Places to Visit

Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum is a world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, & 1950s.

We provide all our guests with discount vouchers to Beamish Museum, it is a firm favourite with our guests and family. lots of special events throughout the year - well worth a visit.

Durham Cathedral

Explore the cathedral built in the awe-inspiring Norman style.

Durham Cathedral contains the remains of two saints.

Describe as " The best cathedral on Plant Earth" by Author Bill Bryson.

If that was not enough you can visit the Open Treasure exhibition or climb the tower for stunning views of Durham and countryside.

Tanfield Railway

Travel behind our diesel locomotives, Ruston & Hornsby, Tyne Improvement Commission No.35 and Reyrolle & Co, No.2 as they operate a mixed train of passenger carriages and freight rolling stock today.

Ride a typical branch line mixed train with waggons full of freight joining your passenger carriages. Keep an eye out for porters loading and unloading all manner of unusual items.

Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is the jewel in the heart of the historic market town of Barnard Castle in the beautiful Durham countryside.

The Museum was purpose built in the 19th Century by wealthy businessman John Bowes and his French actress wife Josephine.

Their romantic story is revealed as you wander around this graceful and elegant Grade I Listed building.

Hadrian's Wall

We have walked Hadrian's Wall and can recommend the best places to visit and walk.

Just a short ride away from Chesters is Housesteads Roman Fort. This iconic attraction will take your breath away and our Roaming Romans Family Fun Trail will entertain your kids as they search the barracks and other Roman ruins for the mischievous missing soldiers.

Raby Castle

Explore more than 600 years of history in one of England's finest medieval castles.

Raby Castle was built by the mighty Nevills in the 14th century and is one of the finest and best-preserved medieval castles in North East England. Since 1626 it has been home to the Vane family and is currently the seat of the 12th Lord Barnard

BALTIC Art Centre

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is often referred to as one of the cultural jewels in the Quayside's crown.

Located on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne, overlooking the picturesque Quayside itself, BALTIC is the largest contemporary art institution of its kind in the world.

Newcastle Castle Keep

It wouldn't be a visit to Newcastle without catching a glimpse of the castle to which Newcastle owes its name.

Newcastle Castle and Keep dates back to 1178 and is one of the finest examples of Norman stone in Britain.

Originally, the site was occupied by a Roman fort and settlement known as Pons Aelius.

Metrocentre

Taking inspiration from America's popular shopping malls is the Metrocentre, which has remained Europe's largest indoor shopping and leisure centre since it was opened in 1986.

The Metrocentre is simply retail heaven for those hunting for luxury goods, high street deals or a fashion bargain.

Host to everything from high street store favourites to unique one-off shops and boutiques.

Angel of the North

Standing at 20 metres high and 54 metres wide, this striking work of public art by Sir Antony Gormley was completed in 1998 on the hill in Birtley to overlook the scenic Gateshead landscape.

The Angel has long dominated the Gateshead skyline and has over time become an awe-inspiring symbol of North East pride and culture.

You get a perfect view of the angel from Beamish Cottage!

St James' Park

St James' Park is of course home to Newcastle's very own football club, Newcastle United and it stands as one of the most popular and visited monuments in the region.

With an atmosphere that is second to none on a match day, with cheers and chants ringing out across the city, a day out at St. James' Park is a must for any footie lover.

Theatre Royal Newcastle

You can't beat a night at the theatre in Newcastle Gateshead.

Newcastle's Theatre Royal is the central attraction of the beautiful Georgian Grey Street and is one of only nine Grade I listed theatre halls in the country.

Often regarded as one of the finest theatres in England, Theatre Royal hosts over 300 shows each year, which are enjoyed by over 300,000 visitors.

Tyneside Cinema

Opened in 1937 as a newsreel theatre, the Grade II listed building was restored in the late 2000s to preserve the grand decor which is heavily influenced by the 1920s Art Deco style. Ever since, it has been a huge part of Newcastle's culture and nightlife, hosting everything from exclusive screenings and director Q&A's to all-night film festivals, weddings and industry events.

Sage Gateshead

It's hard to miss Sage Gateshead when walking along the Quayside as this unique building dominates the Gateshead skyline. 

Opened in 2004, this music venue has been named as one of the top five concert halls on the planet and showcases music and performances of almost every genre; from world-renowned classical and jazz artists to indie and folk acts.

Great North Museum

Great North Museum: Hancock, previously known as the Hancock Museum, was established in 1884 and is Newcastle's museum of natural history. Featuring pieces from Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum and the Hatton Gallery, the Great North Museum boasts key exhibits such as a replica model of Hadrian's Wall, a collection of plants and animals, artifacts of the Ancient Greeks and even an Ancient Egyptian mummy.

Centre for Life

Centre for Life is the science centre for the North, something for everyone from experiments to lectures planetarium and a space zone coming soon.

Seven Stories

Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books. There is always lots to do – with unique exhibitions, engaging storytellers, visiting authors and fun activities for all ages.

Seven Stories has been entertaining young ones, families and grown ups alike since it opened.

Sunderland Museum & Gardens

The lion was part of a touring wild animal show which visited the city during the 1800s with then famous African tamer Martini Maccomo. Wallace the lion came into the museum’s collection when Maccomo died and has remained one of its most popular exhibits.

Other highlights to see are the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at the Sunderland factory in 1986; galleries showcasing the area's shipbuilding past; LS Lowry works and the Winter Gardens with a botanical collection of more than 2000 plants and trees.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is one of the most iconic castles in England, as well as been steeped in history it is also the home to Downton Abbey and Harry Potter - a must visit for any Harry Potter fan

Alnwick Gardens

The brainchild of The Duchess of Northumberland, The Alnwick Garden is a multi-award winning visitor attraction based in Alnwick, Northumberland.

Our 12 acres of meandering and magnificent Gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets and the worlds largest Tree House Restaurant.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

A great excuse for a foodie weekend! 

Bishop Auckland will burst into gastronomic life over a weekend in April with the return of it's annual food festival.

Durham Regatta

The regatta takes place over both the 750m ‘short course’ and the ‘long course’ on the scenic River Wear in Durham City, regularly attracting in excess of two thousand competitors including international entries, and ten thousand spectators.We will see you there

Kynren

Kynren - An epic tale of England, Travel through time and watch legends come to life. 

Travel through time and watch legends come to life

Kynren’s evening blockbuster performances are ranked 5* in Trip Advisor.

Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we join young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular.

From Boudicca’s battles with the Romans to two world wars, via Vikings, Tudors and the fate of Charles I, Kynren’s a spellbinding, family-friendly experience delivering thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale

Durham Brass Festival

International acts bring the county to life with the return of Brass. Bands perform jazz, funk, classical, ska and traditional music.This has everyone buzzing, music for all.

Durham Book Festival

This annual celebration of all things books takes place in October. A host of household names take over the city with book-based discussions and interactive events. This the perfect event for all the family, we go back every year something for all ages

Durham Christmas Festival

Cobbled streets with entertainers, reindeer for the children, carols at Durham Cathedral, plus over 150 quality craft, gift and food stalls in a huge marquee on Palace Green. Can you believe we are talking Christmas already? We will be posting weekend breaks for this Christmas festival soon.

What's on in Durham this week

Do you need some inspiration on what to do next week in and around Durham 

Click on the link for the most update information on Places to visit and what to do