Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Beamish, DH9 0RG
http://www.beamish.org.uk
Just 12 miles northwest of Durham, Beamish offers a unique day out for all ages. This award-winning open-air museum brings the past to life, showcasing everyday life in North East England from the 1820s to the 1950s. Covering 350 acres, Beamish is best enjoyed as a full-day visit. Explore original and recreated buildings, including an Edwardian town, 1940s farm, coal mine, school, and more. Ride on heritage trams and vintage buses, meet costumed guides, and don’t miss the traditional sweet-making demonstrations at Jubilee Confectioners.
Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Located just outside Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum is housed in a stunning 19th-century French-style chateau and holds one of the UK’s most important collections of fine and decorative arts. Highlights include paintings, ceramics, textiles, costumes, and an enchanting gallery of historic toys. A major attraction is the 18th-century silver swan automaton, which performs its delicate, lifelike movements daily.
Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, DL8 3NT
http://www.dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk/
Located in Hawes and managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the Dales Countryside Museum brings to life the history and culture of the Yorkshire Dales. Housed in a creatively restored former railway station, the museum explores local life from prehistoric times to the present through engaging displays on farming, crafts, transport, religion, school days, and more.
The Georgian Theatre Experience, Richmond, DL10 4DW
http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Built in 1788, Richmond’s own theatre is Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse. Its year-round programme has something for everyone and includes music, comedy, drama and dance. As well as seeing a show, you can take a fascinating guided back-stage tour of the building and look around the brand new, interactive theatre museum. This reveals much about life in Georgian times and has costumes, props and play bills as well as Britain's oldest stage scenery - The Woodland Scene.
The Glasshouse, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
https://theglasshouseicm.org
Formerly known as The Sage, The Glasshouse is a landmark music venue on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead. This world-class centre for music and culture presents an eclectic mix of performances, from folk, jazz, world, and electronic music to classical concerts by the renowned Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Green Howards Museum, Richmond, DL10 4QN
http://www.greenhowards.org.uk
The Green Howards Museum, located in the centre of Richmond Market Place, tells the story of the illustrious Green Howards Regiment from its beginnings to the present day. Artefacts and photographs of the Crimean War, the North-West Frontier of India, the Boer War and archive film of World War I form just a small part of the vivid presentation of the Green Howards' story in both peace and war.
Richmondshire Museum, Richmond, DL10 4JA
http://www.richmondshiremuseum.org.uk
Situated in the heart of Richmond, this volunteer-run museum explores local life from the Stone Age to modern times. Highlights include reconstructions of Grinton Post Office and the 'All Creatures Great and Small' Herriot set, as well as a nostalgic toy collection and a transport gallery.
Swaledale Museum, Reeth, DL11 6QT
http://www.swaledalemuseum.org
Located in a former 1830s schoolroom in Reeth, Swaledale Museum tells the fascinating story of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Run by volunteers, its displays cover everything from geology and Iron Age settlement to the rise and fall of local lead mining. Exhibits include mining tools, domestic artefacts, and traditional crafts.