Arts & Culture

With such rich association with international culture and the arts - both past and present, groups can explore Durham's distinct culture through museums, theatres and an innovative events and festivals programme. Durham is also home to great sporting attractions with Durham Regatta, Durham County Cricket Club and Sedgefield Racecourse all within easy reach and providing great days out. So don't forget to check our events listing to find out what's on!

Suggestions for 2 days in Durham On the Cultural Trail

Route - Day One
Durham City - Ushaw College - Barnard Castle
(Either The Bowes Museum or Rokeby Hall)
- Durham City

Route - Day Two
A full day in Durham City, free coach parking and most attractions are within walking distance.

Coach Timings

• Barnard Castle to Raby Castle: 20 mins
• Barnard Castle to Rokeby Hall: 10 mins
• Raby Castle to Durham City: 45 mins
• Rokeby Hall to Durham City: 55 mins

Attractions - Suggested Length of Visit

• The Bowes Museum and Barnard Castle: allow 4 hours
• Raby Castle: allow 2 hours
• Durham City: min. half day - extend to full day to include City museums
• Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum: allow 2 hours
• Durham Heritage Centre & Museum: 30 minutes
• Gala Theatre, Durham City: allow performance time
• Durham Town Hall: allow 1 hour
• Ushaw College: 1 - 2 hours 

Durham University Attractions - 

• Durham Castle: 1 hour
• Oriental Museum: allow 1 - 2 hours
• Botanic Garden:  2 hours
• Old Fulling Mill/Museum of Archaeology: 1 hour 

Did You Know...

• The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle welcomes all groups, especially those interested in decorative and fine arts. Contact the Museum for bespoke tours or specialist talks.
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• You can visit Durham attractions that have inspired writers through the generations. Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens stayed at Rokeby Hall in the 19th Century - inspiring Scott's poem 'Rokeby' and Bowes village school became the inspiration for Dotheboys Hall in 'Nicholas Nickleby'.
  
• Artist John Sell Cotman immortalised Durham landmarks in his work - Cotman's painting 'Greta Bridge' now hangs in the British Museum in London. 
  
• Fowlers Yard in Durham City provides open workspaces for artisans - watch them at work and be inspired by their creativity.
  
• Bill Bryson, famous American travel writer, is champion of Durham's attractions and is currently Chancellor of Durham University.
  
• A double attraction in one - visit the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, both  housed under the same roof.
  
• Brass: Durham International Festival brings music to Durham during July, and in December the Durham Christmas Festival is also a very popular event for groups. 
  
• Durham's events and entertainment programme is second to none. Gala Theatre, Durham University Student Theatre and a whole host of innovative events put Durham on the map year round. Click here for a full events calendar
• 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.