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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 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.

See more ideas below.

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this is featured

Raby Castle grounds with stunning lake

Raby Castle

Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…

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Exterior seating of cafe

Bishop Auckland Town Hall

Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market…

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external image of Durham Town Hall

Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed

The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…

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The Bowes Museum

An iconic building and Museum set in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle in the midst of…

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Binchester Roman Fort

Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…

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Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

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Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of…

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High Force Waterfall

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Raby Castle
  • 2Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  • 3Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
  • 4The Bowes Museum
  • 5Binchester Roman Fort
  • 6Durham Cathedral
  • 7Locomotion
  • 8Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 9High Force Waterfall
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Number of results:

Number of results: 52

, currently showing 1 to 20.

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  1. Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

    Add Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

    Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre
  2. Bishop Trevor Gallery auckland tower

    Add Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021 to your Itinerary

    Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    The gallery will house a special programme of exhibitions, bringing fine art to Bishop Auckland, in particular European paintings dating from 1600 to 1900. This will include masterpieces on loan from private collections.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021
  3. East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre

    Add East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 112 reviews112 reviews

    East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Seaham

    The East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre displays the historic lifeboat The George Elmy and gives and insight into the rich heritage of the area.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre
  4. The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021

    Add The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 383 reviews383 reviews

    The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Journey through a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith at The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland.

    Dates

    More info for The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021
  5. Bowes Castle

    Add Bowes Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 56 reviews56 reviews

    Bowes Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Bowes Castle
  6. Brancepeth Castle

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    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7 reviews7 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 Apr 2021to2 Dec 2021

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good To Go 2020We're Good To Go

    Indicative Availability

    Book Brancepeth Castle Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Brancepeth Castle
  7. Durham Castle Tours

    Add Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1272 reviews1272 reviews

    Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021

    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 2021to31 Dec 2021

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS

    Indicative Availability

    Book Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021 Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
  8. Killhope mining museum Durham

    Add Killhope (Museum to remain closed) to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 258 reviews258 reviews

    Killhope (Museum to remain closed)

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Cowshill

    Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the family. Guided mine tours, working water wheel, original machinery, exhibitions, workshops, family events, performances, stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2021to3 Nov 2021Open 10:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • 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
    More info for Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
  9. Beaurepaire Manor House

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    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 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Beaurepaire Manor House
  10. bowlees

    Add Bowlees Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 285 reviews285 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 Area of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2021to30 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 16:00

    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
    More info for Bowlees Visitor Centre
  11. The Witham lit up at night

    Add The Witham to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 111 reviews111 reviews

    The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Barnard Castle

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Visit Britain We're Good To Go 2020We're Good To Go
    More info for The Witham
  12. The Auckland Project - Auckland Tower: The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021

    Add The Auckland Project - Auckland Tower: The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021 to your Itinerary

    The Auckland Project - Auckland Tower: The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Bishop Auckland

    Your visit to The Auckland Project begins at Auckland Tower, where you can find all the information you need to explore the castle, grounds and local area. Here you will buy entry tickets, collect guidebooks and maps, get directions, and learn about…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for The Auckland Project - Auckland Tower: The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
  13. Lord Londonderry Statue

    Add Lord Londonderry Statue to your Itinerary

    Lord Londonderry Statue

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    Raffaele Monti's statue of Charles William Vane Stewart, the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Lord Londonderry Statue
  14. Weardale Railway

    Add Weardale Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 548 reviews548 reviews

    Weardale Railway

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Weardale Railway
  15. Egglestone Abbey

    Add Egglestone Abbey to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 283 reviews283 reviews

    Egglestone Abbey

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Barnard Castle

    Charming ruins of Premonstratensian Abbey and picnic area in a picturesque location on the River Tees.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    More info for Egglestone Abbey
  16. Finchale Priory

    Add Finchale Priory to your Itinerary

    Finchale Priory

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Durham

    The very extensive remains of a 13thC priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2020to31 Mar 2021Open 10:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2016TripAdvisor Travellers Choice
    More info for Finchale Priory
  17. Art Block

    Add Art Block to your Itinerary

    Art Block

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Seaham

    The Art Block is the only dedicated art gallery in East Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Art Block
  18. Free Open Treasure entry to lottery ticket holders

    Add Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 6762 reviews6762 reviews

    Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham Cathedral’s most spectacular spaces, including the fourteenth-century Monks’ Dormitory and the monastic Great Kitchen.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
  19. Exterior seating of cafe

    Add Bishop Auckland Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market place. It offers regular art exhibitions, live music, theatre and films as well as a café and library with free internet access and local history…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  20. Horden Colliery Heritage Centre

    Add Horden Colliery Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

    Horden Colliery Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Horden

    Heritage Centre with themed rooms. Mining Museum going back 100 years with 350 archives, photographs of Horden, lots of history, 1940s rooms.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2021to31 Oct 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Horden Colliery Heritage Centre
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