Heritage Open Days

Dates of the event

The event runs every September. This year's dates are Friday 9 September to Sunday 18 September.

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

Here is a full list of attractions taking place: 

Alington House Community Association 

Alington House Community Association, 4 North Bailey, Durham,  DH1 3ET

Georgian House on North Bailey, sitting on the Grade 1 City Wall.

The House is Grade 2* listed having a number of period windows. Named after Hester Alington (Wife of Cyril Alington, former Dean of Durham Cathedral).

Friday 9 September: 9.00am to 11.00am

Monday 12 September: 9.00am to 11.00am

Friday 16 September: 9.00am to 11.00am

No booking required.

Contact: Alan Barnett - 0191 386 4088

More information on Alington House 

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. Opened in 1864 it has beautiful examples of Victorian stained glass and a fine high altar.

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

No booking required.

Friday 9 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Tuesday 13 September: 11.00am to 2.00pm

Thursday 15 September: 11.00am to 2.00pm

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

A fascinating Insight into Durham Masonic Hall

Masonic Hall, 36 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN

Discover the history of Durham Freemasons.

Sit down and have a drink with masons tea, coffee or even a drink from the bar and find out more about what goes on in freemasonry.

Find out which public figures have walked on these historic floors since 1870.

Saturday 17 September: 9.00am to 6.00pm. Guided tours: 10.00am, 12 noon, 2.00pm and 4.00pm

Sunday 18 September: 9.00am to 6.00pm.  Guided tours: 10.00am, 12 noon, 2.00pm and 4.00pm

Booking required.

Please book for the tour, talk and question and answer session.

Contact: Anthony Turfrey, text 07756 401 226

Email: anthony.turfrey@gmail.com

Crime and Punishment in Durham through the ages

Market Place, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3NL

A meandering walk through Durham City which will take in key locations of Crime and Punishment, how the powerful Prince Bishops adjudicated their County and descriptions of notable characters of crime such as Jimmy Allen and Mary Ann Cotton.

Sunday 18 September: Guided walk 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Booking required.

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall Gardens, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ

Wander through a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character. Intriguing paths lead you to blooming borders, secluded walled gardens, an orchard and a tranquil moat pond.

The gardens are a haven for wildlife, alive with bees and butterflies collecting nectar from flowers, ducks and moorhens on the pond and songbirds in the trees.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm)

Sunday 18 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm)

No booking required.

Contact: Simon Colvine -  0191 383 1832

More information on Crook Hall and Gardens

Summer time sports at Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ

Come and celebrate the opening of Crook Hall Gardens in the heart of Durham City Centre with a free outdoor family sports day.

Enjoy an afternoon of sports, activities, garden games and puzzles suitable for all ages.

Saturday 17 September: 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

No booking required.

Dogs on short leads are welcome, including in the café. Assistance dogs only in the medieval hall. Water bowls are provided.                  Contact: Crook Hall - 0191 383 1832

More information on Crook Hall and Gardens   

Yoga at Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ

Join Durham University Yoga Society and local Durham-based yoga instructors for an outdoor yoga class followed by a refreshing juice and look around Crook Hall Gardens.

Wednesday 14 September: 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Saturday  17 September: 9.30am to 11.30am and 11.30pm to 13.30pm

Booking required.

Contact: louise.thain@nationaltrust.org.uk

Booking opens: 11 August 2022 9:00am

Contact: Crook Hall - 0191 383 1832      

More information on Crook Hall and Gardens 

Durham Castle (University College)

University College, The Castle, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW

Experience a self-guided visit to Durham Castle and stroll around at your own pace on Sunday 11 September.

Durham Castle sits at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site. Built in the Norman Period and occupied continuously since the 11th century, Durham Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University.

Sunday 11 September: 11.00am to 3.00pm (Last entry 2.00pm)

No booking required.

More information on Durham Castle 

Durham Crematorium

Durham Crematorium, South Road, 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.

Thursday 15 September, 4.15pm

Friday 16 September: 4.15pm

Saturday 17 September: 9.45am ,11.00am and 12.15pm

Sunday 18 September: 09.45am and 11.00am

Booking required.

Contact: Visit County Durham -  03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com      

Durham Crematorium

Durham School Tour and Durham School Chapel

Durham School, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SZ  

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.

Saturday 10 September: The Chapel -12 noon until 4.00pm, tour 2.00pm

Sunday 11 September: The Chapel -12 noon until 4.00pm, tour 2.00pm

Booking preferred. Book on arrival or in advance.

Email: d.bennett@dcsf.org.uk or contact Andrew Beales - 0779 667 3007

More information on Durham School

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 Durham Town Hall houses many atmospheric spaces, fascinating histories, and long held traditions; many of which continue to this day.

Friday 9 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, no tour available

Sunday 11 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, no tour available

Monday 12 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, no tour available

Tuesday 13 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Wednesday 14 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Thursday 15 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm, tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Sunday 18 September:  10.00am to 3.00pm, no tour available

No booking required.

Durham Walking Tour - Crime and Punishment in Durham through the ages

Durham Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NL

A meandering walk through Durham City which will take in key locations of Crime and Punishment. 

Monday 12 September: 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Booking required.

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Contact: Laura Rhodes - 0775 807 781

Durham Walking Tour: A Tale of Characters, Crime And Punishment

Equestrian Statue, Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ    

Explore Durham's tales of colourful characters, stories of crime and punishment as you walk through our awe-inspiring medieval city.

Saturday 17 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Booking required.

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Family Crafts: Wharton's Wonders of Transportation

Wharton Park Visitors Centre, Framwellgate Peth, Durham, DH1 4FJ

William Wharton was at the centre of Victorian innovation. Join us to take part in our family crafts and become an inventor of trains, hot air balloons and bridges.

Drop in event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities and entrance to the park are free but parking charges apply.

Saturday 10 September: 1.00pm to 3.00pm

No booking required.

More information on Wharton Park

Flass Vale and Orchard Tour

Waddington Street, Durham, DH1 4BG

Flass Vale is a wooded valley close to the centre of Durham City.

Part of the Vale is a Local Nature Reserve managed by a Friends group but it also hides an orchard, planted over 150 years ago, but then abandoned and overgrown. However, a few of the original apple and pear trees remained. Restoring the orchard is now a work in progress and will be for some time, but the trees we planted from cuttings taken from the original trees are now starting to bear fruit.

Sunday 11 September: 11.00am.

Contact: Dr V Standen - 0191 386 4058

Kepier Hospital and Loggia  

The Sands, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1LB  

An opportunity to tour the medieval hospital buildings at Kepier Hospital and Loggia.

The tour involves a walk around the buildings of Kepier Hospital. These are mostly seen from outside. There is an opportunity to enter one building, at ground level, to see the features of the medieval range. The site is perfect to stroll around, while our knowledgeable guides bring Kepier to life.

Tuesday 13 September: 2.00pm

Booking required.

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Meet the experts and explore hidden spaces at Durham Cathedral, New for 2022

Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH

Join the team at Durham Cathedral for a lunchtime talk and tour of their specialist areas, including the Chapter House, Sharp Library, Bailey Garden and Galilee.

Saturday 10 September: Chapter House talk 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Monday 12 September: Galilee talk 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Tuesday 13 September: Bailey garden tour 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Wednesday 14 September: Sharp Library talk 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Thursday 15 September: Sharp Library talk 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Friday 16 September: Galilee talk 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Saturday 17 September: Meet the Vergers in the Chapter 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Booking required.

Durham Cathedral - what's on

Northern Saints Trail: The Way of Learning - free guided walk

St Mary and St Cuthbert's Church, Parish Centre, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QB

Enjoy a guided walk along the final stage of the Northern Saints Trail - The Way of Learning. An eight-mile walk from Chester-le-Street to Durham Cathedral. Led by North East England Blue Badge Tourist Guide Ruth Robson.

Sunday 18 September 9.30am to early afternoon

A free event, booking essential.

Contact: This is Durham

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

More information on Northern Saints

Northern Saints Trail: The Way of Love - free guided walk

St Helen's Church, Kelloe, Durham, County Durham, DH6 4PT

Enjoy a guided walk along the final stage of the Northern Saints Trail - The Way of Love. A seven-mile walk from Kelloe to Durham Cathedral. 

Thursday 15 September 9.30am to early afternoon.

Please dress appropriately for the weather, with sturdy footwear.

Booking required.

Booking Contact: This is Durham

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

More information on Northern Saints

North End Allotments  

North End, DH1 4LZ                     

North End Allotments - enjoy a cup of tea and cake, wander around the beautiful allotments, take home jam/chutney and allotment produce. Something for all the family. Combine it with a walk through Flass Vale.

Sunday 11 Sept: 11.00am to 4.00pm

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 ongoing planting improvements throughout the gardens.

Sunday 11 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm. Tour at 2.00pm.

No booking required.

Contact: Martin Roberts - 07177 533 577

Palace Green Library

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

In this gallery, we explore artefacts that span 250,000 years of history.

The objects on display range from everyday items - such as dishes, coins, and glass bottles - to the rare and beautiful.

Sunday 18 September: 10.30am to 11.30am and 12 noon to 1.00pm

No booking required.

St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham

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

Visit this simple, peaceful church to rest for 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.

Friday 9 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Saturday 10 September: 10.30am to 4.30pm

Sunday 11 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm. 

Contact: Andy Doyle - 07985 434 185

More information on St Cuthbert's Catholic Church

St Margaret of Antioch Church

Crossgate, 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.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm

No booking required.

Contact: Posy O'Neill - 07909 730 464

Brancepeth Castle  

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

Friday 9 September: 6.30pm

Saturday 10 September: 2.30pm

Sunday  11 September: 2.30pm and 4.30pm

Booking required.

Contact: Visit County Durham

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Contact: Alison Hobbs - 07504 489 089

More information on Brancepeth Castle

Family Activity: Eco-Trail

Hardwick Park Visitor Centre, Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, TS21 2DN

Think about the big questions and connect with nature to become cool climate kids saving a hot planet. What elements make up a balanced eco-system and what 'Astounding Inventions' can help provide renewable energy sources?

Collect your free worksheet from the Visitor Centre and explore the park's front woodland. 

Self-led, drop in event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities and entrance to the park are free but parking charges apply.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Sunday  11 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Sunday 18 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Hardwick Park events

Kilburn's Warehouse  

Kilburn's Warehouse, Shildon, DL4 1PQ. New for 2022

Take a look inside Kilburn's Warehouse, one of the oldest industrial buildings remaining in Shildon. Bits of iron, steam locomotives, boxers and a silver band have all inhabited this old warehouse, at different times.

Saturday 10 September: 11.00am to 3.00pm

Sunday 11 September: 11.00am to 3.00pm

No booking required.

Call  03300 580 058 for more information.

Locomotion Lates: Makers' Skills.  A New Wave legacy event.            

Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 2RE. New for 2022           

Join us for a special late event, co-ordinated by Locomotion's Youth Team.

Learn more about the astounding inventions and amazing vehicles on display in Locomotion's Main Hall, including Locomotion No. 1, the very first steam locomotive to pull a passenger train on a public railway.

Saturday 17 September: 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Booking preferred.

Free admission.

More information on Locomotion

People's Museum and Railway Heritage Trail

Hippodrome Bingo, 27 Railway Street, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7LR

Memorabilia of Bishop Auckland on display at the Old Hippodrome Theatre.

Enjoy a trip down memory lane. Displays recall the heyday of the town through old photographs and memorabilia recalling the high street, football heroes and the railway. 

Monday 12 September: 5.00pm to 11.00pm

Tuesday 13 September: 10.00am to 11.00pm

Wednesday 14 September: 10.00am to 11.00pm

Thursday 15 September: 10.00am to 11.00pm

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 11.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 11.00pm

Sunday 18 September: 5.00pm to 11.00pm

No booking required.

Contact: Geraldine Hart - 07925 581 182

More information on The People's Museum

Picture This Then and Now

Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP

An exhibition about the Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone

The Heritage Action Zone was established to revitalise the historic market town and to help regenerate it as a vibrant place for locals, businesses and visitors. Find out about restoration, research and community engagement projects that are underway.

Monday 12 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Tuesday 13 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Wednesday 14 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Thursday 15 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Contact for the day: Bishop Auckland Town Hall 03000 269 524

More information on Bishop Auckland Town Hall

St Andrew's Church, Bishop Auckland

St Andrews Road, South Church, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 6RU

Open Church. Opportunity to visit the ancient parish church of Bishop Auckland. Built on a Saxon foundation, the current building dates from the 13th century. It was added to by the Prince Bishops Bishop Bek and Cardinal Langley.

Sunday 18 September: 12 noon to 4.00pm.

No booking required.

St Anne's Church, Bishop Auckland 

Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP

Open Church. Built on the site of a medieval chapel, St Anne's was designed by William Thompson and built by William Edgar in the 19th century.

Grade II listed church.

Thursday 15 September: 11.00am to 2.00pm.

No booking required.

Contact: Angela MacDonald - 07474 188 865       

Saint Helen's Church Kelloe

Saint Helen's Church, Sharon Avenue, Kelloe, County Durham, DH6 4PT

Join us for Elizabeth Barret Browning Day and see the Famous Saint Helena's Cross, We will be celebrating the poet who was baptised in the church.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Sunday 18 September: 10.00am to 3.00pm

No booking required.

Contact: Alec McDonald - 07786 194 210

St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield  

Cross Hill, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3AT

Features include a 17th century screen, and woodwork, Frosterley marble floors, wall and floor brasses many interpretation boards, a new church booklet, children's booklet, and a scaled model of the village centre in 1850.

Thursday 15 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

No booking required.

St Laurence's Church, Pittington  

Hallgarth Lane, High Pittington, Durham, DH6 1AB

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

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Contact: Dave Arnott - 0191 3721 683

Walled Garden, The Auckland Project 

Auckland Castle, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NR

Explore the recently restored 17th-century Walled Garden at Auckland Castle and meet the gardeners who work there.

Sunday 11 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Sunday 18 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

No booking required.

More information on Auckland Project

Chester-le-Street Old and New Churchyards Walk. 

Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Church Chare, Chester Le Street, DH3 3QB. New for 2022.

Guided walk around the two churchyards - Old Churchyard around the Parish Church and the New Churchyard just to the North behind St Mary's Home.

Sunday 11 September: Tour 2.00pm.

Booking required.

Contact: Dorothy Hall - 0191 388 3667

Email: dahall52@aol.com

Chester-le-Street Ropery Lane Cemetery Walk

Ropery Lane Cemetery, Ropery Lane, Chester Le Street, DH3 3NL. New for 2022

Ropery Lane Cemetery was opened in 1895 and for over 100 years had many notable burials. Take a  guided walk with Dorothy Hall, Chair of Chester-le-Street Heritage Group. 

Sunday 18 September: 2.00pm.

Booking required.

Contact: Dorothy Hall - 0191 388 3667

Email: dahall52@aol.com

Histories of a Country Church

St Edmund's Church, Church Lane, Edmundbyers, County Durham, DH8 9NQ. New for 2022.

Come and discover this historic place of worship with an archaeologist/local historian-led guided tour and talk about St Edmund's Church and churchyard.

Sunday 11 September: 2.00pm

No booking required.

Contact: Sheila Newton - 01207 255 698

Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre

Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE21 6RU

Land of Oak and Iron covers 177 square miles of the beautiful and historic Derwent Valley and surrounding areas.

Friday 9 September: Ancestry with Anthea, 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Saturday 10 September: Time Bandits - Discover The Civil War, 10.30am to 2.30pm

Sunday 11 September: Heritage Walk to Hollinside Manor, 9.30am to 11.00am (booking essential)

Sunday 18 September: Hidden Heritage Guided Walk and Meet the Land of Oak and Iron Trust. 9.30am to 11.00am. (booking essential)

Booking required where stated.

Wheelchair access and some paths are pushchair friendly. Dogs on leads welcome.

Contact for the day: 01207 524 898

More information on Land of Oak and Iron

St Barnabas Burnmoor Church Open Day

Burnmoor, Houghton Le Spring, County Durham, DH4 6EU

19th century parish church built under the sole supervision of George Fredrick Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

St Ives' Church Leadgate Coffee Concerts

St. Ives Road, Leadgate, Consett, County Durham, DH8 7TS

Come and enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this historic place of worship, the only church dedicated to St Ivo of Huntingdon in the Northern Province of the Church of England.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Contact: Andrew Fiddes - 07743 169 588

Apollo Pavilion 

91 Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 1LE

Loved and hated in equal measure the Apollo Pavilion is a Grade-II* listed structure/sculpture designed by artist Victor Pasmore and created for the then 'new town' of Peterlee. An iconic example brutalist public art.

Please register with David.Taylorgooby@btinternet.com, contact: 07793 114 037 from whom more information can be obtained.

Sunday 18 September: Talks 12 noon to 4.00pm, Walk 2.00pm

Booking preferred.

Contact: David Taylor-Gooby - 07793 114 037

Email: David.Taylorgooby@btinternet.com

East Durham Heritage Group

Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, SR7 7EE   

Visitors are able to peruse our photographic and document archive relating to the heritage of the Seaham area and view the restored lifeboat the Liverpool class George Elmy that tragically wrecked in November 1962.

Friday 9 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Saturday 10 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Sunday 11 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Thursday 15 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Friday 16 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Sunday 18 September: 10.30am to 3.30pm

No booking required.

St Andrew's Church, Dalton- le- Dale

Rose Cottage, Dalton-le-Dale, Seaham, SR7 8QT

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

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

No booking required.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre   

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

Highlights of the cemetery. All graves have been indexed (even the ones without headstones).

Thursday 15 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Friday 16 September: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am -to 4.00pm

No booking required.

More information on Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

Towards the West, Escomb Saxon Church

Escomb Saxon Church, Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 0SX

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

Saturday 10 September: 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

No booking required.      

More information on Escomb Saxon Church

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope, Weardale, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 1AR

Killhope Lead Mining Museum is a unique and unforgettable experience, with its famous waterwheel, washing floor with sparkling minerals and underground mine tours, there is plenty to entertain the whole family.

Monday 12 September: 11.00am and 2.00pm

Tuesday 13 September: 11.00am and 2.00pm

Wednesday 14 September: 11.00am and 2.00pm

No booking required.

Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum

Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ Visits

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

Find out the amazing story of the only remaining Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in the North East ( one of the largest in Europe). This year we are happy to welcome visitors once more to see the impressive workings of the organ and hear it play.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm.

No booking required.

Contact: 01388 766 805

More information on The Mighty Wurlitzer

St Mary's Parish Church

Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NQ           

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

Sunday 11 September: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

No booking required.

Contact: Revd Canon Alec Harding - 01833 637 018

The Fitzhugh Library

51 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 0QH

Visit the hidden gem of the Fitzhugh Reference Library and its collection of photographs, books and documents concerning the Palatine County of Durham and the ecclesiastical parish of Romaldkirk. The Library contains over 60,000 items.

Friday 9 September: 10.00am to-3.00pm.

Saturday 10 September: 10.00am to-3.00pm.

Sunday 11 September: 10.00am to-3.00pm.

Monday 12 September: 10.00am to-3.00pm.

Tuesday 13 September: 10.00am to-3.00pm.

No booking required.

Contact: Derek Sims - 07899 966 327 or Cath Maddison - 07467 087 476

More information on The Fitzhugh Library

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.

Saturday 17 Sept:  12.30pm to 3.30pm

No booking required.

More information on Thorpe Light Railway

The Weardale Museum                 

Hotts, Ireshopeburn, Weardale,  DL13 1HD

A small volunteer-run museum that is 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.

Monday 12 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Tuesday 13 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Wednesday 14 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Thursday 15 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Friday 16 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Saturday 17 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

Sunday 18 September: 1.00pm to 4.30pm

No booking required.

More information on The Weardale Museum

Crime and Punishment in Durham through the ages

Market Place, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3NL

A meandering walk through Durham City which will take in key locations of Crime and Punishment, how the powerful Prince Bishops adjudicated their County and descriptions of notable characters of crime such as Jimmy Allen and Mary Ann Cotton.

Sunday 18 September: Guided walk 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Booking required.

Call: 03000 262 626

Email: visitor@thisisdurham.com

Contact: Ken Bradshaw - 07591 468 066

Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall Gardens, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ

Wander through a series of interlinked gardens, each with its own character. Intriguing paths lead you to blooming borders, secluded walled gardens, an orchard and a tranquil moat pond.

Saturday 17 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm)

Sunday   18 September: 10.00am to 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm)

No booking required.

Contact: Simon Colvine -  0191 383 1832

More information on Crook Hall and Gardens

Summer time sports at Crook Hall Gardens

Crook Hall, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ

Come and celebrate the opening of Crook Hall Gardens in the heart of Durham City Centre with a free outdoor family sports day.

Saturday 17 September: 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

No booking required.

Contact: Crook Hall - 0191 383 1832

More information on Crook Hall and Gardens    

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 us.