Durham - Do & See

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Durham

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-04-12

Only a short journey away there’s plenty of interest in this compact region that’s bursting with activity, visual drama and history. A dramatic coastline of sandy beaches and towering cliffs, gentle and untamed countryside sprinkled heavily with pretty villages, grand castles and some of the most unique and wonderful collections of museums and heritage sites in all England.

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral, the city's crowning glory, is Britain's finest example of Norman architecture. Standing for over 900 years, this majestic structure has also graced the screen as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle

Dating back to 1072, the castle served as the primary residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham until 1832, when it transitioned into University College. Outside of term time, during student holidays, the building is open for guided tours.

River Cruises

River Cruises

Enjoy one-hour sight-seeing cruises along the River Wear with suggestive views of Durham Cathedral and Castle aboard the 150 seat Prince Bishop. For a gentle and more intimate journey, rowing boats are also for hire at Browns Rowing Boats.

Coastal Walk

Coastal Walk

Discover the Durham Coastal Footpath, an 18-kilometre trail from Seaham to Crimdon, part of the England Coast Path National Trail. Experience the unique Magnesian Limestone Grasslands, coastal denes, vibrant wildflowers, and the sounds of skylarks. Wander through natural woodlands, home to deer and foxes, and enjoy seasonal blooms like bluebells. Witness the coastline's recovery post-coal mining, with improving water quality and thriving marine life including seals and basking sharks.

Durham Museum

Durham Museum

Durham Museum, set in the historic St Mary-le-Bow church, showcases the city's evolution from medieval times. Its exhibits reveal Durham's rich history of industry and trade, alongside special exhibitions and a brass rubbing centre.

Beamish — the Living Museum of the North

Beamish — the Living Museum of the North

Beamish Museum, a pioneer of living museums, invites visitors to touch objects, embodying the practice of interactive exhibits. It showcases everyday life in North East England during the peak of industrialisation in the early 1900s. Explore a recreated town with shops, houses, a pub, offices, and a sweets factory, all brought to life by costumed staff and set amidst countryside influenced by the industrial revolution from 1825.

Hall Hill Farm

Hall Hill Farm

Hall Hill Farm is the perfect destination for a family day out, offering a range of activities sure to delight children. They can enjoy a bumpy tractor ride, lamb bottle feeding, rabbit handling, pony rides, and an outdoor playground. The excitement continues with a sheep race and puppet show.

HMS Trincomalee

HMS Trincomalee

Just north of the River Tees estuary, you can experience life on board of a prestigious heritage fleet. HMS Trincomalee was built in Bombay in 1817 and is one of the oldest warship afloat in the world. Step into the history of the Royal Navy, watch old guns and the cannons being set off and see how life on board was like.

Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall Gardens

The beautiful cottage gardens at Crook Hall provide views across open countryside and a peaceful and relaxing environment. Some of the gardens have been largely untouched for centuries, while others have been created afterwards. Let yourself be inspired by the magic of these gardens as with every turn there is something new to admire.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

The Killhope Lead Mining Museum is a restored 19th-century Victorian lead mine where you can delve into the history of mining by mining for your own gemstones or panning for fools gold. The museum has a host of different minerals on display and is surrounded by woods and forest inviting for long walks.

Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle is one of the UK’s most important historical buildings with the largest private chapel in Europe. Once built as an estate for hunting in pleasant surroundings, it has since then been used as the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham. You can see how the men of great power resided in this historical building as well as many important works of art and treasures.

Bowes Museum

Bowes Museum

A French château is home to the Bowes Museum and venue for the founders’ amazing love story. It is filled with treasures and has an internationally renowned collection of paintings, porcelain, furniture and fine arts on display. The highlight of the exhibition is a 240-year-old Silver Swan automaton.

High Force Waterfall

High Force Waterfall

Explore the breathtaking beauty of England's largest waterfall, nestled in the enchanting landscape of Forest-in-Teesdale, in the heart of the Durham Dales. This picturesque and powerful waterfall plunges 21 metres into the River Tees, offering a stunning natural spectacle.

Oriental Museum

Oriental Museum

The Oriental Museum evolved in conjunction with the teaching of oriental languages at Durham University and is completely devoted to the art and archaeology of the regions of Northern Africa, Near and Middle East, as well as Asia. It boasts a unique collection of Asian artefacts and there are plenty of activities like dressing up or colouring to keep children amused.

Gala Theatre & Cinema

Gala Theatre & Cinema

On a rainy day in Durham, consider visiting the Gala Theatre Durham on the banks of the river Wear. It is known as one of the best theatres in the northeast. The venue hosts leading theatre companies, comedians, bands, musicians and dance performers, as well as a cinema programme.

Durham University Botanic Garden

Durham University Botanic Garden

Stroll through Durham University's Botanic Gardens, which house a unique collection of indigenous and exotic plants and animals. Originally established for teaching and research to promote biodiversity on campus, the gardens are now open to the public. Experience diverse ecosystems from arid deserts to tropical rainforests and native woodlands, all in one place.

Riverside Ground Cricket Stadium

Riverside Ground Cricket Stadium

The Riverside Ground, situated near the River Wear, is the home of Durham County Cricket Club. This venue hosts thrilling local cricket matches and has also been the stage for numerous international fixtures.

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