Exploring Durham's many award-winning attractions by public transport is an easy way of travelling more sustainably by reducing your carbon footprint. It's also a great way to enjoy Durham's scenery, it's cost-effective and reliable. 

So on your next visit to the county why not try out one of our ideas of easy journeys to make using public transport. 

For help planning your trip, including routes, times, and connections, check the journey planner on the Good Journey website before visiting.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Travel through time as you explore the world-famous open air museum, which tells the story of life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and now 1950s. 

By rail
The closest train station to Beamish Museum is Chester-le- Street and regular direct trains run from Newcastle (approx 9 minutes) and Durham (approx 15 minutes). Once you arrive at Chester-le-Street town centre you'll find regular bus services to hop on, which take you straight to the museum (approx 15-20 minutes).

By bus
You can hop on buses in Newcastle Upon Tyne and Durham City which take you to the museum. Plan your route on the Good Journey website.

Plus if you show your bus ticket on arrival you'll recieve 25% off addmission! 

Durham Heritage Coast

Starting at the lively harbour town of Seaham, you'll find lots to see and do along the Durham Heritage Coast. Pull your hiking boots on and explore the spectacular landscapes on the coastal path, which is home to many rare plants and wildlife. Head to the beach and see if you can find any world-famous Seaham Sea Glass or treat yourself in the many delicious restaurants, cafes and seaside boutiques. 

By rail
From Newcastle Central Station you can jump on a train straight to Seaham Rail Station (approx 30 minutes), and from there it's a short walk of approx 10-15 minutes along Dene House Road to the seaside. 

By bus 
From Durham City bus station you can hop on the Go North East Prince Bishops 65 service which goes staright to Seaham, running every 60 minutes. 

Locomotion

Explore the fascinating world of railways and national railway museum collections at Locomotion in Shildon - the world's first railway town. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station or Durham Train Station you can take a train direct to Darlington (approx 30 minutes), then change to a Northern Rail service from Darlington to Shildon (approx 20 minutes). Then it's only a short walk to Locomotion. Total journey time is approx 1hr.

You can also jump on the Bishop Line from Bishop Auckland direct to Shildon as you follow the historic route along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Where you can extend your trip to Darlington where you'll find Hopetown - another must-visit attraction for railway lovers.

By bus
You can hop on buses in Durham City which take you to the museum via Darlington and Bishop Auckland. Plan your route on the Good Journey website.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

In the Durham Dales you'll find one of England's best-preserved Medieval castles - Raby Castle. Travel back in time as you explore the grand collections inside the castle, see how many deer you can spot in the 200 acre deer park or enjoy a relaxing walk around the 18th century walled gardens. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station, take the train to Darlington (approx 30 minutes). Once you arrive in Darlington you can catch the bus to the castle (approx 35 minutes). The total journey time can range from 1.45hrs to just over 2hrs.

By bus
Check Raby Castle's website directly to find the best bus route for you. You can also plan your journey on the Durham Bus Routes website. 

The Auckland Project 

Explore over one thousand years of history, art and culture at The Auckland Project. Take in 360° views from the top of Auckland Tower, wander through the ancient deer park, admire striking artworks at The Mining Art Gallery or follow in the footsteps of some of the most powerful men in British History at magnificent Auckland Palace. 

Discover masterpieces from Spain’s Golden Age at The Spanish Gallery, trace 6,000 years of belief at the inspiring Faith Museum, and enjoy a guided stroll through the beautifully restored Walled Garden on the Auckland Gardens Tour.

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station or Durham Train Station grab the train to Darlington (approx 30 minutes), then when you get off at Darlington you can board a connecting train to Bishop Auckland with a journey time of (approx 26 minutes). Once you get off it's a short walk (approx 15 minutes) down the main town High Street to Bishop Auckland market place, where you'll find all the Auckland Project attractions.  

If travelling by train to Darlington, you can also get to Bishop Auckland by bus.

By bus
Bishop Auckland has regular bus conenctions across the region, including direct from Durham City. Plan your journey on the Durham Bus route website.  

The Bowes Museum 

The Bowes Museum in the quite market town of Barnard Castle is home to internationally renowned collection of fine and decorative art and an ever changing programme of events and exhibitions. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station or Durham Train Station, you can board a connecting train to Darlington (journey time approximately 20-30 minutes), where buses run regularly to the market town of Barnard Castle. The Arriva services X75 and X76 leave for Barnard Castle from stand M outside Darlington Town Hall and take approximately 40–50 minutes, or once you arrive in Barnard Castle you can walk to the museum which takes around 15 minutes. 

By bus
Barnard Castle has regular bus conenctions across the region. Plan your journey on the Durham Bus route website.  

Did you know you can explore all of the county and the wider North East region by public transport for as little as £7.50 a day? With the TNE Day Saver ticket, you get unlimited bus travel. It’s one simple ticket for a full day of affordable, flexible travel.