Top Things to do in County Durham
Top Hotels in County Durham
- 1. Burnhopeside Hall
- 2. Travelodge Durham
- 3. Radisson Blu Hotel Durham
- 4. Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate) hotel
- 5. Premier Inn Hartlepool Marina hotel
- 6. Travelodge Hartlepool Marina Hotel
- 7. Premier Inn Durham North hotel
- 8. Ramside Hall Hotel
- 9. Lumley Castle Hotel
- 10. Blackwell Grange Hotel
8 Specialty Museums in County Durham That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including The Weardale Museum & High House Chapel, Beamish Museum, Hartlepool Quay, Lindisfarne Gospels, The Bowes Museum, Locomotion, Rokeby Park, PSS Wingfield Castle.
Restaurants in County Durham
1. The Weardale Museum & High House Chapel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
The Weardale Museum is a volunteer run charity in Ireshopeburn, County Durham. It is a small cottage museum which occupies the house next to High House Methodist Chapel, the oldest methodist Chapel in continuous use. The Museum collection tells the story of the lead-mining people and also their encounters with John Wesley and the early methodists and a visit to the chapel is part of the admission fee. The trustees encourage visitors to touch and interact with many of the fascinating objects in their Weardale Kitchen. Durham quilts and a beautifully embroidered tapestry of Weardale History are among the highlights of a visit as well as the collection of sparkling crystals and minerals from the nearby lead mines. For those interested in family history we offer a huge database of over 60,000 Weardale people. Our season starts at the Easter weekend and then we are open From May 1st to October 31st. Check our website for details of the hours and days of opening.
Reviewed By 443jillg - Albuquerque, United States
I am an American who has researched my genealogy, trying to learn more about my English ancestors for many years. I've discovered many far-flung relatives in the US, also descending from John Atkinson and Martha Miller of Stanhope, England. Amazingly, all of us had the same family lore: that our great great grandfather played with a band that performed in the Crystal Palace. But we never got the whole story about who they were and how and why we ended up in America. Until we connected with Ken Heatherington of the Weardale Museum. He had all the intertwined names of my ancestors, their stories and relationships. I can't say how much I appreciate the Weardale Museum helping us solve ancestral mysteries and giving faces and personalities to our ancestors who, before this, were only names on a chart.
2. Beamish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,820 reviews
Experience amazing sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes as the past comes to life. Beamish is unique - our objects aren't locked away in glass cases, this is hands-on history! Step into the past and explore our 350 acre site, as Beamish tells the story of the people of North East England in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Taste traditional food from a coal-fired range, hop on board a tram or steam train, play schoolyard games together and pop into the Co-op shops. Come back time and time again with your Beamish Unlimited Pass, which allows 12 months free entry to the museum from your visit - including all day time special events!
Reviewed By M1862OAsamanthab
Fantastic day out for all the family and all ages, see how the north of England use to be from a ride on the tram , to a life on the farm to a bun from the bakery, so much history to absorb, the staff are all very knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions you might have , there is a lovely tea room but the chippy is well worth a try !
3. Hartlepool Quay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By 589Richard - Egremont, United Kingdom
A great celebration of the nations maritime history. Well laid out with "shops" giving a real insight into the costume and wares available!
4. Lindisfarne Gospels
5. The Bowes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,727 reviews
It’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years, and now a £12m revamp has transformed The Bowes Museum into a must see 21st Century place to visit.A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a newly opened children’s play area.No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes.If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute info on what’s on when.
Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Finally made it here, having mistakenly thought for years this was a little local history museum, and wow! Amazing and impressive French chateau style building, imposing setting, and a huge and fascinating collection. We quickly decided to concentrate on just a couple of areas to avoid being completely overwhelmed, so watched the unique silver swan demo (of course!) and then went round the absorbing section on the history of the museum followed by the delightful temporary exhibition on the Pre-Raphaelites. We also managed two visits to the excellent cafe (lovely homemade soup and cheese scones) - so much cosier than the cold and windy day outside. A great discovery for me - I’d be delighted to come for another visit to explore further.
6. Locomotion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,111 reviews
Reviewed By PhilB2202
Great facility with superb machines, some of monumental cultural importance (e.g. the Winston Churchill, Sans Pareil & royal coaches) well worth a visit, I return time after time. Have been previously when a classic car show and other shows were held outside, really really good.
7. Rokeby Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
8. PSS Wingfield Castle
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 114 reviews
Steamboat on Hartlepool Historic Quay also café moored on the water
Reviewed By colinr883 - Walsall, United Kingdom
This paddle steamer was one of 3 to ferry people & vehicles aross the Humber before the Humber bridge was built. Usually you can view most of the ship, but it was misty when I visited so we weren't allowed on deck.
