Students from Travel and Tourism recently visited the renowned Beamish Museum, a world-famous open-air museum that vividly recreates the history of North East England. The museum features various exhibit areas, including the 1820s Pockerley, the 1900s Town and Pit Village, the 1940s Farm, and the newly introduced 1950s Town and Spain’s Field Farm. The visit served as a valuable case study for the students, who are tasked with producing a marketing plan and reviewing Beamish’s visitor management strategies, particularly focusing on how the museum caters to specific visitor needs. This analysis will contribute to their business plan presentation.
During their visit, students explored the different time periods, gaining a hands-on experience of life in the past. They enjoyed traditional fish and chips from the 1950s, sampled boiled sweets made in the museum’s sweet shop, and tasted iced buns from Herron’s bakery. A highlight of the day was visiting the new 1950s area. The students travelled on a nostalgic tram ride and enjoyed a peaceful journey in a horse-drawn carriage.
Additionally, the students spent time in the school playground, playing with traditional hoops, offering a glimpse of childhood entertainment from years gone by. They also learned about significant historical events, including the struggles faced by women in their fight for the right to vote, providing deeper insight into social history. Nancy Wall, teacher of Travel and Tourism says ‘The visit was very insightful, and not only enhanced the understanding of the past but also offered practical insights for their marketing and visitor management review, making it a valuable educational experience’.
