Arts and culture
Enjoy the varied programme at Durham's Gala theatre and enjoy the impressive art collections at the Durham Art Gallery. See the Rococo ceilings at Croxdale Hall. Take in the impressive artworks and elaborate architecture at Raby Castle which captures the spirit of power and patronage in its fine paintings, including works by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Lely, fine furniture and important china, and impressive rooms.
Durham Cathedral hosts the treasures of St Cuthbert - a magnificent display of valuable and beautiful objects representing 900 years of cathedral history. The collection includes a fabulous altar plate, illuminated manuscripts, Bishops' rings , seals and vestments, as well as relics from St Cuthbert himself, including his wooden coffin and exquisite pectoral cross.
Auckland Castle is home to the unique collection of priceless paintings by Francisco de Zurbaran depicting Jacob and his 12 sons, Brtain's finest examples of the Spanish artist's work. 13 larger than life canvasses depict Jacob and his 12 sons sold in 1756 to Bishop Trevor for £125 for the set.
The Bowes Museum, one of the County's grandest surprises, a splendid 19thCentury French style chateau containing one of Britain's leading collection s of European art (including El Greco and Cannalletto). It brings Continental Europe into the heart of the Durham Dales and amazes with its difference and quality. Huge and varied collection was put together in only 15 years by industrialist John Bowes (an ancestor of the late Queen Mother) and his French actress wife Josephine.
Durham University Oriental Museum is Britain's only museum devoted entirely to Oriental art and antiquities, boasting superb collections from all major cultures of the East.
Rokeby Park boasts a fine Palladian mansion with unique collection of needlework paintings and an interesting late 18th Century Print Room. It was also once the home of Velasquez's ‘Rokeby Venus', now in the National Gallery. The House and its park were inspiration for Scott's poem ‘Rokeby', Turner's painting ‘The Meeting of the Waters'' and Cotman's painting ‘Rokeby on the Greta'.
Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa is home to a sizeable collection of contemporary art featuring work of painters Dale Atkinson, Ornulph Opdahl and Paul Gallagher. Also sculptures by Nicolaus Widerberg, Andrew Burton and William Pye water vortex at front of hotel. Stained glass artist Bridget Jones has created a complete ceiling based on Byron's poetry in the Atrium.