History and Heritage

If you’re looking for history and heritage, you’ve come to the right place... 

Delve into Durham's amazing history and see the past come to life at award-winning attractions and amazing events which shine a light on the past across our county.

In the Vale of Durham, Journey back in time at the world famous Beamish Museum, one of the largest open-air museum in the UK. Take a tram ride into the past to experience unforgettable sights, sounds and smells from the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and now the 1950s, in the newly opened Welfare Hall - the first building to open in the museum’s 1950s town. 

Uncover the fascinating social history and the industrial heritage of the world’s first railway town at Locomotion in Shildon. View highlights from the National Railway Museum’s national collection and get a close up view of historic engines. 

Don't miss Kynren - the must-see historical live outdoor show which takes place every summer in Bishop Auckland. Promising to be bigger, better and brighter than before. Set off on a journey through time as you are taken through 2,000 years of British history in this spectacular outdoor performance with a cast and crew of 1,500.

Discover over a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith at The Auckland Project, which is transforming the small market town of Bishop Auckland. See life through the eyes of prominent mining artists at The Mining Art Gallery, be amazed by masterpieces at the newly opened Bishop Trevor Gallery or take in the views of Bishop Auckland and surrounding countryside from the Auckland Tower’s 15 metre viewing platform.  

Auckland Castle sits at the heart of the Auckland Project, which was once the home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, set to reopen later this year following exciting multi-million pound conservation works. 

In Durham City, visit Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of spiritual enlightenment for more than a thousand years. Visitors can once again enjoy spectacular views from the recently reopened cathedral’s Central Tower following multi-million pound conservation works to preserve the tower for future generations. Plus, explore Open Treasure, the cathedral’s world-class exhibition experience where you can explore previously hidden spaces inside this majestic building.

In the Durham Dales, the striking sight of The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle will take your breath away, and the 19th Century French-style chateau is as impressive on the inside too, housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative art, or head to stunning Raby Castle and its beautiful 200-acre deer park, with walled gardens, horse-drawn carriage collection, unique gift shop & recently refurbished tearoom.

High in the hills of Weardale experience the life and work of Victorian lead miners and their families at Killhope, a multi-award winning museum complete with underground tunnels and working waterwheel.