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From secret gardens to majestic treasures, Durham's hidden gems come in all shapes and sizes.
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Why not tell us your top 10 - visit us on Facebook.
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The Sanctuary Knocker at Durham Cathedral
On the main door of Durham Cathedral is the Sanctuary Knocker (now a replica with the original housed in The Treasures of St Cuthbert). Any fugitives who grasped the knocker were granted sanctuary for 37 days. They could then either face their accusers or be given safe conduct to the coast.
Binchester Roman Fort
Discover the excavated remains of part of a large roman fort, built around AD80. Watch out for the roman footprints in the bath house, where parts of the 1,700 year old under-floor heating system are still visible.
Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum
Soak up the atmosphere of this French-style chateau whilst exploring the treasures within. The Bowes Museum is home to the Silver Swan, a life size 230-year-old musical automaton which plays every day to fascinated onlookers.
Durham University's Oriental Museum
Browse the renowned collections of the nationally unique Oriental Museum in Durham City, but prepare for the stare from the Egyptian cat's coffin. The Oriental Museum is the only museum in northern Britain dedicated solely to the art and archaeology of the Orient..jpg)
Medieval Kitchen at Raby Castle
The dramatic 14th Century castle built by the mighty Nevills has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. It houses a Medieval kitchen which was still in use until 1954.
Crook Hall and Gardens
This stunning medieval manor house in the heart of Durham City is surrounded by glorious gardens. Discover the Secret Walled Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Cathedral Garden, Silver and White Garden, moat pool and meadow with maze.
Low Force Waterfalls
Venture downstream from England's largest waterfall, High Force, and you will discover an equally impressive site. Low Force is a series of small waterfalls and a popular beauty spot.
Egglestone Abbey
The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle. Remains include much of the 13thC church and a range of living quarters, with traces of their ingenious toilet drainage system.
Weardale Museum and High House Chapel
High House Chapel is the oldest Methodist chapel in the world in continuous weekly use since its foundation in 1760. The adjoining Weardale Museum is home to The Weardale Tapestry, a 16ft free style embroidery depicting the history of Weardale from prehistoric times to the present day..jpg)
Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon
The Vale of Durham is home to Locomotion which houses over 70 railway vehicles from the national collection, plus lively interactive displays relating to the development of the railways in Shildon..jpg "Lindisfarne Gospels")
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