Durham Museums and Galleries

Local Attractions — Durham

Durham's museums and galleries form an award-winning network of attractions spread across the county, including the Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, Beamish Museum, and Ushaw Historic House and Gardens. Between them they hold internationally significant artefacts alongside everyday objects that bring the region's history to life, from prehistoric finds to Roman remains and the grand tapestries of the Great Hall. Interactive displays and hands-on activities - trying your hand at pottery, exploring a reconstructed Roman fort, or uncovering the archaeology beneath Durham Cathedral - make the collections accessible for children and adults alike. The result is one of the leading cultural attractions in the North East, with something to interest visitors of every age.

Ushaw Historic House and Gardens is one of the standout sites in the network, with a walled lake, Victorian kitchen garden, maze and woodland walks set against beautiful countryside views, plus seasonal events such as photography courses and outdoor theatre. Across the wider museums group, regular guided tours, workshops and special exhibitions run throughout the year, alongside educational programmes for schools, colleges and universities. The sites are well set up for accessibility, with lift access, disabled toilets and hearing loops available. Whether you're planning a rainy-day activity, a school trip, or simply want to spend an afternoon exploring Durham's history and culture, the museums and galleries network makes for a memorable and easy-to-reach day out. Dalton Park in Durham is another popular local destination that pairs well with a museum visit.