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Durham Attractions

Whether you’re interested in our industrial heritage, art, ancient castles, exotic gardens or fun for kids, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Durham. To help you plan your visit, why not take advantage of our Itinerary Planner.

Industrial Heritage & Rail Attractions

You can uncover the mysteries of the Masonic hall at Beamish, the North of England Open Air Museum, hop aboard a steam engine at Locomotion in Shildon, ride the world's oldest existing line at Tanfield Railway or pop on a hard hat and head down the mine at Killhope, the North of England Mining Museum.

Museums and Galleries

Come face to face with an Egyptian cat coffin at the University Oriental Museum, the country’s only museum devoted entirely to oriental art and antiques.

If you prefer European art then head for the Bowes Museum with paintings by El Greco and Cannalletto. Or try the DLI Museum and Art Gallery for military memorabilia.Why not take a step back in time and experience life in the Great North in the 1800’s & 1900’s at Beamish Open Air museum.

Or learn about life in a lead miner's cottage during Victorian times at Weardale Museum.

Castle & Historic Houses

There are castles and historic houses filled with dazzling art and furniture collections – not to mention swashbuckling legends and the odd ghost or 2.

Alternatively, you can wonder at the kitchens of Raby Castle or escape to the secret garden rooms of Crook Hall.

Cathedral and Churches

The iconic Cathedral and Castle world heritage site was the first ever to be designated and is one of the finest survivingexamples of Romanesque architecture on the planet.

Marvel at the work of Saxon stonemasons who created Escomb’s tiny Saxon Church – a place of worship for over 1400 years.

Family Attractions

Animal lovers have a choice of superb days out at Hall Hill Farm, Broom House Farm and Tweddle Children's Animal Farm.

While at Thorpe Farm, Teesdale, you can search out culinary delights in the farm shop while the kids watch the birds of prey at the falconry centre.

Alternatively, find out why taking a bath in Roman Times was about more than just getting clean with a trip to Binchester Roman Fort in Bishop Auckland.

Countryside and Gardens

If you're passionate about plants you'll find unusual hybrids at Eggleston Hall Gardens in Upper Teesdale and the National Collection of Sorbus, Section Aria and Micromeles at Houghhall Gardens. While Whitworth Hall Country Park is home to Britain’s most northerly vineyard and Bonnie Bobby Shafto!

In Durham plants people can delve into the tropical collections in the University Botanic Garden or the themed borders at Crook Hall.

Egglestone Abbey

Charming ruins of Premonstratensian abbey in a picturesque location on the River Tees.

Auckland Castle Deer House

A charming Gothic Revival 'eye catcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham. It...

The Playshack

Bright and spacious indoor soft play area housing multi level play equipment and slides for...

Attractions in Durham

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