County Durham

Properties and events in County Durham

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

A New Town, a Colliery, Church and a Castle

Apollo Pavilion Carpark, Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 1JS
In person
Book on day

Monday 15th September A New Town, a Colliery, Church and a Castle. 10:00am (5 hours) 9 miles, level 2 difficulty. Yvonne Andrews. Start: Apollo Pavilion Car park, Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, SR8 1JS. Grid reference: NZ 432251 39770. OS map Ex306.

Archaeology in Upper Teesdale

Newbiggin, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 0XE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover how people lived and used the landscape of Upper Teesdale over the last 10,000 years.

Brancepeth Castle Tour

Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, County Durham, County Durham, DH7 8DE
In person
Pre-booking required

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

Build a Church, Build a Village

St Edmund's Church, Church Lane, Edmundbyers, County Durham, DH8 9NQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Build a Lego church and village; exhibition of plans and photos; talk about St Thomas church, Stanhope by Dr Rob Young

Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric

Church of our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric, 2, Castle Chare, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4RD
In person
Pre-booking not required

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.

Cotherstone Old Chapel Project

The Old Wesleyan Chapel, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9NL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now community owned/run shop, café and heritage centre. Special display of material showing the history and refurbishment of the building. Guided walk leaflet. Refreshments

County Durham Libraries Book Collection Tour

Sevenhills, Unit 1, Greenhills Business Park, Enterprise Way, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6JB
In person
Pre-booking required

An introductory talk and tour of County Durham Libraries book collection.

Crook Hall Gardens - National Trust

Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Free entry to enjoy the beautiful gardens and Medieval Hall as well as talks and tours throughout the day.

Crook Hall Gardens Adult Guided Ride and Bike Maintenance Workshop

Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ
In person
Pre-booking required

The National Trust is teaming up with Durham County Council and Recyke y'Bike to offer a free guided ride through the Durham City Green Corridor and basic bike mechanic workshop!

Crook Hall Gardens Family Guided Ride and Bike Maintenance Workshop

Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ
In person
Pre-booking required

The National Trust is teaming up with Durham County Council and Recyke y'Bike to offer a free Family Guided Ride and basic bike mechanic workshop.

Darlington Library

Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Library, Crown Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1ND
In person
Pre-booking required

Guided tour of the library including basement areas not usually open to the public.

Durham Castle

The Castle, Palace Green, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
In person
Pre-booking not required

Experience a self-guided visit to Durham Castle and stroll around at your own pace on Saturday 13 September.

Durham Cathedral - The Legacy of W.G. Footitt, Architectural Draughtsman

Durham Cathedral, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3EH
In person
Pre-booking preferred

A new talk exploring the life and work of Durham Cathedral draughtsman W.G. Footitt through his newly discovered diary and sketchbooks.

Durham School Tour & Durham School Chapel

Durham School, Quarryheads Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SZ
In person
Pre-booking preferred

On Sunday 14 September, Durham School will open its doors to the public for a guided tour of its buildings, chapel and grounds - exploring its 610-year history.

Durham Town Hall

Durham Town Hall, Market Place, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3NJ
In person
Pre-booking preferred

One of Durham’s best kept secrets, the Town Hall has been a centre of life in this historic city for more than 650 years. Join us for talks and activities including talks from the current Mayor, the Mayor's Bodyguard and the Durham City Freemen.

Escomb Saxon Church

Escomb Saxon Church, Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SY
In person
Pre-booking not required

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

Flass Vale and Orchard Tour

Kingslodge Inn, Waddington Street, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4BG
In person
Pre-booking preferred

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

Guided Walk: Coal and Railways in the Gaunless Valley

Mill Barn, Spring Gardens, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9SL
In person
Pre-booking not required

A guided walk along part of the Haggerleases Railway.

Heritage Weekend at Hopetown

Hopetown Darlington, McNay Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6SW
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Discover pioneering history that influenced the world!

History & Symbolism of Church Kneelers

St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham, County Durham, TS23 1BW
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come and look at the marvellous collection of kneelers which display beautiful tapestry. The colours and images are a work of art and will tell a story of the history of the town.