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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

The 1900s Town Street at Beamish Museum

Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

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view of Durham Cathedral from River Wear

Durham Cathedral

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

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Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester Roman Fort

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

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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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The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…

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Bishop Auckland Town Hall

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

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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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Durham Town Hall

The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the…

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The Bowes Museum

See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…

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Raby Castle

Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 2Durham Cathedral
  • 3Binchester Roman Fort
  • 4Locomotion
  • 5The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 6Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  • 7High Force Waterfall
  • 8Durham Town Hall
  • 9The Bowes Museum
  • 10Raby Castle
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Number of results:

Number of results: 59

, currently showing 1 to 20.

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  1. External image of Auckland Castle

    Add The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 423 reviews423 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:
    22 Feb 2023to31 Mar 2023
    More info for The Auckland Project
  2. Green diesel train at Weardale Railway station.

    Add Weardale Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 547 reviews547 reviews

    Weardale Railway

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Weardale Railway
  3. Exterior view of The Bowes Museum and surrounding gardens

    Add The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1803 reviews1803 reviews

    The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Barnard Castle

    See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public Museum set in beautiful parkland. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for The Bowes Museum
  4. 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 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church
  5. World Heritage Site Visitor Centre

    Add World Heritage Site Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 129 reviews129 reviews

    World Heritage Site Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 09:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 2020TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
  6. Raby Castle

    Add Raby Castle to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    From:
    1 Jan 2023to24 Dec 2023
    From:
    1 Jan 2023to24 Dec 2023
    From:
    2 Mar 2023to30 Oct 2023Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels

    Indicative Availability

    Book Raby Castle Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Raby Castle
  7. Bowes Castle

    Add Bowes Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 57 reviews57 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 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Bowes Castle
  8. Ushaw Historic House and Gardens

    Add Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 155 reviews155 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:
    16 Jan 2023to20 Mar 2023Open 11:00 - 16:00
    From:
    21 Jan 2023to19 Mar 2023Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  9. Egglestone Abbey

    Add Picnic Spot  - Egglestone Abbey to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 299 reviews299 reviews

    Picnic Spot - Egglestone Abbey

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Picnic Spot - Egglestone Abbey
  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 Feb 2023to31 Dec 2023Various Opening Times
    More info for The EDAN Gallery
  11. East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre

    Add East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 114 reviews114 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 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre
  12. 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 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2016TripAdvisor Travellers Choice
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Finchale Priory
  13. Weardale Museum and High House Chapel

    Add Weardale Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 36 reviews36 reviews

    Weardale Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2023to31 Oct 2023
    More info for Weardale Museum
  14. Man dressed in period clothing demonstrating an experiment with fire

    Add Science Weekend - Beamish Museum to your Itinerary

    Science Weekend - Beamish Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    Come along for this special science-themed weekend and have a go at a variety of ingenious activities!

    Dates

    From:
    18 Mar 2023to19 Mar 2023
    More info for Science Weekend - Beamish Museum
  15. Gates & pineapples

    Add The Manor House to your Itinerary

    The Manor House

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Sedgefield

    The Manor House is a fine example of a Queen Anne mansion house in the centre of Sedgefield.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Indicative Availability

    Book The Manor House Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for The Manor House
  16. A gold cross pendant with arms inlaid with precious stones.

    Add Durham Cathedral Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 6984 reviews6984 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 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Durham Cathedral Museum
  17. Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

    Add Binchester Roman Fort to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 114 reviews114 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 2023to31 Oct 2023Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Binchester Roman Fort
  18. Brancepeth Castle

    Add Brancepeth Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 23 reviews23 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 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels

    Indicative Availability

    Book Brancepeth Castle Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Brancepeth Castle
  19. 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 - 296 reviews296 reviews

    Killhope Lead Mining Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2023to31 Oct 2023Open 10:00 - 16:30

    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
    • Visit England Best Told Story 2021Best Told Story
    More info for Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  20. Hardwick Park at sunset

    Add Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 465 reviews465 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 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 07:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for Hardwick Park
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