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    This is Durham Blog

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 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

    Durham Cathedral Museum

    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 & Cathedral World Heritage Site

    Durham's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the first ever to be designated. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest surviving examples of Romanesque architecture on the planet, whilst Durham Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the early 11th Century.

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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 films

    Raby Castle

    Teesdale in the Durham Dales is home to one of England's most impressive medieval castles, built by the Nevills and home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. It features fine furniture, impressive artworks, plus a medieval kitchen that was still in use until 1954.

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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 to its grand outdoor stage every summer, providing an immersive and entertaining time travel adventure through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend.

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  • Durhams top 10 treasures

    Binchester Roman Fort

    Look down from a viewing platform onto an excavated stretch of a road constructed 2,000 years ago, then enter the excavated ruins of the bath house - can you spot the footprints?

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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 OVER 130 years ago, the museum contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North.

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