What's New
A number of exciting new openings will be taking place across the county in 2025, further enhancing Durham’s offer and making the county the ideal destination for groups.
The Storied Lands
Set to open in summer 2026, The Storied Lands will be a spectacular daytime attraction within the wider Kynren park in Bishop Auckland. This new theme park will transport visitors through history, myth, and legend, bringing the past to life.
Redhills
Now re-open following £7.25m restoration work. Now a vibrant hub hosting a wide range of cultural events, conferences and guided tours - exploring the rich heritage of Durham's mining communitites.
Aykley Heads Cultural Venue
Occupying the site of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery building and its grounds, the new Aykley Heads Cultural Venue will bring together art, heritage and science to look to the future and celebrate the county's creativity. Re-opening date to be announced soon.
Vivienne Westwood at The Bowes Museum
Opening 28 March- 6 September 2026. ‘Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller – Visionary’ will be a multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion’s most provocative British designers, Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022).
The Pin at Ramside Hall
A brand-new Entertainment Centre is now open at Ramside Hall Hotel. The multi-million development features a 43-bay Toptracer driving range, six-lane bowling alley, interactive games, a huge sports bar with curve-round screens and delicious food and drink offer.
Auckland Palace Gardens
The regeneration of Auckland Palace continues with three new gardens to explore. Connect with nature in the Wilderness Garden, pause and reflect in the Faith Garden, and the historic Walled Garden, which features a striking new glasshouse. Join us outside in the Palace grounds to wander the Bowling Green, take in beautiful views across the Wear Valley, and explore the newly designed North Terrace.
The Rising at Raby Castle
An ambitious development at Raby Castle, with expanded visitor offer, including reimagined walled garden, and new Vinery Café Restaurant. Now open.
Locomotion
The recently opened New Hall at Locomotion is home to the largest collection of historic railway vehicles under cover on one site anywhere in the Europe.
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.
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’s Historic Cities
Durham City is one of 15 of England’s most historic cities featured in themed itineraries, as part of the ‘England Originals’ project.
The updated edition of the Travel Trade Guide is now available to download, a helpful tool for those planning group visits to historic cities across England, including Durham City.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.
