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
Top 10 Things to do in County Durham, England
Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including Mining Art Gallery, Durham Cathedral, Beamish Museum, Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum, The Bowes Museum, Raby Castle, HMS Trincomalee, Crook Hall & Gardens, National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, Auckland Castle.
Restaurants in County Durham
1. Mining Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
The Mining Art Gallery will provide a permanent home for more than 400 works from prominent local artists connected with the regions mining communities, including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. The gallery will be located in the former Old Bank Chambers in the heart of the Market Place. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By 74alanm - Durham, United Kingdom
Took an elderly relative, who is an ex miner, to The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland Market Place. Excellent ...Oil paintings, sketches & drawing of life down coal mine and in the community. Not only if interest to ex pitmen. Assistance & info available from helpful guide. Price included a look up the nearby, newly built observation tower which has local historical info & fantastic high point views of Auckland Castle and surrounding area. A must do trip
2. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
3. 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 !
4. Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Visit the place where railways were born! Set in our original 1840's railway station follow the history of Darlington and the growth of the railways. We have a shop with souvenirs to suit all tastes and pockets and a varied events programme. There really is something for everyone!
Reviewed By 95jbc - West Boldon, United Kingdom
Enjoyed all of it.. great exhibits.. very educational and entertaining.. loved it all.. good coffee shop .. good parking
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. Raby Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 842 reviews
Reviewed By CathyGilman - London, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful castle and parkland but what really stands out are the team. From the person in the carpark to the welcome at the castle, this is the warmest welcome weve ever had at a place like this. The castle is stunning, especially the views across the deer park. It has been beautifully preserved and well informed volunteers bring it alive. The gardens are lovely with lots of hidden corners and sun traps, easy to get away from other people. Lots to see and do and when we were there a lovely Halloween trail for children ????
7. HMS Trincomalee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
Launched in 1817, HMS Trincomalee is the oldest warship afloat in Europe.
Reviewed By lizgN8794UT
A really interesting and enjoyable place to visit. Although it was a cold blustery February day the welcome was warm and the guided tour round the ship was full of interesting facts and stories. Superb atmospheric cafe and lots of old fashioned quayside workshops. Would be a good day out for children too.
8. Crook Hall & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 970 reviews
Crook Hall is a Medieval Manor house built circa 1217 and is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham City. Home to the Bell Family since 1995, the Medieval Hall merges into a Jacobean Manor house which in turn merges into a Georgian Town house reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the 5 acres of stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idyllic English gardens. Afternoon Tea is served in the beautiful Georgian Drawing Room. We are open from Sunday to Wednesday and welcome visitors throughout the year. We have two modern self catering apartments available in the heart of Durham City. We are a unique, historic wedding venue providing exclusive use of a beautiful and romantic setting. Our Licensed Garden Gate Café is open 7 days a week from 9:30am - 5pm serving breakfasts, light lunches and refreshments along with wines and local ales
Reviewed By LCN23 - Durham, United Kingdom
Fabulous themed Harry Potter afternoon tea with the hall done up to resemble hog warts Loved the creations and had a brilliant afternoon / excellent staff and well thought out event / loved it !!!!!
9. National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
The northern home of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. A fascinating journey through time, set in an authentically-created historic quayside of the 1800s. Experience Fighting Ships, a powerful insight into the tough lives of sailors from around the time of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Learn how they were press ganged and see what life was like on board HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in the UK and the jewel in the historic quayside of Hartlepool.
Reviewed By Navigate813755 - Hartlepool, United Kingdom
Fantastic day out with family very good educational place to learn the kids about day gone by value for money
10. Auckland Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle is currently undergoing major conservation work, which will transform its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Auckland Castle re-opened Saturday, 2 November 2019. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By alexadams62 - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Visited here while my friends and I were in Bishop Auckland today. The Castle was closed due to getting work done to it so we had walk around the deer park which is near the castle and learned a lot about the history that links the deer park to Auckland castle.
