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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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You are here > Home > Inspire Me > Durham's Unmissable Highlights > Historic Experiences

Historic Experiences

From a world-famous cathedral to rail vehicles from the National Collection, find out more about Durham’s historic highlights.

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  • Durhams top 10 views

    Durham Cathedral

    Durham Cathedral is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture anywhere in Europe. Together with the adjacent Durham Castle, these awe-inspiring buildings are at the heart of Durham City’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  • Durhams top 10 treasures

    Beamish Museum

    Take a tram ride back in time at England's largest open air museum and experience unforgettable sights, sounds and delicious tastes as the past comes to life.

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  • Durhams top 10 events

    Open Treasure

    Open Treasure is a new, world-class exhibition experience at Durham Cathedral. Discover 2,000 years of history on a journey from the medieval Monks’ Dormitory to the monastic Great Kitchen, as the remarkable story of the Northern Saints is revealed.

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  • Durhams top 10 views

    Durham Castle

    Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, Durham Castle is now home to students of Durham University. Today, visits are led by guides who explain the history of this iconic building and tell you what it’s like to live in today.

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  • Durhams top 10 treasures

    Auckland Castle

    Seek out the unique and priceless 17th Century Zurbaran paintings in Auckland Castle. The 13 larger than life canvasses of 'Jacob and His Twelve Sons' were captured by pirates en route to Mexico and sold to the Bishop of Durham.

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  • Durhams top 10 events - Kynren

    Kynren – an epic tale of England

    Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is the UK’s ‘must see’ spectacular outdoor live action show. Returning for its third season in 2018 with 17 performances from 30th June to 15th September, providing an immersive and entertaining time travel adventure through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend.

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  • Durhams top 10 films

    Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum

    Killhope in Upper Weardale in the Durham Dales explores the life of North Pennine lead mining families. Experience the Park Level Mine underground experience, Northern England's largest working water wheel, hands-on activities and woodland walks.

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  • Ushaw College Durham

    Ushaw

    Ushaw was founded over 200 years ago just outside Durham City to educate students for the Catholic priesthood. The vast estate contains buildings designed by Augustus Pugin and his followers and is one of the most important examples of Georgian and Victorian Gothic architecture in the North East.

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  • Durhams top 10 views

    The Bowes Museum

    Teesdale in the Durham Dales is home to one of the country's most fascinating museum experiences - The Bowes Museum. Created 125 years ago, the museum contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North.

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