to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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From historic houses and theatres to striking town halls, Durham offers a range of unique venues to discover. Enjoy live performances, exhibitions, family activities, workshops, heritage experiences and community events. We have picked a few highlights below.
A historic centre of civic life for nearly 700 years. Still home to the Mayor of Durham, the Mayoral Bodyguard, and the Freemen and Trade Guilds, it preserves traditions dating back centuries. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am -3pm, with free entry, visitors can explore Durham’s rich history through exhibitions, audio guides and displays that bring the city’s story to life. Also discover the venue from a different perspective as it comes alive throughout the year with live music, artistic performances, and a variety of events.
Old Cinema Launderette is a functional launderette by day, but by night it's a bar and music venue. The Cinema is located in Gilesgate Moor, Durham and was opened in 1928. The Launderette's retro-chic transformation celebrates the Rex's rich cinematic heritage, while hosting a carefully curated programme of events, gigs, and live performances. And yes, you can even do your washing while you're there.
Gala Theatre is Durham’s leading arts and entertainment venue, presenting drama, comedy, music, family shows, and festivals. Alongside hosting leading touring productions, the Gala creates its own award-winning work, supports emerging artists and young people, and helps nurture local creative talent through artist development programmes and Stage School.
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The Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre
The Assembly Rooms Theatre is a historic 165-seat Victorian theatre in the heart of Durham. Home to all thirty-three of Durham University’s theatre companies, the Theatre hosts a varied programme of plays, musicals, comedy, jazz, and community events throughout the year.
The Witham is a vibrant community venue in Bishop Auckland, offering a diverse programme of theatre, live music, comedy, cinema, art exhibitions, classes, and social events. The venue features an award-winning café bar, a beautifully restored Victorian music hall, an art gallery.
Durham Cathedral provides a truly unique setting for an unforgettable live experience. Throughout the year, this iconic historic landmark hosts a diverse programme of events, concerts, performances, and cultural experiences. Whether attending a concert, performance, or special event, visitors can experience the beauty and heritage of Durham Cathedral in a way that is both inspiring and immersive.
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The studio is set within an upland hay meadow, in the Durham Dales and offers year-round creative workshops which encourage individual expression and a joy of mark making. The studio was featured on Grand Designs in 2025 and offers workshops, retreats and event spaces designed to inspire creativity, connection and memorable experiences.
Discover The Bowes Museum, a stunning French-style museum set within 22 acres of landscaped parkland in County Durham. Founded by Joséphine and John Bowes, it is home to more than 58,000 objects, as well as the famous 18th-century Silver Swan automaton. With 22 galleries, changing exhibitions, family workshops, concerts and special events, the museum offers inspiration and creativity for visitors of all ages.
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The EDAN Gallery is East Durham’s only dedicated art gallery, showcasing a diverse programme of free exhibitions throughout the year. Housed in a former public building that was transformed into an artistic space by volunteers from the East Durham Artists’ Network (EDAN) in 2012, the gallery has become a hub for local creativity and culture.
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