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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 > Things to Do > Attractions > Hands on History

Get hands on with History

The past comes to life in Durham. Get hands-on with history at the award-winning Beamish, discover the hidden stories of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, or don a hard hat and head down the mine at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum.

See more ideas below.

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Number of results: 54

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  1. A couple looking at exhibitions inside Durham Cathedral Museum

    Add Durham Cathedral Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7211 reviews7211 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Durham Cathedral Museum
  2. Image of Palace Green Library's exterior on a sunny day.

    Add Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 372 reviews372 reviews

    Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
  3. Children wearing hard hats in Killhope Lead Mine in dark truck full of rocks

    Add Killhope Lead Mining Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 314 reviews314 reviews

    Killhope Lead Mining Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Cowshill

    *Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed.

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2017Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Code of Practice 2017
    • Visit England VisitEngland Hidden Gem 2016VisitEngland Hidden Gem
    • Visit England Best Told Story 2021Best Told Story
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  4. Crook Hall Gardens

    Add Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1054 reviews1054 reviews

    Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    National Trust

    Durham City

    The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town house, reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning 10-acre gardens, paddock and fields,…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Feb 2025to20 Dec 2025
    More info for Crook Hall Gardens
  5. Exterior image of The Story, Mount Oswald, from the lawn.

    Add The Story to your Itinerary

    The Story

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    South Road, Durham

    The Story offers a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people. Bringing together our diverse collections of records and objects for the first time, The Story charts thousands of years of everyday life in the county.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for The Story
  6. Ushaw Historic House and grounds

    Add Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 225 reviews225 reviews

    Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Durham

    Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by the Pugin family. This amazing venue offers a wide variety of activities, events and exhibitions - something for all ages!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Green Tourism Awards - Bronze 2025Green Tourism Awards - Bronze
    More info for Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  7. Auckland Tower, blue skies

    Add Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Bishop Auckland

    Auckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting, and to pick up everything you’ll need for your day of exploration.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project
  8. A train at The Weardale Railway

    Add The Weardale Railway - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 571 reviews571 reviews

    The Weardale Railway - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Stanhope

    Take a ride on the Weardale Railway heritage passenger service to enjoy stunning views of Weardale, a National Landscape, and explore the historic market towns of Wolsingham and Stanhope.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Weardale Railway - The Auckland Project
  9. Romans on display in the Museum of Archaeology

    Add Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 46 reviews46 reviews

    Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past through the unique objects that are uncovered as the result of archaeological excavations, or are unearthed by chance by members of the public.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
  10. Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery

    Add Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery to your Itinerary

    Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Spennymoor

    The Gallery houses a permanent collection of art, including paintings by Norman Cornish, as well as being host to at least six exhibitions a year.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
  11. Exterior image of The Faith Museum at The Auckland Project.

    Add The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bishop Auckland

    Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain, inviting visitors to consider how people across history have…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
  12. Brancepeth Castle

    Add Brancepeth Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews

    Brancepeth Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Durham

    Brancepeth is one of the oldest castles in the North East. The building today is a combination of the Nevilles' medieval stronghold and the grand country house created for the wealthy Russell family in Regency times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Brancepeth Castle
  13. external image of Durham Town Hall

    Add Durham Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Durham Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard.  Since the 14th Century…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham Town Hall
  14. Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

    Add Binchester Roman Fort to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 126 reviews126 reviews

    Binchester Roman Fort

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Binchester Roman Fort
  15. The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

    Add The Auckland Project -  No 42 Gallery and Shop to your Itinerary

    The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition. Here you can see some of the intriguing objects and archives that The Auckland Project holds, as well as hearing some of the fascinating oral…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop
  16. Entrance to Durham University Oriental Museum

    Add Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 380 reviews380 reviews

    Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum.  The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Jan 2025to23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2015North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham University Oriental Museum
  17. Auckland Palace exterior with lawn area to foreground

    Add The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 497 reviews497 reviews

    The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, at the heart of County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2025to24 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Auckland Project
  18. The exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.

    Add The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1879 reviews1879 reviews

    The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Barnard Castle

    There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in this Museum of artists, designers and makers, there are treasures at every turn.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Visit England VisitEngland Award Quality Food and Drink 2023 2023VisitEngland Award Quality Food and Drink 2023
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Bowes Museum
  19. deer park auckland palace county durham

    Add Auckland Palace Deer House and Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7 reviews7 reviews

    Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Bishop Auckland

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

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Auckland Palace Deer House and Park
  20. Hardwick Park at sunset

    Add Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 479 reviews479 reviews

    Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Sedgefield

    This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity - a remarkable place to visit. The park is open daily with events held throughout the year.…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for Hardwick Park
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