up and down the track and Graeme was in seventh heaven!
We then returned to the 1950s town and spent time looking inside the council houses which had only just opened in June of this year. It was quite nostalgic for the older ones as we saw items that reminded us of our childhoods.
Next to the 1950s town is the 1900s town which is probably the main attraction of Beamish. We enjoyed wandering again through the main street and popping into the shops and houses including houses formerly used by solicitors, dentists and a pianoforte teacher.
It was getting near to time to set off home so we caught the tram back to the main entrance and returned to the cars where we had a car boot picnic as we were all feeling a bit peckish by now.
