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 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.
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Number of results: 54
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Museum
Shildon
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s first railway town.
Museum
Cowshill
*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed.
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.
Historic Site
Durham City
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard. Since the 14th Century…
Historic House / Palace
Durham
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by the Pugin family. This amazing venue offers a wide variety of activities, events and exhibitions - something for all ages!
Museum
Durham City
Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past through the unique objects that are uncovered as the result of archaeological excavations, or are unearthed by chance by members of the public.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Spennymoor
Spennymoor Town Hall has it’s dedicated memorial to the works and lives lost during the mining period across County Durham. Events cover mining in the Northern part of England i.e. County Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and the…
Historic Site
Durham City
Raffaele Monti's statue of Charles William Vane Stewart, the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry.
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.
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.
Children/Family events
Bishop Auckland
The Roman Army returns to Binchester Roman Fort to do battle against the enemy! Come and see demonstrations of archery, slingstaffs and the firing of the artillery catapult; the ballista.
Picnic Site
Stanley
Picnic site which is home to the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge.
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. .
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Bishop Auckland
The People’s Museum is situated in the old Hippodrome.
Gallery
Seaham
The EDAN Gallery is the only dedicated art gallery in East Durham.
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…
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