Top 10 Living History Experiences

Many of Durham's attractions help to bring our rich and varied culture and heritage to life - step back in time and come face-to-face with the past.

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	Durham Castle & Cathedral World Heritage Site The iconic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site in Durham City was one of the first ever to be designated. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest surviving examples of Romanesque architecture on the planet, whilst Durham Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the early 11th Century.
	Beamish Museum The award winning Beamish Museum in the Vale of Durham vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800s and 1900s. Take a trip back in time aboard a real tram and meet some of the people who lived and worked in the past.
	The Bowes Museum Teesdale in the Durham Dales is home to one of the country's most fascinating museum experiences - The Bowes Museum. Created over 100 years ago, the museum contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North.
	Causey Arch Causey Arch is the world's oldest surviving railway bridge. It was built in 1725-26 by a local stonemason, funded by a conglomeration of coal-owners. A number of woodland walks help you to explore the area.
	Raby Castle Teesdale in the Durham Dales is home to one of England's most impressive medieval castles, built by the Nevills and home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. It features fine furniture, impressive artworks, plus a medieval kitchen that was still in use until 1954.
	Weardale Railway Take a trip on the heritage Weardale Railway in the Durham Dales and discover the beautifully restored railway station at Stanhope, with period luggage piled high on the platform and brown paper parcels tied up with string.
	Tanfield Railway A 3-mile steam railway and the oldest existing railway in the world, based on a section of the 1725 Tanfield Waggonway Trains with a variety of 100-year-old Victorian carriages.
	Weardale Museum & 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.
	Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum Killhope in Upper Weardale in the Durham Dales explores the life of North Pennine lead mining families. Experience the Park Level Mine underground experience, marvel at the working water wheels and find your own minerals as you work as a washerboy.
	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.