County Durham
Properties and events in County Durham
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
A fascinating InSite into Durham masonic Hall
From the small front of the building to the Tardis like interior, it has to be seen as it is part of the History of Durham Freemasons for those that are intrigued to know more.
Binchester Roman Fort
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 (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.
Brancepeth Castle Tour
A guided tour of the exterior (weather permitting) and principal rooms.
Chapel of St Mary the Less
Our beautiful 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.
Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric
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
Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now 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
Cotherstone Quaker Meeting House
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.
Crook Hall Gardens
Visit Crook Hall Gardens, a quiet escape in Durham City Centre, and enjoy tranquil gardens set against the backdrop of a Grade I listed medieval hall.
Darlington Library
Guided tour of the library including areas not usually open to the public.
Durham Crematorium
A rare chance to see behind the scenes, learn about cremation and view this rich and beautifully detailed building and its grounds.
Durham Mining Museum
Come along to our little museum and chat with former coal miners in a fantastic setting filled with artefacts and history, as well as experience what it was like working down the pit in our coal seam experience.
Durham School Tour & Durham School Chapel
Sunday 8 Sept, 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 tour of the school, exploring its 600-year history.
Durham Town Hall
Discover a hidden gem of a building at the heart of civic life in Durham city since the 14th century.
Durham Voices: Audio Stories
Discover characters from the past in these bite-sized audio stories produced by the World Heritage Site Youth Ambassadors.
Escomb Saxon Church
Have a guided tour of this ancient, Anglo-Saxon Church, built in the 7th century, and learn about its history and heritage. See our art exhibition.
Explore Durham Cathedral Refectory Library
Join our expert staff to explore our library collection housed within the former Medieval Refectory of Durham Cathedral.
Guided Walk: Local History Around Spennymoor
Join us for a guided walk around Spennymoor, approx. 5 miles. 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. Please bring a packed lunch.
Guided Walk: Railway Colliery and Countryside
Join us on a guided railway and countryside walk - approx. 9 miles. Start: Shotton Colliery Community Hub, Bridge Road, Shotton Colliery, Durham. DH6 2PQ. Reasonable level of fitness required. Boots essential. Please bring a packed lunch.
Guided Walk: Stanhope and Tyne Railway
Guided walk of Stanhope and Tyne Railway, approx. 9.5 miles. Start: Waskerley Station Picnic Area, Waskerley Village, Off Castleside to Stanhope Road, DH8 9DZ, GR NZ 050453. Reasonable level of fitness required. Boots essential. Please bring a packed lunch.
Kepier Hospital and Loggia
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.