From secret gardens to majestic treasures, Hidden Gems come in all shapes and sizes in Durham.To help you unearth Durham's hidden gems, we have developed a series of itineraries to help you along your path of discovery...

Family Friendly

With a backdrop of breathtaking scenery in the uplands, a must for families is Killhope, a living museum exploring the lead mining boom of the 19th century. Or, for those who favour the great outdoors, a stroll to the mighty High Force waterfall, England's largest single drop of water is a must.

With local food a speciality at Thorpe Farm, Teesdale you can search out culinary delights to take home in the farm shop, or rummage in the reclamation barn for hidden treasures. The kids will also love the attractions of the country park and birds of prey at the Falconry Centre.

Bishop Auckland is home to Durham's largest Roman fort, Binchester, providing a unique insight into the world of the Roman soldier. Take a tour of the Roman bath house with its 1,700 year old heating system and find out why having a bath in Roman times was about more than just getting clean!

History & Heritage

If history and heritage are your loves, you'll find plenty to explore in Durham. The legacy of the Prince Bishops of Durham is far reaching and makes a fascinating trail for the traveller to explore from Raby Castle, one of England's most impressive medieval castles to nearby Auckland Castle, the magnificent residence of the Bishop of Durham.

Escomb Saxon Church is another interesting find. A place of worship for over 1400 years, and sitting in the village which was mortgaged by the Bishop of Durham to Viking earls at the end of the 10th century (it was later returned), it is made up of many hidden gems just waiting to be explored.

Why not take a step back in time and experience life in a lead miner's cottage during Victorian times at the Weardale Museum.

Finally, a trip to Durham would not be complete without admiring the treasures of The Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle. A hidden gem is expertly explained at 2.30pm every Thursday!

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