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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Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…
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…
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…
Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market…
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Number of results: 59
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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.
Railway
Stanhope
Take a ride on the Weardale Railway heritage passenger service to enjoy stunning views of Weardale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and explore the historic market towns of Wolsingham and Stanhope.
Museum
Barnard Castle
See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public Museum set in beautiful parkland.
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.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Durham City
A free visitor centre providing an introduction to Durham World Heritage Site and what there is to see and do in and around the site. Ideal for families.
Castle / Fort
Darlington
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…
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.
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!
Abbey / Priory
Bowes Village, Barnard Castle
Medieval monastic communities probably did not have much free time to enjoy picnics but the legacy they left behind in terms of beautiful abbeys and churches beckon the modern visitor. In the 13th century the Premonstratensian Canons, or “white…
Gallery
Seaham
The EDAN Gallery is the only dedicated art gallery in East Durham.
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.
Abbey / Priory
Durham
The very extensive remains of a 13thC priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.
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…
Children/Family events
Beamish
Come along for this special science-themed weekend and have a go at a variety of ingenious activities!
Historic House / Palace
Sedgefield
The Manor House is a fine example of a Queen Anne mansion house in the centre of Sedgefield.
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.
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.
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.
Museum
Cowshill
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 scenery, Yurt hires,…
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.…
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