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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.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Religious Heritage
    Religious Heritage
    Durham has many stories of saints and scholars to tell.
  2. Sporting Heritage
    Sporting Heritage
    Durham’s sporting heritage is packed with fascinating facts.
  3. Industrial Heritage
    Industrial Heritage
    From mining to railways, Durham’s industrial past is brought to life at award-winning attractions across the county.
  4. Historic Top 10
    Historic Top 10
    From ancient castles to living museums, find out more about Durham’s historic highlights.
  5. Amazing Events
    Amazing Events
    Durham has a packed year-round calendar of events which will transport you back in time.
  6. Social Heritage
    Social Heritage
    Step back in time at award-winning attractions across the county and get a glimpse of times gone by.
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  • Durham's industrial heritage

    Industrial Heritage

    From mining to railways, Durham’s industrial past is brought to life at award-winning attractions across the county.

  • Open treasure in durham

    Historic Top 10

    From ancient castles to living museums, find out more about Durham’s historic highlights.

  • Kyren Bishop Auckland Durham

    Amazing Events

    Durham has a packed year-round calendar of events which will transport you back in time.

  • Durhams top 10 facts -Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle

    A spectacular fortress set on a high rock above the market town (of the same name), Barnard Castle takes you back to the 12th Century. Spot Richard III’s boar emblem carving, enjoy the sensory garden and stunning views of this riverside location.

  • Durham's religious heritage

    Religious Heritage

    Durham has many stories of saints and scholars to tell.

  • Durhams top 10 events

    Sporting Heritage

    Durham’s sporting heritage is packed with fascinating facts.

You are here > Home > History & Heritage

Historical Durham

Delve into Durham's amazing history with a short break to the county and see the past come to life at award-winning attractions, enthralling experiences and amazing events.

No visit to Durham is complete without exploring the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your visit at the World Heritage Visitor Centre, discover fascinating exhibitions inside the historic libraries at Place Green, take a guided tour of Durham Castle and be amazed by the Romanesque architecture of Durham Cathedral.

Take a tram ride back in time to experience the amazing sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes of the past at Beamish Museum, one of the largest open-air museums in the UK. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and captivating stories of Ushaw, Historic House, Chapels and Gardens. Be transported back to the times of the mighty Roman Empire at Binchester Roman Fort, as you step inside the impressive remains.

If you have a love for castles, Durham will delight you. Raby Castle, with its sprawling grounds and beautiful interiors, will transport you back in time. And at Auckland Castle you can follow in the footsteps of the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham. Don't miss the remarkable Zurbarán paintings housed within its walls.

In the Durham Dales, the striking sight of the magnificent Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle will take your breath away. Go underground and experience the life of a Victorian lead miner at Killhope, travel through 2,000 years of British history all in one evening at Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, and see incredible vehicles and engines from the National collection at Locomotion.

Uncover the secrets of the past and create memories that will last a lifetime in Durham.

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