Discover the best attractions in County Durham, where history, culture, and nature come together, from world-class museums and historic castles to beautiful green spaces. Whether you’re exploring grand estates or enjoying a relaxing day out, there’s something for everyone in this stunning county.
Teesdale: A lovely North Pennines Dale (we would say that, it's home to The Rose and Crown!), Teesdale also boasts the meandering upper reaches of the River Tees with some impressive waterfalls and numerous characterful villages such as Middleton-in-Teesdale and Cotherstone.
Some of the most impressive sections of the Pennine Way National Trail are found in Teesdale and there are numerous excellent circular walks.
Hamsterley Forest (10 miles): Managed by the Forestry Commission, Hamsterley is a great day or half-day out, and is ideal for walking, cycling, mountain biking, or just a relaxing picnic.
From wildlife watching to stargazing, and adventure play for all the family to exhilarating mountain biking, there is something to keep everyone busy.
If you fancy a peaceful wander through the trees, Hamsterley’s extensive network of trails and paths provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the heart of the forest.
Durham City (28.5 miles): one of the jewels of the north of England, Durham City is well worth a visit, with its superb shops, indoor market, excellent Gala Theatre, and - best of all - the dual World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral.
Explore the timeless quality of this quintessential old English University City, take some time out with a relaxing riverside walk or river cruise, or soak up the atmosphere with superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums.
Watch the world go by in one of the city centre cafés, shop for gourmet treats, locally produced food or original crafts in an array of shops and markets, or find city-centre calm at one of the city's many green spaces.
The Bowes Museum (6.4 miles): just on the edge of Barnard Castle, this amazing 19th century 'French Chateau' houses the greatest private collection of fine and decorative arts in the north of England. This includes a new Silver & Metals Gallery, and the famous 250-year-old 'Silver Swan' automaton which can be seen in action at 2pm every day.
It has frequently changing exhibitions, arts events and also seasonal markets in its grounds.
Beamish Museum (31 miles): The North of England Open Air Museum, where the past is brought to life across a wide expanse of grounds. Exhibits include 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1940s Farm, 1950s Town and 1950s Spain’s Field Farm areas.
There are steam engines you can ride on, an 'open cast' coal mine you can go down, and shops, houses and a schoolroom kept as they would have been in the 1900's.
Visitors to the museum meet costumed folk and discover fascinating stories of everyday life in the region through time.
Raby Castle (11 miles): One of the largest medieval castles in England, Raby provides you with a great day out. Marvel at Raby's Baron's Hall, where 700 knights of the North plotted against Elizabeth I.
Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. The approach to the castle is particularly beautiful as its towers appear and disappear amongst the trees of the surrounding parkland with its ornamental lakes and herds of deer.
The exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 11th Century.
The Auckland Project (19 miles): This impressive attraction includes Auckland Castle with its walled garden and the superb Spanish Gallery which is dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain in the 16th & 17th Century. A very impressive and relatively little-known attraction.
Including a unique collection of visitor attractions in and around Bishop Auckland. As a regeneration charity, their mission is to create positive change for those living, working in and visiting the town.
National Railway Museum (19.7 miles): Locomotion, Shildon - the National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the world. This collection includes over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items of rolling stock, telling the railway story from the early 19th century to today.
Locomotion is now bigger and better than ever. In May 2024, they opened a brand new 47-vehicle collections building, New Hall, making Locomotion home to the biggest undercover collection of historic rail vehicles in Europe.
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Friday, January 10th, 2020