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What's New for 2023 and Beyond
A number of exciting new openings will be taking place across the county in 2023, further enhancing Durham’s offer and making the county the ideal destination for groups.
The Rising at Raby Estates
Ambitious renovations and developments are underway at Raby Estates, as they expand the visitor offer at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
The Faith Museum
Due to open Autumn 2023, The Faith Museum, part of The Auckland Project will be England’s first museum designed to explore the story of faith in Britain and its meaning today.
Locomotion
Locomotion is investing in new experiences, buildings and interpretation across the museum to better tell the significant story of Shildon, and its contribution to the development of railways worldwide.
Northern Saints Trails
Six walking trails that bring to life the stories of the region’s saints, set against a backdrop of the best of the North East’s landscapes, heritage and food and drink.
Remaking Beamish
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is celebrating the largest single investment ever seen with a £10.9m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Remaking Beamish project.
SeaScapes
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £2.78m to the Tyne to Tees, Shores and Seas Partnership scheme (SeaScapes).
The Silver Swan
The Bowes Museum’s Silver Swan will take centre stage for the museum’s main exhibition of 2023 - Movement: Celebrating 250 years of the world’s most famous Silver Swan opening on 8 July 2023 to 7 January 2024.
The Story
The grade II listed Mount Oswald is currently undergoing restoration and will become a state-of-the-art history centre. Bringing Durham’s fascinating heritage to life through historic collections and exhibitions. Late 2023.
The Park Head Hotel
Following an extensive refurbishment, Park Head Hotel will open on 1 February 2023. Offering 38 en-suite hotel rooms and 80 seat Oak Room Restaurant, where guests can tuck into delicious local produce.
Durham and Beyond
Visit County Durham is a partner in three national projects for the development of world-class bookable products, responding to consumer needs and market opportunities. The Discover England Fund will drive growth in international tourism whilst also benefiting the domestic market.
England Originals
Durham City is one of 15 of England’s most historic cities featured in an innovative augmented reality (AR) app, and themed itineraries, as part of the ‘England Originals’ project. The app takes visitors on a journey through history, meeting some of the most fascinating characters from the past through trigger points at historic attractions.
England’s Coast
Inspiring visitors to discover one of the world's most amazing coastlines, Durham is one of the 8 unique coastal regions featured.
A unique itinerary builder with information on places to stay, eat and things to do enables the planning and booking of a bespoke visit.Explorer’s Road
Self-drive itineraries along the East Coast of England, from London to Northumberland via the A1 corridor which uncover fascinating stories from England’s past.
Featuring Durham City and the Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site, the routes also explore the county’s historic towns of Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle, showcasing world-class attractions including The Bowes Museum, The Auckland Project, Beamish Museum and Raby Castle.
