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
The 10 Best Art Galleries in County Durham, England
Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including Folio Gallery, The Glass and Art Gallery, The Sandra Parker Studio, Thought Foundation, The White Room Gallery, Spennymoor Town Hall Art Gallery, The Auckland Project, Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist information, No. 42, The Connection Gallery & Framers.
Restaurants in County Durham
1. Folio Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. The Glass and Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 926rodc
This is a brilliant shop full of wonderful gifts of all shapes and sizes for every budget. This is the place to go. Parking is a bit of a pain..i used the leisure centre nearby...a hidden gem well worth a visit.
3. The Sandra Parker Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
A small rural art gallery/studio featuring original oil paintings and prints by Sandra Parker, Yorkshire Dales sheep painter. The gallery is situated in Barnard Castle, County Durham and features various fell bred sheep including Herdwicks, Swaledale, Rough Fell and Texel breeds. Full postal service available to send overseas.
Reviewed By johnsonslincs
Having relocated to Richmondshire we stayed at the Morritt Hotel for a few days whilst we waited for our furniture to arrive. The hotel has some of Sandra’s paintings on display in their restaurant and I bought a signed print of Waiting For Lunch as a moving in present to self. This Christmas Eve we got married and are looking to purchase another of Sandra’s lovely paintings. So much detail, definition and clarity.
4. Thought Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Thought Foundation is now a reality. A place where creative thought and play are nurtured. Where new skills are learned, and where you can eat, drink or buy things that enrich the experience and hopefully make your life better. Thought Foundation is a thoughtful arts and cultural space, to inspire, promote and support; a community interest company based in Birtley, Gateshead.
5. The White Room Gallery
6. Spennymoor Town Hall Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
The Bob Abley art gallery is made up of both large and small rooms hosting a large selection of sensational and affordable art for sale as well as a fine collection of permanent works demonstrating Spennymoor’s great heritage of mining art. While owned by the Town Council, the gallery is run on a daily basis by hard working and committed volunteers who will happily show you around and explain things for you. The main gallery is the Norman Cornish Room. The exhibition hosts the work of Spennymoor’s most famous artist and includes a selection of original pieces of his work, loaned by Northumbria University, the Town Council and the Cornish Family. There is also a large selection of original work by Norman Cornish for sale as well as a range of framed and unframed prints, books, post cards and posters. With video footage of Norman talking about the area and how and why he painted in the way he did playing throughout your visit, this really is an experience not to be missed.
Reviewed By johnmR2702GC
The gallery focuses on Norman Cornish's paintings but has other complementary works. The building itself was used as council offices and has the old fashioned parquet floor and wood panelling. It has a room to one side that was used as council chambers. It is all wood, looks a bit like a court room, and has the most fantastic skylight. You can feel history in this room and how councillors strove to improve the lot of their fellow man. In addition to Norman Cornish's paintings there were works by other painters of the "Pitman style". Also there were two excellent "squint paintings" of scenes at Miners' galas where, when close up you can see a mess, but, as you stand back, the picture comes to life. It's a relatively small gallery, it can take less than an hour to see all. It doesn't pander to children and may not be the place for young families. Entrance is free and free parking is next door.
7. The Auckland Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Come and see over a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith, within the beautiful surroundings of The Auckland Project, which centres on historic Auckland Castle, once the seat of England’s powerful Prince Bishops. The destination also includes the Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower and Deer Park, with a Spanish Gallery, Faith Museum and Walled Garden to come. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By R9230LVannm - Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom
We’ve been meaning to visit the project for some time and a cold, wet Sunday provided the perfect opportunity. What a delightful place! The ‘staff’ many of whom are volunteers are welcoming and informative, the history of the Palace and the Bishops involved in it is fascinating and explained with enthusiasm and knowledge. The chapel is absolutely beautiful but this is just the prelude to the rooms above which ooze character. It was also lovely to be assured that the chairs are for sitting in, the table is laid with the intention of having visitors interact with the setting and the videos are not too long. At the end of our visit we enjoyed a pot of tea and a roll which was served to our table. The roll itself was crusty and tasty unlike so many of the insipid offerings in such place and filled to the brim with flavourful ham and cheese. We purchased the yearly ticket as we live locally and will certainly return to the Palace together with a visit to the art gallery and the viewing tower which we are saving for another day. We spent over 2 hours in the Palace and the cafe so allow ample time for your visit if you are travelling into the area.
8. Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist information
9. No. 42
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
No.42 promotes local creative businesses and exhibits new emerging artists by providing a platform for businesses just starting out to sell their work as it has a retail space as well as a gallery. The workshop area hosts a wide range of Heritage Craft skill sessions and other creative events. Also, see a snapshot of the work being carried out by The Auckland Project. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By juneh466
This is a venue for local arts and crafts where you can view and buy a good variety of local products
10. The Connection Gallery & Framers
