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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Children playing at Auckland Castle
  2. Kynren at Bishop Auckland
  3. Hardwick Park Sedgefield
  4. A plate of food
  1. What’s on in the Vale of Durham?
    What’s on in the Vale of Durham?
    Plan your break around these great events at amazing attractions in the Vale of Durham.
  2. Vale of Durham Map
    Vale of Durham Map
    Find your way around with our handy map of the Vale of Durham.
  3. Things to do in the Vale of Durham
    Things to do in the Vale of Durham
    The Vale of Durham is packed with award-winning attractions and great days out, as well as superb walking and cycling routes, stunning country parks and much more.
  4. Accommodation in the Vale of Durham
    Accommodation in the Vale of Durham
    Find your perfect place to stay in the Vale of Durham, from country house hotels to luxury spas, cottages, B&Bs, hostels and caravan and campsites.
  5. Food and Drink in the Vale of Durham
    Food and Drink in the Vale of Durham
    You’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time to refuel during your visit. Tuck into a hearty lunch by the roaring fire in a country pub or dine out in style at award-winning eateries.
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this is featured

External view of The Spanish Gallery

The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…

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deer park auckland palace county durham

Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

A charming Gothic Revival 'eyecatcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham.

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Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery

Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery

The Gallery houses a permanent collection of art, including paintings by Norman Cornish, as well as…

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

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PrevPrev
  • 1The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 2Auckland Palace Deer House and Park
  • 3Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
  • 4Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
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You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Vale of Durham

Vale of Durham

From the rolling landscape in the north and west to the rich agricultural lands in the south, the Vale of Durham is a diverse destination with bustling towns, exciting activities and enthralling attractions.

Bishop Auckland is a lively market town with a fascinating 2,000-year heritage and is also home to Auckland Palace, which was the palace of Durham's Prince Bishops for almost 900 years. Marvel at the treasures within, or spot the deer in the surrounding parkland.

Now home to epic night show Kynren - An Epic Tale of England which plays throughout the summner, the town is set for major developments over the next few years, with a new welcome building at the Palace, a new Museum extension, an institute of Spanish art and culture, and the redevelopment of the 17th Century Walled Garden which will feature stunning new glasshouses providing 'garden rooms' restaurant and event spaces.

At nearby Escomb, you can see one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Northern Europe at Escomb Saxon Church. Using stones from nearby Binchester Roman Fort, it was built in the 7th Century and includes a Roman arch and stonework.

Step back in time at Beamish – The Living Museum of the North, England's largest open-air Museum. Hop on a tram and see what life was like in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. Beamish stands in 300 acres of beautiful countryside and is a working, living museum. Plus, for an action-packed day out enjoy a treetop adventure at nearby Beamish Wild. 

The Vale of Durham is also renowned for its sporting prowess; see world-class cricket at the Emirates Riverside Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street, or enjoy a day at the races at Sedgefield Racecourse.

Towns & Villages

  • Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland & Shildon

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  •  Chester le Street

    Chester-le-Street

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  • Consett

    Consett

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  • Lanchester

    Lanchester

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  • Durhams top 10s

    Newton Aycliffe

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    Sedgefield

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  • Spennymoor

    Spennymoor

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  • Stanley

    Stanley

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