Discover Durham's Hidden Gems

If you're in need of inspiration, try our itineraries below which are sure to help you on your journey to discover Durham's treasure trove of hidden gems.

Glorious Gardens

A day spent at Durham University's Botanic Garden is a chance to tour the world and wonder at its plant collection of rare and exotic species which crosses continents. Move from the foothills of the Himalayas to the bamboo groves of China and from the Sakura flowering cherries of Japan to the fossil bed ferns. Everyone will enjoy a day out at Raby Castle and gardens. The 18th century garden designed by Thomas Wright was a wonder in its day producing sub tropical fruits such as the White Ischia fig with the aid of heated walls.

Medieval Crook Hall and Gardens, one of the hidden gems of Durham city, has been described by many as a quintessentially English garden. The Shakespeare Garden is devoted to plants of his time and the Cathedral Garden takes its inspiration from the stained glass windows of its namesake.

For the rare and unusual travel to Houghall College. Set in 25 acres this hidden gem displays a range of gardening styles from rare trees to the National Collection of Whitebeams.

Originally created to supply the floristry needs of Eggleston Hall, the gardens offer a veritable Pandora's box of surprises, from the traditional florists favourites to the mountain species which the garden's high terrain suit well. Whilst Pockerley Manor at Beamish Museum displays to perfection the formal gardens, vegetable gardens and orchards of the 1820's.

Dalton Park also provides an unexpected hidden gem for nature lovers, as the outlet shopping centre is nestled within 55 acres of landscaped parkland created from colliery spoil. Three signposted trails will lead you through terraces, woodlands, meadows and wetlands - a haven for wildlife. 

History and Heritage

Travel back in time at the Weardale Museum to experience life in a lead miner's cottage during Victorian times, and take in the neighbouring High House Chapel, the oldest purpose built meeting house in the world and where the famous Methodist John Wesley is known to have preached.

The region's religious heritage provides a fascinating insight into times gone by. Attached to the Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street, is the tiny two-story anchorage once home to an Anchorite or hermit, and today housing the Anker's House Museum. Having been approved by the Bishop, the Anchorite took monastic vows and remained sealed in his self inflicted prison for the rest of his life, fed through a small window.

The city itself also abounds with many hidden gems. The Oriental Museum at the University is the only one of its kind in the UK, devoted to art and archaeology from the orient. Among its collection is a magnificant huali bed with ivory panels dating back to the first half of the 19th century.

Admire the city sites from the Wear with a river cruise or a walk along the riverbanks. Stroll around the Victorian Indoor Market and feast on fine food at one of the many restaurants and eateries, many of which hold the new TasteDurham quality mark.

More hidden gems highlights...

More of Durham's hidden gems include family favourites Hall Hill Farm and Killhope - the North of England Lead Mining Museum; the stunning landscape of Durham's Heritage Coast; the Norman Chapel at Durham Castle; art treasure house The Bowes Museum in the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle which boasts an array of antique shops; the New Victoria Centre, home of the mighty wurlitzer and Low Force - a series of stunning waterfalls in Teesdale.