Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Hands on History
The past comes to life in Durham. Get hands-on with history at the award-winning Beamish, discover the hidden stories of Durham's UNESCO Wrold Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, or don a hard hat and head down the mine at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum.
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Number of results: 60
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Seaham
The East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre displays the historic lifeboat The George Elmy and gives and insight into the rich heritage of the area.
Abbey / Priory
Bowes Village, Barnard Castle
Medieval monastic communities probably did not have much free time to enjoy picnics but the legacy they left behind in terms of beautiful abbeys and churches beckon the modern visitor. In the 13th century the Premonstratensian Canons, or “white…
Children/Family events
Stanley
In the Edwardian period, May Day was second only to Christmas in popularity and each town or village all over the country would have its own range of traditions and customs.
Historic Site
Durham
Ruins of a medieval manor house used as a medieval country retreat for the Priors of Durham. Dates from mid 13th century. .
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Bishop Auckland
Auckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting, and to pick up everything you’ll need for your day of exploration.
Museum
Shildon
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s first railway town.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Spennymoor
Spennymoor Town Hall has it’s dedicated memorial to the works and lives lost during the mining period across County Durham. Events cover mining in the Northern part of England i.e. County Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and the…
Historic Site
Bishop Auckland
A charming Gothic Revival 'eyecatcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham.
Castle / Fort
Barnard Castle
A spectacular fortress set on a high rock above the market town, Barnard Castle takes you back to the 12th century. Spot Richard III’s boar emblem carving, enjoy the sensory garden and stunning views of this riverside location.
Castle / Fort
Durham
Brancepeth is one of the oldest castles in the North East. The building today is a combination of the Nevilles' medieval stronghold and the grand country house created for the wealthy Russell family in Regency times.
Cathedral / Minister
Durham City
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.
Nature Reserve
Seaham
The Durham Coast is well known for its spectacular wildflowers. Some of the fields at Blast Beach are among the best places to enjoy them, with plants like bloody cranesbill, dyer’s greenweed and devil’s-bit scabious creating a riot of colour in the…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre is small building of architectural beauty situated in Wheatley Hill cemetery. It houses a permanent exhibition of colliery village life.
Abbey / Priory
Barnard Castle
Charming ruins of Premonstratensian Abbey and picnic area in a picturesque location on the River Tees.
Castle / Fort
Darlington
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell. Explore our Deer Park and adventure playground, The Plotters' Forest or learn about our fascinating Castle…
Railway
Stanhope
Take a ride on the Weardale Railway heritage passenger service to enjoy stunning views of Weardale, a National Landscape, and explore the historic market towns of Wolsingham and Stanhope.
Historic House / Palace
Durham
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin and his followers. This amazing venue offers a wide variety of activities, events and exhibitions - something for all ages!
Church / Chapel
Chester-le-Street
The cathedral church and shrine of St Cuthbert from AD883 to 995 with attached anchorage containing displays on Roman, Saxon and medieval times.
Museum
Durham City
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum. The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.
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