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Every September England's history, architecture and culture is celebrated when buildings of every age, style and function open their doors for free for the annual Heritage Open Days.
This year is no exception, with more than 60 events taking place across the county, including free tours of Durham City’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, entry to Auckland Castle (for the last time before it closes for major restoration work), and even free entry to this summer’s fascinating exhibition at Palace Green Library.
It's a great time to explore the county and uncover some of Durham's hidden gems along the way.
Download the booklet to find details on all 68 events, and find some of our highlights below:
Durham City
Free entry: Durham Museum and Heritage Centre
When: Thursday 8 September: 11.00-16.30
What can I expect? Explore the Museum's collections which date back to the 17th Century, including splendid stained-glass panels of Celcy de Neville and the Duke of York.
Guided walk: Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site: an overview
When: Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 September 11:00 and 14:00
What can I expect? free guided walk around Palace Green with the World Heritage Site team explaining the significance of the site and how it has evolved over time.
Free entry: Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front: Palace Green Library
When: Sunday 11 September 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
What can I expect? Free entry into this summer's must-see exhibition in the heart of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exhibition tells the story of the people from Durham caught up in arguable the most infamous battle in British history.
Wharton Park - Heritage Tour
When: Saturday 10 September: 10.00-11.00 and 13.00-14.00
What can I expect? Free tour of newly re-opened and refurbished Wharton Park in Durham city.
Durham Dales
Bowes in the footsteps of Charles Dickens (Prospect House, Bowes, Barnard Castle)
When: 10-11 September: Guided walks 11.30 and 14.30
What can I expect? Walking tours of this quaint village where Charles Dickens and his illustrator 'Phiz' visited in 1838. The pair dined at the Ancient Unicorn before trenching through the village looking for the master of Bowes Academy, William shaw - better known as Wackford Squeers in Nicholas Nickleby.
Free entry: High House Methodist Chapel and Weardale Museum
When: Sunday 11 September: 14.00-17.00
What can I expect? High House methodist chapel is the oldest purpose-built methodist chapel still in weekly use. Get free entry and learn of John Wesley's missionary journeys to convert the lead mining families of the North Pennines, view the remarkable Weardale tapestry and much more.
Free entry: Killhope Lead Mining Museum
When: Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 September
What can I expect? Get free entry into Killhope, a multi award-winning lead mining museum in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - go underground, get hands on, enjoy a woodland walk and seek out rare wildlife including red squirrels.
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Durham Coast
Free entry: East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre
When: Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 September (10.00 - 15.00)
What can I expect? Head to Seaham Marina on the Durham Heritage Coast and seek out the heritage and lifeboat centre where you will find the George Elmy lifeboat, wrecked in 1962 following a disaster, only to be found, bought, restored and put on display in Seaham more than 50 years later.
Heritage Coast Grand Tour
When: Friday 9 September 09.30 - 16.30
What can I expect? Enjoy a day trip along Durham's beautiful coastline with a full day of walks, talks and travel. Dig out your walking boots and enjoy an 8 mile walk up and down the denes and along the dramatic cliff tops.
Free entry: St Mary the Virgin Church, Seaham
When: Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 September: 10.00-16.00
What can I expect? Explore one of the oldest churches in the country in Seaham - perched high on the cliff tops, the nave of St Mary's is Saxon, and the Chancel and Tower were built in the Norman period.
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Vale of Durham
Free entry: Brancepeth Castle
When: Thursday 8-9 September (tours at 18:30) and Sunday 11 September (tours at 14:30 and 16:30)
What can I expect? Explore this grade I medieval castle just 5 miles from Durham City
Free entry: Auckland Castle
When: Sunday 11 September: 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.00)
What can I expect? Get free entry into Auckland Castle and learn stories of Durham's Prince Bishops in the beautiful state rooms. Stroll around the gardens, ramble within the 200-acre deer park to discover a 19th Century Deer House, or enjoy afternoon tea in the Library tea room.
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Download the full programme to see all events >
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Comments
Gillian The picture is Auckland Castle not Brancepeth Castle. Also whilst it WAS the home of the Nevilles, it is now the home of the Dobson family :) Durham Dear Gillian, thanks for your comments - the images were originally placed at the bottom of each area's section, but we've swapped that around to avoid confusion. If you do visit any of the attractions, we hope you have a wonderful time. Thanks.
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