Arts & Culture

The Bowes Museum

A French style chateau in the heart of the English countryside,   The Bowes Museum is situated in the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the North Pennines, just two miles from the major A66 trunk road.

One of the most important museums outside London, visitors will recognise the magnificent 19th Century building from recent airings on BBC programmes such as The Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Road Trip and Flog It!

With the romantic history of its founders John and Josephine Bowes, coupled with outstanding treasures around every corner, there is so much to inspire and entertain. It's collections of European fine and decorative arts regarded amongst the best in the UK are complemented by a diverse programme of exhibitions and events.

New for 2010, as part of a £12 million makeover are an ambitious and innovative Fashion & Textile Gallery and a stunning gallery devoted to British decorative arts.

Relax in our revamped Cafe Bowes, which offer a wide range of freshly prepared dishes and snacks using local produce where possible, or enjoy a pre-booked meal or finger buffet for your party in the private surroundings of our sumptuous Jubilee Room.

Experience the peaceful and tranquil surroundings by walking around or simply taking a seat in the beautiful grounds. 

Add our extended shop with its huge variety of quality gifts, souvenirs, postcards, toys jewellery, plus upgraded visitor amenities, for a wonderful day out.

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is regarded as the finest Norman building in Europe. It is the burial place of both St Cuthbert, a great northern saint, and the Venerable Bede, author of the first English history.

We are open all year round and do not charge a fee for individuals to visit the Cathedral. However we do ask for a donation as it 
costs £12 a minute to maintain this wonderful building together with our mission and ministry.

With more than 1,500 services and events each year, access can be limited at times. We suggest if you are proposing to visit us, check the website or contact us to make sure you are not disappointed.

Durham University Botanic Garden

Set amongst beautiful woodland on the southern outskirts of the City, the 25 acre garden is a great day out appealing to young and old alike. Visitors can follow the trails to wander through the Alpine Garden, Winter Garden, Bamboo Grove and Woodland, discovering the wildlife and artwork on the way. 

There are wonderful glass houses for visitors to explore, walking through the desert house to see the collection of cacti that survive and thrive in this arid climate. Into the tropical rainforest house to see and feel what it is like to be in such environs, you can even make it rain! The glasshouse also contains a unique collection of plants and just beyond see some of its indigenous inhabitants, bugs, scorpions and tarantulas!

The Botanic Garden even has its own rare breed of sheep Manx Loghtan which can be seen enjoying the parkland in spring and late summer. 

This is a timeless destination, where the views change throughout the year with vibrant poppy and cornflower displays in the summer to rich warm colours in the autumn all this in 25 acres just minutes away from Durham City Centre. 

Visitors are also able to enjoy refreshments in the coffee shop, visit the gift shop and take away memories of their trip to the Botanic Garden.  

Durham Castle

Durham Castle together with the Cathedral was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site in 1986 providing international recognition for this unique, historic and scenic site. Standing on their prominent hill top site encircled by the delightful wooded slopes of the meandering River Wear and overlooking the Medieval City of Durham with its fascinating narrow streets, the Castle and Cathedral form one of the most exciting and impressive sites in Europe. 

The Castle has had an extremely interesting history particulary in relation to the range of functions which the buildings have performed as a fortress, the principal palace of the Bishops of Durham and since 1837 as the home of University College, the foundation college of Durham University. The Castle now also houses an accredited museum, unusual in that it is contained within a living and working college community. 

The original building was commissioned by King William the Conqueror (1066 - 87) and has been adapted over the centuries. The Great Hall was built in 1284 and is now used as the dinning hall of University College, whilst the extensive kitchens date from 1499. By far the most beautiful feature of the Castle is the tiny Norman Chapel, the pillars of which depict animals and plants providing some of the most interesting Norman sculpture in existence. 

Today visitors can enjoy guided tours around the Castle, though as the Castle is still a working University College tour times vary and visitors are advised to contact the Castle for details of opening times. 

Durham Town Hall

Take a look behind the scenes at the Mayors Chamber, furnished with magnificent oak panelling and fine portraits. Visit the 14th Century Guild Hall which has offered hospitality to a variety of Royals throughout its colourful history. 

Take a journey through the Bulinson Gallery and Crush Hall, stopping to discover the curious life of County Boruwlaski who at 39 inches (99cm) in height died in 1837 aged 97 years. 

Marvel at the Hammer-Beam design of the Main Hall with its breathtaking stained glass windows and painted panels all with their own story to tell!

Gaze at the splendid glazed ceiling adorning the Small Hall and allow your group the chance to relax with pre-booked refreshments at the end of a fascinating dip into the history of Durham Town Hall. 

Guided tours of this fascinating working building can be booked in advance with VIP access to behind the scenes rooms.

Durham University Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology

This iconic building enjoys a picturesque setting on the banks of the River  Wear directly beneath Durham's famous Cathedral. Once a key part of Durham's cloth-making industry, the Old Fulling Mill is now home to Durham University's Museum of Archaeology. 

The collections on display provide a fascinating insight into the rich heritage of the North East of England, as well as showcasing items from across Europe. Highlights include outstanding Roman collections together with Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and Tudor finds from Durham City and the local area. 

In addition to the permanent displays the Old Fulling Mill hosts regularly changing temporary exhibitions and a lively programme of family activities at weekends and during school holidays.

Guided tours and behind the scenes visits can be arranged by contacting the museum.

Durham University Oriental Museum

Something of a 'hidden gem', The Oriental Museum is the only museum in Northern Britain dedicated solely to the art and archaeology of the Orient. 

The remarkable collections reveal to the visitor the history and prehistory of great cultures of Asia the Near and Middle East and North Africa. With designated collections of international importance, highlights include the Ancient Egyptian Gallery with its 'mummy' and the Chinese collection. 

The permanent displays are complemented by an exciting programme of visiting exhibitions which offer visitors as rare opportunity to explore differing aspects of modern and historical Asian material culture, art and archaeology. 

Guided tours and behind the scenes visits for special interest groups can be arranged by contacting the museum.  

Raby Castle

The magnificent Raby Castle, in the heart of Teesdale near Darlington has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. 

The Castle was built mainly in the 14th Century by the Nevill family on a site of an earlier Manor House. The Nevills continued to live  at Raby until 1569, when after the failure of the Rising of the North,  the Castle and its land were forfeited to the Crown. 

Highlights include the impressive Entrance Hall, which was created into its present dramatic form by John Carr for the 2nd Earl of Darlington, to celebrate the coming of age of his heir in 1787. The roof was raised to enable carriages to pass through the Hall and the result is a stunning interior in the Gothic Revival style. The vast Barons' Hall is where it is reputed 700 Knights gathered to plot the doomed Rising of the North rebellion against Elizabeth 1. A splendid Victorian drawing room displaying one of the most striking interiors from the 19th Century and a Medieval kitchen in full use until 1954.

There is a 200 acre Deer Park with two lakes and a beautiful walled garden with formal lawns, ancient yew hedges and ornamental pond. The 18th Century stable block contains a horse-drawn carriage collection including the State Coach last used by the family for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

Private and free flow group tours available from Easter until end of September, along with group discounts and benefits. Events take place throughout the summer.


Durham Heritage Centre & Museum

A local history museum housed in the historic church of St-Mary-the-Less next to the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The exhibition tells the story of Durham City from the Medieval times to the present day using displays, artefacts, models and videos. 

The museum hosts an exciting programme of regular changing exhibitions and you can even try you're hand at brass rubbing!

Durham Light Infantry Museum & Art Gallery

The Durham Light Infantry Museum has become one of Durham's most rewarding visitor attractions welcoming a mix of visitors of all ages. The museum tells the proud 200 year old story of the Durham Light Infantry in particluar during World War I and World War II. The displays focus on the experience of war, using veteran's diary extracts, plus the actual voices of World War II veterans.

Upstairs the Durham Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of exhibitions and events from concerts and talks to practical workshops for both children and adults. 

The Gala Theatre

The centrepiece of Durham’s arts programme, the Gala Theatre is situated in a beautiful, purpose-built, £15m building on the banks of the river Wear in the heart of this historic city. The venue houses a state-of-the-art modern theatre, spacious and comfortable café-bar, two cinema screens and superb conference facilities.

With a programme of live events attracting some of the country’s leading theatre companies, comedians, bands, musicians and dance performers; and a cinema programme showing the latest blockbusters alongside independent and classic films; Gala offers the very best in entertainment.

Sunderland Empire

As the region’s flagship theatre, Sunderland Empire is The West End of the North East, showcasing the very best touring productions in the UK and offering audiences a choice of the biggest stars and most prestigious shows, making for a sparkling day or night out.

Guaranteeing an exciting programme of events at the North East’s premier theatrical venue, Sunderland Empire stages season after season of record breaking smash hits, from top West End musicals, to classical ballet and spectacular dance productions, cutting-edge comedy and music concerts to fun family shows, providing all the dazzling entertainment you could ever wish for.

2012 sees the venue raise the curtain on another sizzling line up, with highlights coming from the razzle dazzling Chicago, to Monty Python’s hilarious Spamalot and the brand new lavish production of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s South Pacific.

 And you’re guaranteed the time of your life, when the first ever national tour of Dirty Dancing makes its only North Eaststop at the Sunderland Empire in September. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash-hit exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing, is set to be the hottest ticket in the region and the must see show in 2012!

Many of the upcoming shows include strong discounts for groups of 10 or more.

Visit atgtickets.com/Sunderland for full listings or call the dedicated Group Sales department on 0844 871 4022 for discounts available.