Heritage Open Days

Celebrating the county's heritage

The Heritage Open Days festival is a national event which takes place across the UK. More information is available on their website Heritage Open Days.

Dates of the event

The event runs every September. This year's dates are Friday 6 September to Sunday 15 September 2024.

Discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture:

• free entry to venues that usually charge
• tours that give glimpses into hidden places - many of which are virtual this year
• walks through our historic landscape - with evidence of settlement from pre-history to the modern day
• churches - from Saxon to Medieval to Victorian in County Durham
• talk to knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who guide you round the venue

Below is a full list of attractions taking place, All details are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change. Please contact the individual venues ahead of your trip for any changes.

Durham City - within walking distance

Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric  

2 Castle Chare, Durham, DH1 4RA                                                         

Between the train and the bus stations, a landmark in the Durham City Conservation Area, St. Godric's Grade II listed church was designed by Edward Pugin and stands proudly at the top of Caste Chare bank. Opened in 1864 it has beautiful examples of Victorian stained glass and a fine high altar.

Lovingly restored after the fire of 1985, this Edward Pugin designed building in the Gothic Revival style was once known as the "Penny Church" from the donations of the working class Catholic families and the navvies who built the nearby railway cutting and the viaduct. The tower was added in 1909 and the war memorial in 1923. Of special interest are the stained glass windows, the high altar and the evocative black stations of the cross, kept as memorials of the fire.

The church has level access from Castle Chare, an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities and a hearing loop system.

Visitors can enjoy a photographic quiz to help them uncover the riches of this beautiful building. There will be information sheets and informed volunteers on hand to answer questions and offer light refreshments.

An exhibition will chart the history of the church as it grew with the city.

• Friday 6 September - 11.00am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• Saturday 7 September: 11.00am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• Thursday 12 September: 11.00am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• Friday 13 September: 11.00am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 11.00am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 5.00pm

No booking required.

Slope up to the front door. Disabled parking spaces at the top of Castle Chare and on Tenter Terrace. A small parking area at the rear of the church is accessed along the rear of Tenter Terrace. There is a step onto the sanctuary area.

Contact on day - Kathleen Murray on 07759 130837.

Website: The Parish of the Durham Martyrs

Organised by Parish of the Durham Martyrs.

Crook Hall Gardens     

Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Sidegate, County Durham, DH1 5SZ

A quiet escape in Durham City Centre. Enjoy tranquil gardens set against the backdrop of a Grade I listed medieval hall.

Free entry on Wednesday 11 and Sunday 15 September between 10.00am and 5.00pm with last admission at 4.00pm.

Discover a maze, a secret walled garden, an orchard, a wildlife-rich moat pool, tranquil seating areas and views of Durham city and cathedral,

Contact on day - Georgia Cundick on (0191) 3831832.

Pre-booking not required.

Assistance dogs permitted in the medieval hall. Parts of the gardens can be accessed in a wheelchair. Level access from the car park; from there, access to the main garden area is via an incline. Winding, narrow or uneven paths make some areas inaccessible to wheelchair users. Benches located around the site. Accessible toilet with baby changing in the café.

Durham Cathedral Refectory Library  

Durham Cathedral, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3EH

Join our expert staff to explore our library collection housed within the former Medieval Refectory of Durham Cathedral.

The former Medieval Refectory was converted to a library in the 17th century and is rarely open to the general public. This talk will give visitors a chance to spend time up close with a selection of some of our most treasured books. Staff will be on hand to tell you more about the history of the library at the Cathedral as well as show you some of their favourite books from our collection of 11,000 volumes which contain 23,000 different books.

• Friday 6 September - 10.00am, 11.00am and 2.00pm.
• Thursday 12 September - 10.00am, 11.00am and 2.00pm.
• Friday 13 September - 10.00am, 11.00am and 2.00pm.

Contact on day - Shaun McAlister.

Pre-booking preferred.

Tickets can be booked on the Durham Cathedral website - Book tickets for the Refectory Library. The talk is free but we are pleased to be able to offer all those who attend the talk discounted entry to Durham Cathedral Museum. Tickets for the museum must be bought at the time of ordering.

Booking email: visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk. 

Booking open until 5.00pm on 13 September.

Please note that the Refectory Library can only be accessed using two sets of historic stairs.

Maximum number of people per tour is 14 and the tour will  last approximately 30 minutes.

Durham Voices: Audio Stories   

Palace Green Library Museum, Palace Green, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RN

Discover characters from the past in these bite-sized audio stories produced by the World Heritage Site Youth Ambassadors.

Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Norman architecture. Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of its time, stands proudly alongside Durham Castle, a powerful symbol of the Prince Bishops' authority. This iconic duo has been a centre of religion, education, and pilgrimage for over a thousand years. Their unique blend of history, architecture, and spiritual significance earned them a place on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.

The World Heritage Site Youth Ambassadors have resurrected some of the voices from Durham's long past and created a series of tales told from the perspective of those who once lived on the site.

Simply use your own mobile device to scan QR codes located around our famous Palace Green, and listen to the world Heritage Site come back to life.

Email visitor.centre@durham.ac.uk or telephone (0191) 3342932.

Durham Crematorium        

Blaidwood, South Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3TQ

A rare chance to see behind the scenes, learn about cremation and view this rich and beautifully detailed building and its grounds.

Opened in 1960, designed by J. P. Chaplin. Find out more about cremation and view this rich and beautifully detailed building and its grounds.

• Thursday 12 September at 4.00pm
• Friday 13 September at 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September at 9.30am and 10.30am
• Sunday 15 September at 9.30am and 10.30am

Pre-booking is required, please book tours by phone.

Booking contact: Kayleigh Cook on 03000 264008 or email kayleigh.cook@durham.gov.uk

Maximum 20 people per tour and session lasts one hour.

Durham School Tour and Durham School Chapel       

Durham School, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SZ

For one day only, Durham School will open its doors to the public. The chapel will be open with volunteers answering questions and playing the organ. There will also be a guided tour of the school, exploring its 600 year history.

Durham School was re founded in 1414 and moved to its current site in 1844. Join the school archivist and development director as they tour guests around the historic site. Visit the war memorial chapel, which commemorates the lives of the Old Dunelmians who have died in the service of their country since 1914. The tour will start at the bottom of the Chapel Steps and then (depending on numbers) split into two groups, each ending their tour at the Orangery cafe where free refreshments will be provided to guests.

Sunday 8 September at 2.00pm.

Pre-booking preferred. 

Please do not self-tour the site.

Booking contact: Andrew Beales on 07796 673007 or email od@dcsf.org.uk

Booking is open until 7 September.

Some steps and some uneven ground. 

Maximum 50 people per tour/session. Tour will take one hour.

Contact for the day - Debbie Bennett on 07852 832540.

There is limited free parking on site. Should this be full, there is on-street parking on Pimlico and Margery Lane. 

Organised by Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Durham Town Hall   

Durham Town Hall, Market Place, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3NJ

Discover a hidden gem of a building at the heart of civic life in Durham city since the 14th century.

The Grade II listed hall houses many atmospheric spaces, fascinating histories, and long held traditions, many of which continue to this day. The hall remains the official office of the Mayor of Durham and the Mayoral Bodyguard, a tradition that dates back to 1602. The Guildhall is the oldest part of the Town Hall, this is the historic home of the Trade Guilds and Durham City Freemen; groups who shaped Durham for more than 500 years.

Guided tours on:

• Friday 6 September at 11.00am and 2.00pm
• Saturday 7 September at 11.00am and 2.00pm

No booking required. More information on the building and its history: Durham Town Hall

There is partial lift access to some rooms on this site, however some of the older rooms have stepped access only.

Maximum 20 people per tour/session. Tour lasts one hour and 15 minutes. No pre-booking required but entry may be staggered if site gets too busy.

Contact for the day - Durham Town Hall reception 03000 267955.

Explore the Chapel of St Mary the Less       

St. Johns College - Chapel of St Mary the Less, 3 South Bailey, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RJ

The 12th Century chapel will be open for visitors to take their time and explore the chapel interior and its garden. Self-guide tour material will be available.

St Mary the Less has been known by a number of names over the years: Little St Mary, Mary Parva, Little Church in the Bailey.

The chapel has a vast history as it was originally built as a garrison chapel for those who guarded the city walls until its evolution into what it is today, St John's beloved chapel used for all types of events enjoyed by students, staff and the public alike.

• Friday 6 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Saturday 7 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Sunday 8 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Monday 9 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Tuesday 10 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Wednesday 11 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Thursday 12 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Friday 13 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Sunday 15 September: 8.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required.

There is no parking on the bailey and the chapel is located on a cobbled street.

Maximum 60 people per tour/session. Tour/session lasts 20 minutes. Contact for the day - Kate Fox Robinson on 0191 3343500.

Organised by St John's College.

Kepier Hospital and Loggia    

Kepier Farm, Kepier Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1LB

Guided tour with Martin Roberts of the Grade I and II* listed buildings and scheduled ancient monument of the medieval hospital at Kepier, once the richest in County Durham.

Guided tour (no interiors) around the medieval buildings - C14 gatehouse, early C16 west range, late C14 farmhouse (probably master's house). Also the post-medieval, late C16 Renaissance loggia and walled orchard.

Sunday 8 September: Tour starts at 10.00am.

Pre-booking required.

Booking contact: Visit County Durham on 03000 262626

Wheelchair access to some parts of the site, but not the loggia and orchard. No dogs in view of possible farm animals in the orchard.

Maximum 30 people per tour/session, which lasts 1.5 hours.

Contact for the day - Martin Roberts: 07717 533577

No car parking on site. Walk to site along The Sands by the River Wear. Visit notes will be handed out before the tour. Organised by Ruth Watson and Catherine Hankey.

Old Durham Gardens      

Old Durham, Benthouse Lane, South of Sherburn Road (A181), Durham, County Durham, DH1 2RY

Restored 17th to early 18th century formal gardens. View the listed features of the gardens and on-going planting improvements throughout.

A listed historic stone gazebo structure and walled garden which this year has maturing historically authentic fruit espaliers, two unique historic designed seats, a developing parterre layout, an elevated terrace flower border and extensive grassed orchard with authentic fruit and rose planting. Friends of Old Durham Gardens on hand throughout the day. Learn about the ongoing plans for the garden, the Friends group and opportunities to get involved.

Limited disabled only parking onsite. Accessible toilet facilities onsite. We encourage people to walk to the site whenever possible.

Sunday 8 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

No booking required.

No hard access paths at the gardens with the majority being grass. Some hard access paths are available on the approach.

Guide leaflets available for sale.

Contact for the day: Martin Roberts 07177 533577.

Organised by Friends of Old Durham Gardens.

St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham 

St. Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3HL

Visit this simple, peaceful church to rest a while or to view the stunning window by the world-famous Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke or works by renowned local sculptor Fenwick Lawson.

Completed in 1827 by local architect Ignatius Bonomi, St Cuthbert's Catholic Church is in a part of Durham that was often called 'Popish Elvet' because of the number of Catholic residents. The building sits opposite one of Bonomi's other major works - Durham's Crown Courts.  Although the church is simple in its architecture, it contains a spectacular stained glass window by the Irish artist Harry Clarke. It is one of his final works and depicts Saints Cuthbert, Bede and William of York together with Blessed Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl of Northumberland, who was executed for treason in 1572 following the Rising of the North three years earlier. There are a two medieval wooden effigies together with more contemporary works, such as a reading lectern and processional cross by Fenwick Lawson.

• Friday 6 September: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
• Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 1.00pm
• Sunday 9 September: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

No booking required. Find out more on their website St Cuthbert's Durham.

Public on-street parking is available outside the church and charges apply on all the days we are open. There is level access to the church itself but steps into the sanctuary area.

Stewards will be available to welcome visitors and answer any questions. The church may be open at other times for services on the Heritage Open Days but we ask visitors not to walk around during these services.

Contact for the day: Andy Doyle 0798 543 4185.

Organised by St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham.

St Margaret of Antioch Church  

Crossgate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4PR

St Margaret of Antioch church building dates from the mid-twelfth century, and much of the stonework (as well as the font) is original. It is one of just two parish churches in the City with a Grade One listing.

Built in the mid-12th century, behind the heavily restored exterior, substantial parts of the original Norman building remain, alongside later medieval additions. Furnishings range from the original 12th-century font to a much-admired modern sculpture of the Madonna and Child.

Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required. Find out more information on the church at Durham St Margaret of Antioch Church.

Refreshments and a quiz for children will be available. Volunteers will be on hand to tell you more about the church and its history. 

Contact for the day: Sue Lyons 07815022419.

Organised by Durham County Council.

Textile Care at Durham Cathedral  

Durham Cathedral, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3EH

A display from the team of volunteer Broderers who care for the textiles in Durham Cathedral.

Ever wondered what goes into creating and caring for the textiles in Durham Cathedral? Join volunteers in the Chapter House for a display. As well as having several works on display you will be able to ask the team questions about their work and how possibly to get involved yourself.

Monday 9 September: 10.00am to 2.30pm. 

Pre booking not required.

Contact on day: Shaun McAlister on 07769 222353

The Story

The Story, Mount Oswald, South Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3TQ

Behind the scenes access and tours, family activities and collection items to view both at The Story and in County Libraries across Durham. Find out more: The Story at Mount Oswald

'Back to School' family activities

Sunday 15 September.

A day of interactive activities for families on the theme of 'Back to School' in the history of County Durham.

Drop in, no booking required.

Site tours

Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 September.

Guided tours of the exhibitions, the restored Georgian Mount Oswald ceremony rooms, and research facilities at The Story. Places limited, booking required.

'Behind the Scenes' collections store tours

Saturday 7, Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September.

Join one of our curators for guided tours of the Durham Light Infantry collections store highlighting key objects and stories. Booking and photo ID required.

'Behind the Scenes' collections store tours

Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 September from 11.00am to 1.00pm.

Join one of our archivists for guided tour of the Durham County Archives, picking out store highlights, key objects and stories.

45 minute duration.

10 spaces, booking required.

Collections Room display

Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 September.

Opportunity to view and handle items from the collections as The Story team pick out personal highlights and share stories in the research area.

Drop in, no booking required.

Mount Oswald open days

Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 September

The restored grade II listed Mount Oswald building is now used to host private elegant ceremonies. Join us on either Sunday when we can offer rare access to everyone.

Drop in, no booking required.

Behind the Scenes Collection Store tours

Saturday 7 September: 11.00am and 1.00pm.

10 spaces. Booking and photo ID required.

Collections Room display

Sunday 8 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Site tours noon and 2.00pm.

Collections Store tours 11.00am and 1.00pm.

Booking required via The Story website The Story at Mount Oswald for tours (10 maximum each).

Mount Oswald Open Day

• Wednesday 11 September, Pop Up in Seaham Library from 10.00am to 12 noon. 'Behind the Scenes Collection Store tours' at 1.00pm, 10 spaces, booking and photo ID required.
• Thursday 12 September, Pop Up in Newton Aycliffe Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 'Behind the Scenes Collection Store tours' at 1.00pm, 10 spaces, booking and photo ID required.
• Friday 13 September, Pop Up in Clayport Library (Durham City) from 11.00am to 1.00pm. 'Behind the Scenes Collection Store tours' at 1.00pm, 10 spaces, booking and photo ID required.
• Saturday 14 September, 'Behind the Scenes Collection Store' tours at 11.00am and 1.00pm, 10 spaces, booking and photo ID required.
• Sunday 15 September, 'Collections Room display' from 10.00am to 4.00pm, site tours at 12 noon and 2.00pm, 10 spaces, booking required via The Story website for tours.

Contact: info@thestorydurham.org, 03000 268888

Pre-booking required.

Please note the below booking conditions:

Collections Store tours - booking and photo ID required, 10 people maximum. Site tours - booking required, 10 people maximum. Family Activities - booking required. Collection Room displays, Library pop ups and Mount Oswald open days - drop in. Full details of the events and booking information available on The Story website.

Booking telephone number: 03000 268888

Booking email: info@thestorydurham.org

Booking website: Book an event at The Story

Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester Roman Fort, Stobbs Hill Lane, Near Bishop Auckland, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 8DJ

Visitors can see the remains of the commanding officer's house of the fourth century fort, including the impressive bath building, which contains one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (under floor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

The late Roman bath-house at the centre of the fort has recently been endowed with updated interpretation panels featuring reconstruction images to give the visitor a far better understanding of what the building looked like originally. Visitors can also see part of the exceptionally well-preserved regimental bath-building outside the fort with its walls still standing to a height of seven feet above Roman floor level. The site also features a new reception building offering greater space for publications, souvenirs and a range of ice-creams.

Entry is free during the Heritage Open Days period. Self-guided tour with introduction by site staff.

• Friday 6 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Saturday 7 September:10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Sunday 8 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm last entry 4.00pm
• Monday 9 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Tuesday 10 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Wednesday 11 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Thursday 12 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Friday 13 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
• Sunday 15 September: 10.00am to 4.30pm, last entry 4.00pm

Contact: 01388 663089

Pre-booking not required. More information on Binchester Roman Fort: Binchester Roman Fort.

Pre-booking only required for large groups. Telephone the fort on 01388 663089 or email binchester@durham.gov.uk.

Brancepeth Castle Tour       

Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, Durham, County Durham, DH7 8DF 

A guided tour of the exterior (weather permitting) and principal rooms.

Tours of this Grade I medieval castle, home of the Nevilles, Earls of Westmorland. Substantial medieval survival supplemented by major new building designed by John Paterson (begun 1818) and Anthony Salvin (c.1860).

Hear the story of the evolving building, to the present day.

• Thursday 12 September: tour 6.30pm
• Friday 13 September: tour 6.30pm
• Sunday 15 September: tours 2.30pm and 4.30pm

Pre-booking required.

Booking contact: Visit County Durham on 03000 262626.

Quite a lot of walking, some stairs.

Maximum 25 people per tour/session. Tour takes between 1 and 1.5hr.

Contact for the day: Alison Hobbs 07504489089.  

Weekend contact for bookings/cancellations please call 07931 813533 between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

More information: Brancepeth Castle

Organised by Durham County Council.

Durham Mining Museum, Spennymoor    

Spennymoor Town Hall, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DG

Chat with former coal miners in a setting filled with artefacts and history, as well as experience what it was like working down the pit in the coal seam experience.

Former coal miners will be available every day between 10.00am and 2.00pm (with the exception of Wednesdays and Sundays) to talk to members of the public about life underground, from both their own experience and that of generations of miners who have handed down stories.

This year sees the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike, and we have a display focussed on the strike, plus volunteers who supported both as miners and in women against pit closures.

• Friday 6 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm     
• Saturday 7 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Sunday 8 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Monday 9 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Tuesday 10 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Thursday 12 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Friday 13 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Saturday 14 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm

The museum is located on the first floor of Spennymoor Town Hall.

Contact on day Lynn Gibson: 07724817069

No booking required.

There is a lift to the museum which can be accessed to the right of the main doors.

Guided Walk: Local History around Spennymoor

Car Park behind Spennymoor Town Hall, High Street, Spennymoor, Durham, County Durham, DL16 6DG

No booking required. 5 miles approx. Start: Car Park behind Spennymoor Town Hall, DL16 6DG, GR NZ257337. Suitable for most levels of fitness. Good paths, relatively flat, a few stiles. Stout Shoes needed. Bring a packed lunch.

Join our experienced volunteer walk leader, Ian Gray on this walk provided by Durham County Council's Countryside Service. Enjoy a friendly group walk and learn more about the history and heritage of the area. 

Sunday 8 September at 11.00am, length approximately five miles.

Contact on day - Lindsay Archer 03000 264589

Pre-booking not required. More information on the guided walks scheme: Our programme of guided walks.

The walk is suitable for most levels of fitness. There are good paths, relatively flat, possibly a few stiles. Sturdy shoes are needed. The pace of the walk will depend on numbers and fitness of the group and weather conditions. The leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. In severe weather conditions, Contact the Countryside Service by phone (03000 264 589) to see if the walk is going ahead.

Organised by Durham County Council.

Guided Walk: Locomotion's historic buildings

Locomotion, Dale Road, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 2RE

Immerse yourself in the history of the world's first railway town and find out more about how early railways operated - in this free, volunteer-led guided walk around exteriors of the historic buildings at Locomotion.

The buildings and structures at Locomotion tell the story of Shildon's role as the home of the Stockton and Darlington Railway works. Find out more about the historic buildings on our site, and how they contributed to the town's success as the 'cradle of the railways'.

Join our volunteers on a guided walk around the exteriors of the historic buildings at Locomotion. Please note we can't offer inside access to the buildings during this walk.

• Tuesday 10 September: 11.00am, tour
• Thursday 12 September: 11.00am, tour

Please meet at Locomotion's Main Hall (DL4 2RE)

Contact on day: Pam Porter

Pre-booking not required. More information on the guided walks scheme: Our programme of guided walks.

We are not taking pre-bookings and participation is on a first come, first served basis.

This guided walk takes place around Locomotion's outdoor site.

The route is approximately 2.5km in total. Maximum 20 per tour. Tours last approximately one hour.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for this outdoor activity.

Organised by Locomotion.

St Laurence's Church, Pittington   

Hallgarth Lane, High Pittington, Durham, County Durham, DH6 1AB

Visit St Laurence Church. Refreshments available.

Discover a Grade I listed, 12th and 13th century church. North Arcade is described as 'one of the most exciting pieces of architecture in the county' by Pevsner.

Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Maximum 20 people per tour/session which lasts 20 minutes.

Contact for the day: Dave Arnott 0191 3721683

At the end of no through road behind grass triangle near the Hallgarth Manor Hotel.

Properties towards the north of the county

"Routes to Edmundbyers past and present: how did we get here?" - an exhibition of photographs

St Edmund's Church, Church Lane, Edmundbyers, County Durham, DH8 9NQ           

Exhibition of old photographs of Edmundbyers and associated talks, all held in St Edmund's Church

Starting with a preview evening offering Prosecco and nibbles, this weekend will feature a selection of historic photographs and information about Edmundbyers, including themes related to "routes, networks and communications". There will be opportunities for the contribution of stories by the public and competitions for under 18s (please ask for details from Victoria Ryrie: victoriahufford@hotmail.com.

Historian of Christianity and author Prof Alec Ryrie FBA of Durham University will be talking on the theme "From Northumbria to the World, our region's part in England's story of Faith".

There will also be a talk on "Curiosities of our church and churchyard".

• Friday 6 September: 7.00pm. Preview event: exhibition of old photos of Edmundbyers, with Prosecco and nibbles. Booking essential. Results of competitions.
• Saturday 7 September: 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Historic photo exhibition. 3.30pm talk by Prof Alec Ryrie "From Northumbria to the World, our region's part in England's story of Faith" Tea and cake. All welcome. No booking required.
• Sunday 8 September: 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Historic photo exhibition open. Talk by Drs Andrew and Sheila Newton "Curiosities of our church and churchyard" All welcome. No booking required.

Booking essential for Friday evening 6 September Preview. No need to book for Saturday/Sunday events.

Booking contact name: Sheila Newton or Victoria Ryrie on 01207 255698.

Booking email: deorwenta@btinternet.com, booking open until 4 September.

On-street parking. There are public toilets in the village. There are two small steps into the church which wheelchairs can negotiate with assistance; they cannot access the chancel. There is limited space inside the church. Estimated tour duration is four hours.

Organised by Edmundbyers PCC.

St Barnabas Burnmoor Church   

Burnmoor, Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, DH4 6EU

A parish church built in the nineteenth century under the sole supervision of George Fredrick Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham.

Find out more about the William Morris stained glass windows and about the Angel of Victory statue by Waldo Storey.

Sunday 15 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required.

The church is on Chester Road, A183, in Bournmoor Village (between Chester-le-Street and Shiney Row). The car park is in Rose Crescent.

Organised by Bournmoor PCC.

St Ives' Church Leadgate   

St Ives Church, St Ives Road, Leadgate, County Durham, DH8 7SN

Discover St Ives' Church Leadgate, nicknamed The Miners' Cathedral. The only church dedicated to St Ives in the North of England. A unique building with a fascinating heritage and stories waiting to be discovered.

The oldest surviving example of a new church by architect Charles Hodgson Fowler.

The only church in the Northern Province dedicated to St Ivo of Ramsey.

The church houses the Eden Lodge miners banner and a collection of stained glass windows.

See the First World War memorial including three stained glass windows, and 14 Commonwealth War Graves.

Guided Tours on each day.

Talk, A witness to the past. A beacon for the future: Hear about our vision and plans to save, restore and redevelop this unique piece of North East heritage.

Refreshments available.

• Saturday 7 September: 11.00am to 5.00pm with guided tour at noon. Talk "A witness to the past. A beacon for the future" at 1.00pm.
• Sunday 8 September: 11.00am to 5.00pm with guided tour at noon. Talk "A witness to the past. A beacon for the future." at 1.00pm.

No booking required.

Estimated tour duration 45 minutes.

Contact on day: Andrew Fiddes on 07743 169588

Close to the Jolly Drovers pub and Redwell Hills Care Home. Take the Leadgate turnoff at the A692 / Jolly Drovers roundabout. We are just a short distance from the roundabout. Access by public transport on Go North East X70/X71 Newcastle to Consett.

Properties towards the east of the county

Guided Walk: Railway Colliery and Countryside

Shotton Community Hub, Bridge Road, Shotton Colliery, Durham, County Durham, DH6 2PQ

Start: Shotton Colliery Community Hub, Bridge Road, Shotton Colliery, Durham. DH6 2PQ. Reasonable level of fitness required. Boots essential. Please bring a packed lunch.

Join our experienced volunteer walk leader, Yvonne Andrews on this walk provided by Durham County Council's Countryside Service. Enjoy nature and countryside views as you lean more about the history and heritage of the railway in this area. 

Tuesday 10 September at 10.00am, length 9 miles (approximately)

Contact on day: Lindsay Archer on 03000 264589

Booking not required. More information on the guided walks scheme: Our programme of guided walks.

The walk is suitable for people with reasonable levels of fitness. It covers uneven ground, streams, inclines and stiles. Boots are essential. The pace of the walk will depend on numbers and fitness of the group and weather conditions. The leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. In severe weather conditions, Contact the Countryside Service by phone 03000 264 589 to see if the walk is going ahead.

Organised by Durham County Council.

St Andrews Church, Dalton- le- Dale

St Cuthberts Terrace, Dalton- le- Dale, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 8QT

St Andrews Church has some unique features dating back to Anglo-Saxon origins.

An ancient church with Anglo-Saxon origins. Built 1155 in a picturesque location and featuring an external sundial and Anglo Saxon gravestone cover built into the south facing wall. The nave has an unusual sundial made up of Roman Numerals. There are two effigies, one showing Sir William Bowes and the other his wife Lady Maud of Dalton. This family has connections with the Bowes Lyon family at Streatlam, near Barnard Castle and the late Queen Mother. On the north wall is a doorway with typical Norman arched stonework. The door hood was renewed and the church was repointed with Limestone mortar in 2018/19; this was part of a Heritage Lottery Grant with support from English Heritage. The exterior walls were re pointed with lime mortar and the internal surfaces were repainted under a program to reduce damp in the building.

Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Limited free parking available in front of the church.

Maximum six people per tour/session. Visit will take around one hour. The church is open for regular services on a Sunday.

Close to the A19 near Seaham - take the turn off for Murton/Dalton Park and look for the Dalton-le-Dale sign towards Seaham on the B1285. Turn into the village at the Times Inn pub and the church is on the right.

Organised by St Andrews Church PCC.

St Mary the Virgin, Easington

Hall Walks, Easington Village, Peterlee, County Durham SR8 3BP

A 12th century Parish Church, with evidence of Saxon origins. The building contains Medieval pieces.

St Mary's Church is a 12th century Parish Church, with some evidence of Saxon origins. The building contains a number of Medieval pieces. Stewards will be on hand during opening times.

• Saturday 7 September: 11.00am to 3.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 11.00am to 3.00pm

No booking required.

Just off A19 at Easington, in prominent position above the village.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre    

Cemetery Lodge, 25 Woodlands Avenue, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JY

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre will be hosting an exhibition to the memory of miners leader and county councillor Peter Lee in view of the Peterlee '75 event held at the end of 2023 - marking 50 years since the opening of the new town.

Peterlee bears the distinction of being the only new town in the UK to be named after a person, the prominent local miners' leader Peter Lee (1864-1935), who is laid to rest in Wheatley Hill Cemetery.

Wheatley Hill History Club has secured grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other sources to share Peter Lee's story: The man they named a town after.

The History Club is working alongside a multi-disciplinary creative team that includes The Mad Alice Theatre Company and writer-director David Napthine who are working with children in local schools to deliver interactive workshops, the end result of which will be a new piece of theatre to be performed at the Lubetkin Theatre, Peterlee at the end of this year.

Over Heritage Open Days weekend the exhibition featuring original artifacts connected with the life of Peter Lee, including personal items belonging to him, will be available at Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre and copies of an illustrated publication covering his life story will be on sale.

• Thursday 12 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm  
• Friday 13 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required. More information: Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre.

The available space in the Heritage Centre is small and quite restricted during busy times.

The Heritage Centre is situated in Wheatley Hill Cemetery

Organised by Wheatley Hill Heritage Society.

Properties towards the west of the county

Cotherstone Old Chapel Project  

The Old Wesleyan Chapel, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9NL

A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now a community owned/run shop, cafe and heritage centre. Special display of material showing history of the building. Guided walk leaflet to/from the Quaker Meeting House. Refreshments.

A much loved and used building, which was also the main school in the village until a new one was built in 1965. Built in 1872 as a replacement (on a different site) for the first Wesley Methodist Chapel (where John Wesley himself preached). It closed in 2020 and was bought by the community. After much renovation work it has recently re-opened as a village shop, cafe and heritage centre and retains much of its original structure, fittings and character, including a splendid organ screen and (unusually) a stained glass window, the colours of which provided the inspiration for the new decorative scheme. The heritage display shows the history of the building, with many old photographs of it in use, both as a chapel and the village school. Volunteers available to guide visitors. A leaflet is also available to guide visitors through the village between the Chapel and the Quaker Meeting House, pointing out interesting buildings along the way, including several other former chapels.

• Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Directions: on the B6277, near the western end of the village.

Contact on day: Peter Collyer on 07929 828129.

No booking required.

Cotherstone Old Chapel Project

Cotherstone Quaker Meeting House, Demesne Lane, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9PG

A chance to visit an eighteenth-century meeting house in open country. Its history dates back to 1654, when George Fox reached Teesdale on foot, inspiring generations of local Quakers. Adults and children can expect a friendly welcome.

In tune with this year's Heritage Open Days theme of routes, networks and connections, we celebrate in 2024 the 400th birthday of George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends, who travelled on foot throughout England after the Civil Wars. At Cotherstone he inspired the farmer John Bowron to take these ideas to the Caribbean and South America, marking the start of a world-wide Quaker movement. After two centuries of persecution, this meeting house was built on the Bowron family's land in 1797, its burial ground providing a nature-rich resting place outside the parish boundary. Cotherstone still welcomes Friends to Meetings for Worship on Sundays from 10.30am to 11.30am.

• Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm
• Saturday 14 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

The Quaker Meeting House is on the eastern edge of the village of Cotherstone, which is five mile from Barnard Castle on the B6277, DL12 9PG. 95/96 bus route between Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale with Weardale Travel.

Contact on day: Diana Collecott on 07834 787077

No booking required.

Onsite parking for two blue badge cars involves opening and closing two field gates and crossing a meadow.

Escomb Saxon Church  

Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SY

Have a guided tour of this ancient, Anglo-Saxon Church, built in the 7th century, and learn about its history and heritage.

This is one of the most ancient Celtic-style churches in the UK, built around 680AD. There is a historical exhibition in the porch. Refreshments and guided tours of the church are available on Saturday between 1.00pm and 5.00pm. A craft stall is available.

Saturday 7 September: 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

The historical exhibition in the porch is fully accessible but there are two steps down into the church. A disabled toilet is available in the adjacent pub.

Maximum 30 people per tour/session. Tour 30 minutes. The pub over the road also offers meals and refreshments and all our visitors can use their toilet facilities.

Contact for the day: Gill Beddow on 07763 262891.

More information: Escomb Church.

The church is off the B6282. Bus leaves Bishop Auckland hourly, except on Sundays.

Organised by The parish of Escomb and Witton Park.

Guided Walk: Stanhope and Tyne Railway

Waskerley Station Picnic Area, Waskerley Station, Off Castleside to Stanhope Road, Durham, County Durham, DH8 9DZ

Start: Waskerley Station Picnic Area, Waskerley Village, Off Castleside to Stanhope Road, DH8 9DZ, GR NZ 050453. Reasonable level of fitness required. Boots essential. Bring a packed lunch.

Join our experienced volunteer walk leader, Jo Davies on this walk provided by Durham County Council's Countryside Service. Enjoy nature and countryside views as you lean more about the history and heritage of the railway in this area. 

Sunday 15 September at 10.30am, 9.5 miles long, no booking required.

Contact on day, Lindsay Archer: 03000 264589. More information on our guided walks programme: Our guided walks.

The walk is suitable for people with reasonable levels of fitness. It covers uneven ground, streams, inclines and stiles. Boots are essential. The pace of the walk will depend on numbers and fitness of the group and weather conditions. The leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. In severe weather conditions, Contact the Countryside Service by phone 03000 264 589 to see if the walk is going ahead.

Organised by Durham County Council.

Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ Visits   

North East Theatre Organ Association, New Victoria Centre, High Street, Howden Le Wear, Crook, County Durham, DL15 8EZ

See and hear the North East's only Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, one of UK's largest. Explore the impressive workings of this machine and learn how it was originally used about 100 years ago.

Now restored to 'as new' condition with the aid of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, you can discover some of the magic of the Theatre Organ.

Saturday 14 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm

No booking required.

Allow at least two hours for a full tour and demonstration, contact for the day: 01388 766805. More information: The Mighty Wurlitzer..

The building is a former Methodist Chapel situated on the main A689 road between Bishop Auckland and Crook.

Organised by North East Theatre Organ Association.

St Mary's Parish Church        

Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NQ

The church tower will be open with access to the ringing chamber and the clock chamber.

Local bell ringers will help visitors understand how church bells are rung and also give access to the clock chamber.

Sunday 15 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Access to the bell tower is via a spiral staircase. For those visiting the church the main body of the church is accessible to all, the chancel is accessed by six steps.

Maximum 10 people per tour/session, lasts 20 minutes.

Church is open to visitors all day, every day of the year.

Contact for the day: Revd Canon Alec Harding on 01833 637018.           

The Bowes Museum    

The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP

Enjoy free entry. Discover thousands of items from 500 years of human creativity. Explore the summer exhibition, watch the Silver Swan, and take part in artist led workshops and more.

Take in thousands of items from 500 years of human creativity, ranging from furniture and fashion to paintings and sculpture, ceramics, silver and metals too. Discover rarely seen and often overlooked works by Northern artists Norman Cornish and L S Lowry in the Museum's summer exhibition, Kith and Kinship. Watch the iconic silver swan perform, learn new skills in artist led workshops, join in family activities inside and out and uncover the Museum's secrets in themed tours featuring a look behind the scenes.

No booking required.

Saturday 7 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Dogs are welcome in the grounds but only assistance dogs are allowed entry to the museum.

Contact for the day, reception: 01833 690606. 

The Bowes Museum

The Fitzhugh Library   

The Fitzhugh Library, 51 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 0QH

Visit the library and its collection of photographs, books and documents concerning the County Palatine of Durham and the ecclesiastical parish of Romaldkirk. The Library contains over 70,000 items.

The Fitzhugh Library is a charitable trust established in 1988.

The area covered is the old Palatinate of Durham before its 1836 dissolution, plus the ecclesiastical parish of Romaldkirk. At present, the library contains over twenty thousand catalogued items - books, maps and periodicals, together with about 14,000 photographs as well as some 30,000 newspaper cuttings and ephemera. The current number of maps is over 2,000.

The material covers many topics including history, archaeology, and biography. There are strong sections on mining (lead and coal), railways, churches, education, and architecture. Several shelves are given over to material about the ecclesiastical parish of Romaldkirk and North Durham (Islandshire, Norhamshire and Bedlingtonshire).

Particular collections include the Hannah Hauxwell collection, the June Luckhurst collection about Teesdale chapels and recently the Teesdale Heritage Group archive of documents and photographs. We have the archives of local historians Alan Wilkinson and Eric Barnes.

• Friday 6 September, 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Saturday 7 September, 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Sunday 8 September, 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Monday 9 September, 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Tuesday 10 September, 10.00am to 3.00pm

No booking required.

The library is on the first floor, accessed by a staircase and there is no disabled access. Maximum 12 people per tour/session.

Contact for the day: Derek Sims on 07899 966327 or Cath Maddison on 07467 087476.

More information: Fitzhugh Library.

Above the Village Bookshop at 51 Market Place, and opposite the Teesdale Hotel.

Thorpe Light Railway                    

Thorpe Light Railway, Whorlton, County Durham, DL12 9TW (nearest postcode)

An opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Thorpe Light Railway and hear about future plans.

Visitors can join a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the history of this miniature railway, and the work of the friends group to restore and operate it. Travelling by train, you will be able to get out at locations where the train doesn't normally stop, to find out more about the building of the railway, the wildlife we share the site with, and get a close-up look at the locomotives at the engine shed. Tours will last about half an hour and will leave the station at approximately 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm, subject to demand.

There will also be information boards including photographs, which show the three stages of the railway,  its original incarnation as the Whorlton Lido Railway, through a period of hibernation and then its restoration and reopening as the Thorpe Light Railway.  Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and chat about the railway.

Saturday 14 September: 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tours at 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

No booking required.

Ample on site parking is available but is on grass which may not be accessible in extreme weather conditions. There is also limited parking in the roadside layby. The site is on a grass field with no surfaced paths but is fairly flat. Disabled visitors can park close to the station and enjoy the talks and displays and watching the trains but there is no wheelchair-accessible carriage on the train. Pushchairs, prams and bicycles can be left at the station if you have a train ride.

Maximum 20 people per tour/session. No visitor limit to site, but rail tours limited to approx 20 passengers per tour. Tours last approx 30 minutes.

More information: Thorpe Light Railway.

The railway is just south of the River Tees, next to Whorlton Bridge, about three miles from Barnard Castle. Whorlton Bridge is currently closed to all traffic (including pedestrians and cyclists) whilst repair work is being carried out to the bridge structure, so access is from the south of the river only. Use the A66 or  Winston Bridge and Ovington. Part of the approach road to the bridge is currently closed to traffic but access is available on open days - follow the signs and volunteer directions to get to the car parking area.

Organised by The Friends of Thorpe Light Railway.

The Weardale Museum       

Hotts, Ireshopeburn, Weardale, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 1HD

A small volunteer-run Museum dedicated to protecting, preserving and recording the history and heritage of Weardale. There is a range of displays featuring different elements of life in the dale and of its people. Activities for Children.

The Weardale Museum occupies the old manse of the adjoining High House Methodist Chapel which closed in 2019. The museum has purchased the chapel and is in the process of converting the two buildings into a museum and heritage centre. The chapel is currently closed. The life and times of Weardale and its people are the focus of the collections with displays on farming, mining and quarrying, railways, emigration and the First World War. The Victorian kitchen shows what life would have been like for families and visit the Wesley room which features the history of Methodism in the Dale and the visits by John Wesley who preached in the chapel. The Weardale Tapestry depicts the history of the dale from early times.

A display on the production of the Methodist Tapestries Collection is on show telling the story of Methodism and its connection with the High House Chapel. Visitors can also see finds from the digs at St Botolph's Chapel, Frosterley which includes a unique stone head, fragments of painted wall plaster and pieces of a medieval cross. The museum also has comprehensive family history collections which can be researched on site, volunteers can help with your research into Weardale ancestors.

• Saturday 7 September: 1.00pm to 4.00pm  
• Sunday 8 September: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Contact on the day: David Heatherington on 01388 335085.

More information: Weardale Museum

There is no wheelchair access to the upstairs rooms in the museum where the tapestry is housed. There is an iPad with information on the collections.

Refreshments can be purchased in nearby St John's Chapel. 

Situated on the A689, 8 miles west of Stanhope and 12 miles east of Alston. Signs to the east and west of Ireshopeburn Sign opposite museum.

How to include your venue or event

We welcome new venues and events. If you, your organisation or community group would like to take part, or if you would like some more information, then please Contact Heritage Open Days.