Top 10
1. Durham Castle and Cathedral
Dating from 1072, Durham Castle is one of England's largest surviving Norman castles and grandest Romanesque palaces. Seat of the Prince Bishops until 1832 and now part of a World Heritage Site. Housing University College, it is a conference, banqueting and holiday centre in vacations.
Founded in 1903, Durham boasts a magnificent Norman Cathedral, a shrine of St.Cuthbert and one of the great architectural experiences in Europe. Together with the adjacent castle, it is a World Heritage Site.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2005, Beamish is one of the region's leading tourist attractions. It vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800s and early 1900s. Costumed staff welcome visitor's to the Town, the Mine and Colliery Village, Home Farm, Pockerley Manor and the 1825 Railway-Pockerley Waggon-way. New in 2006-Masonic Temple in 1913 Town and replica of "Puffing Billy", the world's oldest surviving steam locomotive. An average visit takes 4-5 hours in summer and 2 hours in winter.
One of the country's most fascinating museum experiences, created over 100 years ago by local businessman John Bowes and his French wife Josephine. The incredible building contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North. Programme of major exhibitions throughout the year.
4.Durham University Botanic Garden
18 acre garden in mature woodland with exotic trees from America and the Himalayas. Prince Bishops Garden,
tropical house, cactus house, butterflies and insects, plant sales. Visitor centre with cafe.
5. Raby Castle
One of England's most impressive medieval castles, built by the Nevills and home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. It features fine furniture, impressive artworks and elaborate architecture. Also deer park, walled gardens, coach and carriage collection, woodland adventure playground, picnic area, tearooms and gift shop. Pride of Northumbria Visitor attraction of the Year.
4 acre gardens and restored Medieval Hall. Includes secret walled garden, Shakespeare garden, Cathedral garden and silver and white garden, moat pool and meadow with maze.
7. Durham University Oriental Museum
Only museum of its kind in the country devoted entirely to Oriental art and archaeology. Collections range from prehistoric Egypt and China to the work of living artists. Temporary exhibition programme. Cafe and shop.
8. DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery
The museum at this family friendly attraction features The Durham Light Infantry (with emphasis on WWI and WW2) and looks at Durham Home Front life during WW2. Durham art gallery presents an exciting exhibition/events programme. Cafe, shop, parking, attractive grounds.
9. Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum
Winner of the North East England Tourism Awards 2005 - Most Welcoming experience and 'The Guardian' Family Friendly Museum Award 2004. Killhope explores the life of North Pennine lead mining families. With Park Level Mine underground experience, Northern England's largest working water wheel and 'hands on' activities. Visitor centre with shop, cafe and world's largest spar box exhibition, woodland walk, under 7's play area, workshops and activities.
10. Locomotion- The National Railway Museum
Opened in 2004 - the first ever national museum in the north east region, 6,000 square metre collections centre houses up to 60 vehicles from the National collection. Train rides, children's playground and cafe.
For more information click here for the official Durham visitor website: www.visitcountydurham.com