Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Hands on History
The past comes to life in Durham. Get hands-on with history at award-winning Beamish, ride the world's oldest working railway at Tanfield or don a hard hat and head down the mine at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum.
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An iconic building and public Museum set in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle in the midst…
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market…
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time and become…
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Castle / Fort
Staindrop
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell. Explore our Deer Park and adventure playground, The Plotters' Forest or learn about our fascinating Castle…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Durham City
Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre is small building of architectural beauty situated in Wheatley Hill cemetery. It houses a permanent exhibition of colliery village life.
Picnic Site
Stanley
Picnic site which is home to the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge.
Music Event
The College, Durham City
Featuring a live cast of West End singers, accompanied by an incredible live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before.
Music Event
The College, Durham City
This service has been part of every Gala since 1897.
Museum
Shildon
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s first railway town.
Sub-Attraction
Beamish
Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall.
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,…
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.
Family Fun
South Road, Durham City
Join storyteller, Elizabeth Baker, for a story-walk around the gardens. As we walk, Elizabeth will tell stories and legends from some of the countries the wonderful plants in our gardens are from.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Newbiggin
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling fields that boast some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines Area of…
Children/Family events
Lanchester
Celebrate the end of another term and the start of what hopefully will be a great Summer with our end of the term party with disco, games, lots of fun and rounded off with a tasty children's buffet.
Museum
Durham City
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with audio, displays and access to the medal collection on demand in the Barker Research Library.
Music Event
Durham City
The Seventy Glorious Years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Freedom Concert will take place on Saturday 2 July at Wharton Park and see the Band and Bugles of The Rifles and guests perform for watching crowds.
Railway
Stanhope
The Weardale Railway follows the path of the River Wear and passes through the spectacular scenery of Weardale. With historic connections to the Stockton & Darlington Railway, it was once a vital link to the industrial heart of Teesside.
Museum
Ireshopeburn
Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the beautiful Weardale Tapestry, displays on mining,a mineral collection and the finds from St Botolph's Chapel, Frosterley.Also a display commemorating the lives…
Castle / Fort
Barnard Castle
The massive ruins of Henry II's 12thC tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.
Family Fun
South Road, Durham City
Get interactive with our Crazy Creatures who are visiting the Garden for the day. Animal encounters with rabbits, frogs, snakes, spiders, mice and other animals to enjoy.
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.
Museum
Durham
Palace Green Library, in the heart of Durham city, holds Durham University's special collections. Our galleries are open to all and display treasures spanning millennia and the globe.
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