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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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    This is Durham Blog

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: 55

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  1. Bowlees

    Add Bowlees Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 331 reviews331 reviews

    Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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 National…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Feb 2025to30 Nov 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Gold 2016North East England Tourism Awards - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Gold
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    More info for Bowlees Visitor Centre
  2. 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
  3. Ushaw Historic House and grounds

    Add Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 224 reviews224 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 Augustus Pugin and his followers. 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
  4. 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
  5. Bishop Auckland Peoples Museum

    Add Bishop Auckland People's Museum to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland People's Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Bishop Auckland

    The People’s Museum is situated in the old Hippodrome.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Bishop Auckland People's Museum
  6. Raby Castle gardens with castle in background

    Add Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1323 reviews1323 reviews

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Staindrop

    Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    1 Mar 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    • Green Awards Green Tourism - Silver 2024Green Tourism - Silver
    • Visit England VisitEngland Best Told Story 2024VisitEngland Best Told Story
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  7. Entrance to Durham University Oriental Museum

    Add Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 379 reviews379 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
  8. 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
  9. 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 - 1877 reviews1877 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
  10. Exterior view of The EDAN Gallery

    Add The EDAN Gallery to your Itinerary

    The EDAN Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Seaham

    The EDAN Gallery is the only dedicated art gallery in East Durham. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for The EDAN Gallery
  11. An historic steam train on Tanfield Railway in County Durham.

    Add Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 478 reviews478 reviews

    Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Tanfield

    Oldest existing railway in the world, opened 1725. Steam-hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 61 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Please see website for dates and operating times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    More info for Tanfield Railway
  12. The Courtyard and Keep of Durham Castle,

    Add Durham Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1394 reviews1394 reviews

    Durham Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Durham City

    Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    More info for Durham Castle
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church














 


   
Product Details

    Add Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews

    Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Chester-le-Street

    The cathedral church and shrine of St Cuthbert from AD883 to 995 with attached anchorage containing displays on Roman, Saxon and medieval times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Beaurepaire Manor House

    Add Beaurepaire Manor House to your Itinerary

    Beaurepaire Manor House

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham

    Ruins of a medieval manor house used as a medieval country retreat for the Priors of Durham. Dates from mid 13th century. .

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Beaurepaire Manor House
  19. People sitting in a carriage drawn by two beautiful black horses at Beamish Museum

    Add Attelage Horse Weekend 2025 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Attelage Horse Weekend 2025 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    See a remarkable carriage driving competition by the Concours d'International d'Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) take place around the museum.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2025to14 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Attelage Horse Weekend 2025 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  20. Escomb Saxon Church

    Add Escomb Saxon Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 101 reviews101 reviews

    Escomb Saxon Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Bishop Auckland

    One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Escomb Saxon Church
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