Stepping Back in Time: Cadets Explore Beamish Museum
29 October 2025
29 October 2025
Thanks to a generous grant from ACCT UK, cadets from Angus and Dundee Battalion experienced a unique day of living history at the Beamish Museum in County Durham. The visit brought together fun, learning, and teamwork in an unforgettable environment that transported cadets through nearly two centuries of British history.
Beamish Museum recreates the sights, sounds, and stories of life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s. For the cadets, it wasn’t just a day out. It was a chance to step into the past. They explored period houses, rode vintage trams, visited an underground mine, and spoke to costumed staff who made history come alive.
For many, this was their first experience of history presented in such a hands-on way. Instead of reading about the past, they lived it for a day.
Cadet LCpl Blake summed it up…
“I’ve never been to a museum like this before. It felt like stepping back in time, I learned so much but had fun at the same time!”
The visit gave cadets the opportunity to develop practical skills, alongside their historical understanding. Navigation around the museum became a natural exercise in map reading and teamwork. Engaging with museum staff encouraged confidence, communication, and curiosity.
Cadets asked thoughtful questions about daily life in earlier eras, comparing the hardships and routines of the past with their own experiences today. The balance of structure and freedom led to genuine discovery and learning.
Adult volunteer SSI D. Barr said: “I really enjoyed the trams and the old shops. It made me think about how much life has changed.”
A key aim of Army Cadet activities is to build teamwork and leadership, and this trip was no exception. Senior cadets guided younger members around the site, taking responsibility and showing initiative.
Cadet SSgt Low shared how that opportunity made an impact:
“I felt proud being able to help the younger cadets find their way around. It made me realise I can be a good leader.”
As they explored, cadets worked together in small groups, sharing discoveries and helping one another engage with each museum. The relaxed pace allowed natural mentoring moments, where leadership emerged from shared enthusiasm rather than formal exercises.
Beyond education, the day provided a much-needed break from routine. Spending time outdoors, exploring a new place, and laughing with friends lifted spirits across the group. For many cadets, the trip reinforced a sense of belonging and strengthened friendships within the battalion.
Cadet Adam said: “The best part was being with everyone outside of cadets, it was relaxed and brought us all closer together.”
Moments like these remind adult volunteers how valuable shared experiences can be for young people’s wellbeing. The day at Beamish was about more than history. It was about confidence, connection, and fun.
The grant from ACCT UK was essential in turning the plan into reality. Without this financial support, the trip’s cost per cadet would have been much higher, limiting participation. Thanks to the grant, every cadet could attend, ensuring inclusivity and equal access.
By helping to cover transport and entry costs, ACCT UK’s funding meant no one missed out. The trip became a fully shared experience, with all cadets benefitting from the same opportunity to learn, explore, and bond as a team.
The day at Beamish gave cadets a deeper respect for history and for one another. They returned home with new knowledge, stronger friendships, and greater confidence in their abilities. The immersive experience showed that learning can be fun, inspiring, and relevant… and that with the right support, every cadet can take part.
By enabling enriching trips like this one, ACCT UK continues to open doors for young people across the UK.
The visit to Beamish was an experience in empathy, history, and teamwork. For the cadets who stepped back in time, it was also a step forward in confidence, curiosity, and leadership.