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Auckland Castle
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Eight hundred years ago the See of Durham, the most powerful Diocese in the North, established Auckland Castle as a hunting lodge for the Prince Bishop. Then virtually monarchs in their own kingdom, the Prince Bishops held military, economic and political power in additional to their ecclesiastical authority.
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Beamish Museum
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Beamish is a world famous open air museum telling the story of the people of North East England at two important points in their history – 1825 and 1913.
In 1825, the region was rural and thinly populated. The Industrial Revolution, particularly the coming of the railways, accelerated change. By 1913 the heavy industries of the region were at their peak.
Beamish stands in 300 acres of beautiful County Durham countryside, eight miles south west of Newcastle upon Tyne, twelve miles north west of Durham city. It is not a traditional museum. Most of the houses, shops and other buildings have been dismantled, brought to Beamish and rebuilt here. Some - Home Farm, Pockerley Manor and the Drift Mine - were here already. All of the buildings are filled with furniture, machinery and objects, real artefacts from our designated collections.
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Bowes Museum
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Visitors to The Bowes Museum today can marvel at the fascinating collections but can also enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions. Activities in the park and a superb café and shop have helped bring the museum singing and dancing into the 21st century. The magnificent legacy that John and Joséphine left to the people of Teesdale has been cared for to retain its charm and intrigue yet sympathetic developments have made the attraction a popular, vibrant and exciting day out for all.
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Durham Cathedral
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Durham Cathedral is the greatest Norman building in England, perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting. For this reason it was inscribed together with the Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites. In a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001 it was voted the nation's best-loved building. Like Hadrian's Wall and the Angel of the North, it is an icon of north-east England, its image is instantly recognisable to people who love this part of Britain.
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Durham Heritage Centre and Museum
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A local history museum housed in a historic church close to the cathedral. The exhibition tells the story of Durham from the 10thC to the present day using displays, artefacts, models and videos. The museum also has a programme of regularly changing temporary exhibitions and an education service providing special activities for school visits. Brass rubbing is also available and there is a gift shop with refreshments.
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Escomb Church
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Escomb Saxon church was constructed around 670 A.D and has been a place for Christian Worship for over 1400 years. The church can be found in the village of Escomb on the west side of Bishop Auckland in County Durham.
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Raby Castle
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The dramatic 14thC castle built by the mighty Nevilles has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626.
In the well-preserved halls and chambers history comes vibrantly to life. Throughout the castle the rooms display fine furniture, impressive artwork and elaborate architecture.
Visitors can also enjoy the deer park, large walled gardens, coach and carriage collection, woodland adventure playground, picnic area and gift shop. Part of the stables has been converted to a tearoom where former stalls have been incorporated to create an atmospheric setting. Events take place throughout the summer.
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Tanfield Railway
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A 3-mile steam railway and the oldest existing railway in the world, based on a section of the 1725 Tanfield Waggonway Trains with variety of 100-year-old Victorian carriages. Travel into the scenic Causey Woods where the 1727 Causey Arch bridge is the centre piece in a deep valley with many walks and display boards giving the 18thC railway history of the area. Back at Marley Hill shed, the oldest working engine shed in Britain, built in 1854, a large collection of locally built and used locomotives can be seen. Please see website or ring for dates and operating times.
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The National Railway Museum at Shildon
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Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon officially opened in 2004 and is the first National Museum in the North East of England.
The premier railway museum contains many exciting exhibits. It is located on a 6 hectare site incorporating historic monuments and buildings full of interactive displays and an eco-friendly building 'Collection' which houses up to 60 vehicles, many from the National Collection. The museum also includes a play area, picnic area, modern art monument, gift shop and cafe.
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The Puzzling Place
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It is free to enter ‘The Puzzling Place’, as at the top of the stairs is our shop which is stuffed with puzzles, gadgets and curiosities and is guaranteed to have something to amuse, entertain or puzzle you. At the far end of the shop is our ‘Puzzle Area’ which again, is free to enter. Here you can give your brain a work out trying to solve the puzzles and brain teasers which are set out for your entertainment and frustration!
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Friday 25 May 2012
