Beamish Museum in County Durham has cancelled one of its highlight attractions this weekend in the wake of the national wildfire warning. The open-air museum has suspended its steam train operations for this weekend and is reminding visitors not to smoke there and to be “mindful” of the conditions.
Emergency alert issued
An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones in England and Wales on Friday evening, following the devastation caused by fire outbreaks in the West Midlands. It warned of a “very high risk” of wildfires nationally and the need to avoid anything that could spark a blaze, such as use of a firepit or disposable BBQ.
Now County Durham's open-air museum has acted on the warning. A post on its Facebook page this Saturday says: “In line with the Government’s national alert in response to the weather conditions and wildfire risk, we’re taking a number of measures here at the museum.” It added: “Steam train operations will be suspended this weekend.”
Historic Rowley Station
Its popular Rowley Station, one of a huge range of attractions on its vast site which spans the 1800s to the 1950s, became Beamish’s very first relocated attraction when the 1867 original from Rowley, near Consett, was rebuilt there in 1971. It reopened for some steam-hauled passenger train rides last spring for the first time since the pandemic and visitors are always eager for any chance to hop on board.
But it clearly saw the risk in firing up the trains during the current weather conditions which have left so much of the country bone dry, including its own surrounding fields.
Visitor guidance
The museum is always busy throughout the school holidays and this August 14-15 weekend it is set to see hordes of families enjoying a visit during its 10am to 5pm opening hours. The post added: “We ask that people refrain from smoking on site. Please be mindful of the conditions and, in line with the national alert, please don’t undertake any activity that could start a fire.” The post ended: “Thank you for everyone’s support, we look forward to welcoming you to the museum.”
