As we’ve reported over the past few months, Beamish have been investing significant sums into their tramway infrastructure and for the past few days that has meant that no trams have been able to run as work continues between Pockerley and the 1950s Town.
Whereas other museum’s have a convenient off-season when they are closed to complete major infrastructure works, Beamish is not so lucky as it is open all year round (albeit not seven days a week during the winter). This does mean that there are times when its not possible to run trams whilst work continues and that was the case between 11th and 14th March with a note added to their website that the tram service would be suspended for those four days.
During this tramway closure (the museum was open as normal – Wednesday to Sundays are the normal opening days for now) work was underway to replace track at Pockerley. Further work had also been taking place close to the depot at Foulbridge where preparation work is happening to move a traction pole to increase the turning circle for buses going down to the Pit Village.
With no trams it was up to the buses to operate the service around the museum. Here we see Leyland Titan RTC822 passing the trackwork at Pockerley.
A close-up of the digger in use on the work.
The tram depot was all shut-up. Oporto 65 is still outside under tarpaulins as seen in this image. We can also see recent tree felling.
A former Darlington Corporation Bus Shelter is being installed at the museum. After much consideration and change of plans it has been decided to put it opposite the tram stop at Pockerley where it will be able to be used by anyone waiting for buses heading towards the towns. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 11th March 2026)