Beamish, The Living Museum of the North offers the perfect day out for families or those who want to step back in time to see history come to life. As a living museum, you can walk about the shops and houses, and interact with the characters that you meet. It’s an absolutely iconic attraction in Durham and one that’s great for a visit at any time of the year!

One of the main things that I especially love about Beamish Museum is that there’s always some work underway to develop the site and bring more history for us to explore. The first part of the new 1950s Front Street opened back in 2022, comprising of John’s Cafe, Elizabeth’s Hairdressers, Middleton’s Fish & Chips, No. 2 and the Welfare Hall. Following that, the semi-detached houses, polices houses, bowling green and pavilion opened in 2023.

And the 1950s project continues to grow with lots of incredible new additions, as well as a brand new place to eat and drink in the 1820s Landscape! So let’s take a look at what you can expect to find on your next trip to Beamish.

The Grand Cinema

The Grand Cinema from Ryhope, Sunderland has been lovingly recreated and brought back to life to get a glimpse of how it looked and felt in its heyday. It’s a gorgeous new building in the 1950s street and really stands out amongst the quaint shops.

This is one of my favourites of the new additions and I recommend heading inside, where you can sit in the main auditorium and watch specially created films, news reels and adverts three times a day. The seats are comfy and I love the stained glass by the screen, and the fact that the curtains open to show the screen, just like they would’ve in the past!

Don’t forget to have a nosy in the projection room before you leave. You can learn about the skilled role of the projectionist and see some real 1950s film cameras. It was absolutely fascinating and a great little extra to the new cinema.

Romer Parrish Toy Shop

Did you know that the North East had the highest number of toy shops outside of London in 1950s? Manufacturers used to send new toys to our region to be tested before their official launch! The brand new Romer Parrish Toy Shop in the 1950s street, a recreation of the Middlesbrough shop, is a celebration of the North East’s love for toys with all kinds of fun to see and buy.

The shelves in Romer Parrish are absolutely stacked with toys from the museum’s collection, like Vulcan sewing machines, Corgi cars and plasticine. It’s a total blast from the past to take a look at all of the colourful boxes and remembering which you’ve played with or which you’ve seen in a family member’s collection.

There’s also the Dolls’ Hospital, which was part of the original Romer Parrish shop. If you visit the shop at the right time, you’ll see the broken dolls being repaired. It’s such an interesting and interactive addition!

Not only is the new toy shop a celebration of all things play, it’s also a great insight into how toys developed over the 1950s. You can see the introduction of plastic toys and a move away from the traditional wooden or metal toys as Britain moved out of post-war austerity. It’s definitely one to take a look at, and there’s plenty of toys and games to purchase too!

A Reece Ltd, Radio & Electrical Services

In A Reece, you can discover the latest in modern 1950s technology. There was an increase in domestic electrical appliances in the 50s and you’ll get a glimpse of some popular items at the time, like hairdryers, radios, stand mixers and televisions. It’s really interesting to see the designs of the era and how they differ to the modern appliances we have now.

In the back of the shop, you’ll find the repairs department. In here, there are demonstrations at the workbench and you can have a go too. Or you can simply enjoy watching the museum staff and volunteers making repairs to a whole host of different appliances instead.

And before you head off from A Reece, make sure you pop upstairs for a look. This was another of my favourites because it felt like something straight out of a movie set. I love that you can flick through the different records, request for a 50s tune to be played out in the shop or stand in one of the booths to listen to a record of your choice. From Elvis to the Everly Brothers, they’ve got it all.

Milk Bar

In the 1950s, a milk bar was somewhere that was often used as a meeting place for friends and families. You could enjoy frothy coffees, ice creams and milkshakes, and they had a rock ’n’ roll feel to them. Beamish Museum has opened its very own milk bar right next to A Reece and the cinema, so you can grab a flavoured milk, hot drink or something soft for your visit to the 1950s street. It’s a really cool little feature for the area and the perfect thing to round off all of the 1950s newness.

Drovers Tavern

If you venture away from the main road that loops around the museum, you’ll find the 1820s Landscape, a Georgian-inspired farm area and Pockerley Old Hall. It’s now also home to the Drovers Tavern, a cosy little spot that would’ve fed and watered drovers (someone who moves animals from one place to another).

There’s seating inside the tavern, which feels warm and welcoming, and picnic tables outside for when the weather holds up. There’s a range of Georgian refreshments on offer and seasonal dishes that would’ve been served up in the 1820s, like the salmagrundi salad, which I highly recommend! It uses fresh ingredients like celery, apple, tomatoes, cucumber and more, all around a pot of either chicken or cheese. It’s fabulous and ideal for sunnier days.

We also tried the Beamish rarebit, which was beautifully cheesy and the bread was so thick and crispy! It was absolutely delicious.

Georgian Pottery

If you’re looking for something interactive in the 1820s Landscape, you’ll love the new Georgian Pottery. Venture to the picnic area at the back of the Drovers Tavern and you’ll find the little pottery area, which is usually a hive of activity.

This new addition includes a Georgian kil, firing shed and a pottery area with drying racks. There’s also a workspace where you can get involved to make your own pot, either with moulding clay or on the potter’s wheel. It’s a brilliant and creative space that’s a lot of fun, no matter your age. I absolutely loved watching other visitors using the potter’s wheel and it was really satisfying to see the final item come together.

As I mentioned right at the start of the post, there’s always some work going on at Beamish to expand and bring even more history to life, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for new developments in the future!

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Join us for some summer fun at Locomotion Shildon with a visit to New Hall and a ride on the world-famous Flying Scotsman.

Visiting Locomotion for the first time

Getting to the museum is easy by car, with a large free car park on site. If you wanted to travel by public transport, there is also a nearby train station in Shildon. Locomotion is open 7 days a week and admission is free, except for selected events. Donations are welcome. During busy times like summer holidays, advanced booking is advised by the museum. 

This was my first trip to the museum, and what a great time to visit! Locomotion has just expanded its collections display, adding 47 new vehicles to the recently opened New Hall—a large new permanent display that looks like an engine shed. Highlights in the New Hall include two large snowplows  and the oldest oil tanker in the world! The new additions have made Locomotion home to the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe. Not only this, but there is also currently a unique opportunity to get a ride on a train pulled by the Flying Scotsman.

New Hall and Gaunless Bridge

On the way to New Hall you can see an impressive piece of railway architecture. Gaunless Bridge was designed by George Stephenson, and was one of the first railway bridges to be constructed of iron. The bridge was restored in 2023, and is now on display at Locomotion.

Did you know that Shildon is the world’s first railway town? At Locomotion you can learn how the development of the railway contributed to the growth of the town and Shildon’s connection to the historic Stockton and Darlington railway.

New Hall brings collections to life with oral histories, historic images, and film clips. As a history lover, I particularly enjoyed listening to stories from Shildon’s rail workers. I was also amazed by the videos showing how the snowplows worked. The snowplow was pushed by powerful steam locomotives, the blade at the front of the machine cut through the snow, lifting and clearing the snow.

I certainly didn’t expect to see a tank on display, but it was very cool. We enjoyed spending time exploring New Hall, and learning about railway history of Shildon.

After exploring New Hall, we couldn’t resist getting some ice cream. Ice cream can be enjoyed throughout the summer in deck chairs on Locomotion’s pop-up beach, just outside the hall, which gives summer by the sea vibes.

Hosting National collections, Locomotion is a great North East museum to visit. Part of the Science Museum Group, the museum has a similar feel to the Railway Museum in York. Visitors can stand on platforms and see inside the trains, some of which are absolutely stunning.

Flying Scotsman Ride

Speaking of national collections, a big highlight of our recent visit was getting a rare chance to ride on a train pulled by the iconic Flying Scotsman. The train has a large fandom, bringing people from all over to see it. Good news for followers, as they can visit it at Locomotion, with rides available until 29 August - so be quick!

We had a great ride along the museums demonstration railway line which follows the historical line of the Stockton and Darlington railway, and the the weather was perfect for it. You can find out more and book your train rides for only £5 per person here, or if you’d rather, you can also book your ride in person at the museum, just head to the desk in main hall to do this, you’ll then receive a ticket to show at the platform 10 minutes before the train is due to depart.

Displayed alongside the Flying Scotsman is its support coach, which gives a chance to see where the crew spend time. You can view the coach from the outside, or during select dates and times you can enjoy a tour of the support coach by a guide. Tours can be booked at the welcome desk for £8.00 per person and are subject to volunteer availability. 

More to enjoy at Locomotion

If you’d like a souvenir to remember your visit, the museum has a large shop with fun train merchandise. I couldn’t resist taking a photo next to Locomotion and Rocket, both displayed in the main museum, alongside Sans Pareil, a famous locomotion built in Shildon.

Café Number One, is a great on-site cafe, which serves a good range of hot and cold food, including delicious jacket potatoes and Costa coffee. This made for an ideal stop off, before we explored more.

During our visit, we also experienced Lego week, with some impressive interactive displays by the Brick Alley Lego User Group and guests, but don’t worry if you missed it because the museum has a fun packed summer programme for you, including  Model Railway Week which is 24 August - 1 September.

We enjoyed access to the Black Five Cab, where we learned from a knowledgeable guide what it would have been like to be a driver and fireman, we also got to see the controls up close.

Friendly staff and volunteers are always available to answer questions. We spent about 4 hours at the museum, enjoying the summer activities. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a great day out, this museum is a must-see gem in the North East. It was my first visit to Locomotion, but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved getting to see such iconic historic railway vehicles, and seeing how rail engineering has developed over the years.

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Raby Castle sits in the beautiful countryside of Staindrop on the cusp of the Durham Dales and provides an incredible spot for a day out. No matter if you’re 5 or 95, the castle, park and gardens offer so much to explore, especially now that the latest redevelopments have been finished!

If you’re looking for the perfect place to visit in summer, here’s how I would spend the day there.

The North East's latest lifestyle development

Start at The Round House, located in one of the newly opened parts of Raby Castle's grounds. It’s the first area that welcomes you to the site and it truly is breathtaking.

You’ll find a brand new building, The Roundhouse, where you’ll be able to book tickets to enter the castle, deer park and Plotters’ Forest, choose dining options, and find out more about upcoming events. It’s a lovely addition and fits perfectly into the newly landscaped gardens.

With Insta-worthy flower beds and stepped grassy bank that begs to be sat on in the sun, these first gardens are a gorgeous taster of what’s to come.

Shop in the Coach House & Stables

Another part of the ambitious new dvelopment was the repurposing of the Grade II listed Coach House and Stables building.

As you enter, you’ll step into an airy and luxurious retail space, that offers a curated selection of homeware and gifts displayed on reclaimed furniture from the estate. From candles and vases, to premium stationery and delicious Raby rapeseed oil, it’ll be hard to resist! Why not take a little piece of Raby home with you?

In the Coach House and Stables, you’ll also find a little museum that tells the story of the castle’s history. You’ll be able to learn about the turbulent history of Raby Castle itself, the landscapes of the Raby Estate, including High Force Waterfall with a commentary by Matt Baker MBE, and see the old stables with lots of interesting artefacts.

Wander through The Walled Garden

The stunning 18th century Walled Garden has been remodelled by the incredible Luciano Giubbilei to create the most serene 5-acre vision possible. There are three sections - East, Formal and West. Each with its own personality and feeling, like hedge mazes, a fountain and a cascading water feature in the central section, and a huge, grassy amphitheatre in another.

Take a leisurely meander through each area of the garden, admire the flowers and just bask in the tranquility. Take a seat and soak in the sun, or make note of the planting layouts for your own home garden.

Be sure not to miss the famous Raby figs growing in the greenhouse too!

Head to The Plotters’ Forest

If you’ve taken little ones to Raby Castle with you, they’ll love The Plotters’ Forest. This immersive outdoor playground is nestled amongst a Christmas tree plantation, creating an atmospheric play space in the heart of nature.

You’ll spot The Plotters’ Forest before you reach it, as the treetop castle perches up high above the fir trees. And there are many more of these treetop buildings and platforms to explore, all connected by bridges and tunnels that are woven into the forest.

The playground is built from sustainable materials, keeping the nature theme going, and offers kids the chance to run, climb, jump and slide as they explore each area. Grown ups, let your littles loose, then head up to the top of the forest to enjoy the little cafe and a sit down.

Tickets allow for a 2 hour play session in the Plotters’ Forest, plus full day access to The Walled Gardens and the 200 acre deer park, so it’s definitely worth doing if you have children with you.

Lunch in The Vinery

Once your kids have worked up an appetite in The Plotters’ Forest, it’s time to grab some lunch in the new Vinery Cafe Restaurant. This elegant eaterie is a stylish recreation of the historic glass house that once stood on the same spot, so you can expect it to be lovely and bright with panoramic views of the castle.

In the cafe, you’ll find a fantastic seasonal menu filled with food made from locally sourced ingredients and inspired by the Raby Estate. There’s plenty to choose from, like topped baked potatoes, soup, quiches, salads and so much more. I highly recommend trying out one of the artisan sandwiches that are made with fresh bread from the pantry - the grilled chicken Caesar baguette is sensational!

There’s also a very impressive cake cabinet with all kinds of treats to enjoy, like the chunkiest, most indulgent rocky road and delicately piped lemon meringue pies. You’ll be totally spoiled for choice.

Sit a while, eat your lunch and maybe enjoy a hot drink or two, then get ready to venture through history in the castle.

Explore the castle and deer park

Once you’ve finished up in The Vinery, head back through the Walled Garden to access Raby Castle itself and the sprawling deer park.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the red and fallow deer before you walk through the castle gates. But if not, you’ve got a good excuse to have a wander in the 200 acre parkland to see if you can spot them. They’re so peaceful and so beautiful to see, but make sure you don’t get too close and keep your dogs on a lead.

The castle is one of the most impressive in the North of England and it’s silhouette is incredibly powerful. It’s breathtaking to see! You’ll feel just like royalty as you step through the gates over the old moat and through the doors to see some of the rooms.

You’ll be amazed by the grandeur of the rooms and the sheer size of some of the chandeliers. Make sure you also take in the artwork, furniture and textiles to really appreciate the collection. And if you’d like to engage your little ones, each castle ticket includes a free trail sheet with things for them to find in each room.

It’s an absolutely fantastic piece of history and so well preserved. You get to see a good amount of rooms, each with information panels and live guides to tell you all about its history.

Home Time

After exploring and making the most of the visit to Raby Castle, it’s time to head home, but you could maybe swing by the van next to The Vinery for a scoop of ice cream on the way!

It's advised to book yout tickets before visiting Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and The Plotters' Forest via the Raby website. 

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Considering it’s just down the road from where I live, I’ve actually only been to Bishop Auckland for their food festival. The market town, known as the gateway to the Durham Dales, is a thriving cultural hub full of rich history with so many attractions that tell the story of years gone by. My husband, Adam and I were excited to head along for a sunny day exploring the town and it’s treasures.

The Auckland Project

Building on the history that the town has to offer, The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity working to make Bishop Auckland a must-visit cultural destination. There are several attractions in the town centre, including Auckland Castle and its surrounding gardens.

For nearly 1,000 years, Auckland Castle was seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham. who through power and faith, helped shape the country that we live in today. The castle reopened in 2019 following major conservation work and now gives visitors a chance to wander through different moments in time, right up to present day, room by room.

We started our visit with a cuppa and a spot of lunch in the Bishops Kitchen inside the castle. In the 1500’s, this kitchen was at the heart of the complex. Staff prepared feasts using game from the castle's Deer Park and produce from the gardens. Nowadays, they use fruit and vegetables grown in the Walled Garden in their dishes, and local produce wherever they can. Adam went for the Hand Crafted Palace Sausage Roll, and I opted for the Vegan Feta & Pasta Salad, both of which were delicious.

There are three new gardens to visit this summer; Wilderness Garden, Faith Garden and Walled Garden.

We followed our lunch up by wandering around the Wilderness Garden. Here you can walk through the wild and untamed nature as birds fly around you. We were surrounded by long grass and beautiful wild flowers, and we even spotted some change in colour of the leaves too. Take a moment to sit here and soak up the stunning views of the Durham Dales.

Next up was the Faith Garden.

The Faith Garden’s design echoes the footprint of the vast medieval chapel which was blown up in the aftermath of the English Civil Wars and is now buried underneath. It was a beautiful, tranquil area of the gardens and a place for reflection and contemplation. We sat here for quite a while taking it all in.

We left what I think was best ‘til last on our visit - the Walled Garden.

Entering the Walled Garden is like entering a whole new world. The stunning 17th-century garden has recently been restored and has a huge amount of beautiful wild flowers, fruit and vegetables growing inside of it. We took our time to walk up and down every section, seeing what was growing and watching the bees and butterflies fly around us. It was so wonderful to see the insects thriving here. One of the staff members we spoke to in the castle said he thinks that all of the butterflies in Bishop Auckland live in the castle gardens and I think he might have been right!

From broad beans to blackberries, lemons to leeks - there is such a wide range of fruit and vegetables growing in the gardens. A huge greenhouse also sits in the Walled Garden which you can wander through and see the mass amount of tomatoes growing in there. Produce from the gardens is also used in El Castillo, which is where we visited next for an early dinner.

El Castillo 

El Castillo is The Auckland Project’s tapas restaurant based in the heart of the Market Place, next door to the Spanish Gallery. The restaurant offers a delicious taste of Spain whilst using local, fresh produce - most of which is grown in the Castle Gardens. I had a deliciously fresh Walled Garden Spritz - a tasty mocktail made with fruit from the, you guessed it, Walled Garden! Adam and I ordered a number of small plates to sample from black pudding to chicken kebab, calamari to spanish tortilla. Our favourite though, the crispy belly pork with harissa aioli.

Staff were so helpful and the food was delicious, I already can’t wait to visit again!

The Auckland Project attractions are usually open 10.30am - 4pm, Wednesday - Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) but check their website for up to date times.

Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

We finished our day with an exciting trip to Kynren! Adam and I have wanted to do this for so long so we were over the moon to be heading along.

Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, is an outdoor show that takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer from July to September. It takes you on a unique, mesmerising journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend from Boudicca’s battle with the Romans, to two World Wars.

Seamless transitions between each scene keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and the 90-minutes go by in a flash! The production as a whole - sound, lighting, special effects, pyrotechnics - is first-class, the actors (and animals!) are excellent and the show is truly spectacular. I laughed, I cried and I was in awe throughout.

New for 2024 is the pre-show entertainment of the Viking Village! Take a step back in time and see what Viking life was like as you visit the cookhouse where meals are being prepared, see the blacksmiths at work in the forge and watch the Vikings prepare for their epic battle. You can also meet the animals of the village including donkeys, sheep, chickens and horses!

The interactive walk-through experience is a great way to start your evening at Kynren, so I’d definitely recommend leaving enough time before the show starts as it does tend to get quite busy - it’s not to be missed! You can even grab some photos with the viking warriors, or dress as one yourself for a snap. It’s so much fun. The Viking Village experience is also included in your entry ticket.

Kynren is on each Saturday with the final show for 2024 being the 14 September. Tickets are limited but still available so check out their website to book now.

Overall we had such a special day in Bishop Auckland taking in the beautiful views of the gardens, eating delicious meals that used local produce, and learning all about the town’s history. Whether you’re interested in nature, good food or the history of Britain, Bishop Auckland has something for everyone and really is a must-visit cultural destination. We can’t wait to visit again!

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Coulls added the Flying Scotsman is “arguably the jewel in the crown of the national collection and it’s a national treasure. You don’t have to be a railway enthusiast to enjoy this engine and what it stands for. It's an icon of engineering and transport heritage and its up there with the Spitfire and the London taxi, it’s a fantastic thing to have and we are very proud to have it here”. 

Locomotion has a number of events happening during the Flying Scotsman's visit including an exclusive evening with a special curator-led tour showcasing the history of the Flying Scotsman service and the legendary locomotive. Plus, your chance to climb on board and imagine yourself as the driver in charge of the controls, learning all about the inner workings of this famous locomotive, and even enjoy a trip along the historic railway line hauled by the replica Rocket steam engine. 

The Flying Scotsman has been such a draw to the museum the date of the loco’s departure has been delayed by popular demand and events will be running up until September 1.

Click here to discover more about Locomotion and the Flying Scotsman’s visit. 

Who were the Prince Bishops? 

When William the Conqueror came to the throne in medieval times, ensuring stability in the North was very challenging. In 1075 the King created the Palatine of Durham and its ‘Prince Bishops of Durham’ to protect the north from invading Scots.

The bishops were appointed by the king, but they saw themselves as defenders of the territory, privileges, and jurisdiction that belonged symbolically to Saint Cuthbert. Although they were not styled ‘Prince-Bishops’ until the 19th century, the medieval bishops of Durham exercised powers normally held by the King, making them the most powerful men in England - the original ‘Kings of the North’. 

They had the ability to not only mint their own coins and levy taxes but also raise an army and establish their own legal court. Because of these princely powers the area that they governed was known as the ‘County Palatine’. The bishops kept their secular powers until 1836. 

“There are two kings in England, namely, the lord King of England wearing a crown…and the lord bishop of Durham wearing a mitre in place of a crown…” Quote from Master William de St Botolph, steward of the bishopric of Durham, August 1302

 
Durham City 

Bishop William Walcher (1071-1080)

The first ‘Prince Bishop’ appointed by William the Conqueror, who held the position until his death in 1080. He built Durham Castle in the Norman ‘motte and bailey’ style. During that time, Durham Castle has been the backdrop to rebellions, civil wars, political upheaval, and religious reforms. Yet the Castle itself is the only Norman keep in England that has never been taken by force, and remained in the hands of successive Bishops for almost 750 years.  

Despite his importance, Walcher was a weak leader. In 1079 he was unable to prevent a Scottish invasion, which led to extensive plundering and tremendous damage across the region. The invasion resulted in the people of Northumbria rising up against Bishop Walcher and killing him. He is buried under the floor of the Chapter House in Durham Cathedral.

Bishop Ranulf Flambard (1099-1128)

Did you know that one of Durham’s favourite photo spots is connected to Bishop Flambard? Under his instruction, Durham’s first stone bridge was built around 1120 – the original Framwellgate Bridge. You can take a pause on the newer bridge for fantastic views of Durham City!

Flambard was a controversial figure, who was seen as greedy but also a great builder. He was the chief financial administrator for William II. The King was notorious for imposing large taxes to finance his campaigns abroad, and the Bishop was an easy person to blame. When his son, King Henry I inherited the throne, he accused Bishop Flambard of extortion. He became the first prisoner of the Tower of London and the first escapee! It’s said he hid rope in a barrel of wine and gave wine to the guards to get them drunk!

Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall (1530-1559)

On a tour of Durham Castle you can find out about the fascinating life of Cuthbert Tunstall, the son of a northern knight called Sir Thomas Tunstall. Tunstall was a high-profile Catholic who saw the reign of five Tudor monarchs! To this day you can see spot his family’s coat of arms in the castle’s courtyard. The three combs on the crest represent a family ancestor, who was the barber of William the Conqueror!

Inside the castle, you can wander around the intricate Tunstall Chapel and the Tunstall Gallery, named after this Bishop.

Bishop Thomas Hatfield (1345 - 1381)

Thomas Hatfield had the magnificent Bishops’ Throne installed in Durham Cathedral. Legend has it that he wanted the tallest throne in Christendom, and sent messengers across Europe to measure the height of all the other bishops’ thrones – including the Pope’s in Rome. The Pope was so furious with Hatfield that he had a thick cushion put on his throne so he would sit taller again! Hatfield’s tomb can be seen underneath the Cathedral Quire.

Bishop John Cosin (1660 – 1672)

At Durham Castle you can also see Bishop Cosin’s influence. He undertook a major refurbishment of the place and one of his incredible additions was the Black Stairs. Made of oak, it was designed as a flying staircase, meaning it had no vertical supports and its weight was entirely supported by the walls! ⁠Not surprisingly, the staircase started tilting towards the centre and wooden columns were added. The steps were deliberately shallow and wide, reflecting the Bishop’s flamboyant nature. With low steps combined with long robes, it gave Cosin the appearance of floating down the stairs. 

At nearby Palace Green Library you can step inside Cosin’s Library – the earliest surviving public library in the North East! It was founded by the man himself in 1669 from his private collection and is still in its original building. 

Bishop Cosin also restored all the woodwork in the Cathedral that had been destroyed during the English Civil War, and today you can still see his magnificent choir stalls and font canopy in the Cathedral.

Bishop William Van Mildert (1826-1836)

On the north side of the Chapel of the Nine Alters in Durham Cathedral you can see a marble statue of Bishop Van Mildert, who was the last Bishop to have power as a Palatinate Prince-Bishop. 

He hosted one of the final grand ceremonial events at Durham Castle in October 1827. Notable guests at the feast in the Great Hall included the Duke of Wellington and author Sir Walter Scott. The Bishop’s major legacy is founding Durham University in 1832, he gifted Durham Castle and several buildings on Palace Green to them to help establish the University.

Bishop Auckland

Auckland Castle was once the residence of Prince Bishops, and is one of the best-preserved Bishop’s Palaces in the whole of Europe! 

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear in the town of Bishop Auckland, Auckland Castle is a remarkable symbol of faith and power. Today you can walk in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops as you journey through the castle’s many remarkable rooms, including private apartments, Throne Room and St Peter’s Chapel.

Construction of Auckland Castle began around 1183, while Hugh de Puiset was Bishop of Durham, and was completed sometime in the early 1200s. During the English Civil War the castle was captured by Parliamentarians, and was heavily damaged, with much of it blown up including the original medieval chapel. After the Restoration of the Monarchy, Bishop Cosin rebuilt the castle and turned the banqueting hall into the chapel which you can visit today, and still remains the largest private chapel in Europe.

After Bishop Van Mildert gave Durham Castle to Durham University in 1836, Auckland Castle became the Bishops’ main residence. A status it retained until in 2012 when it was sold to the Auckland Castle Trust. However, the castle is still home to the present Bishop’s offices.

Bishop Richard Trevor (1752 to 1771)

Bishop Trevor was a strong supporter of the Jewish community and was a sponsor of the Jewish Naturalisation Act of 1753, which would give Jewish immigrants the same rights as those born in England. However, the act was repealed in 1755. To show his sympathy for the Jews, the Bishop bought twelve of the thirteen magnificent paintings of Jacob and His Twelve Sons by Francisco de Zurbarán. The price was just £124 but the collection is now worth £15 million! You can admire them in The Long Dining Room of Auckland Castle. There is a facsimile of Benjamin and the original ‘missing’ son is currently on display at The Spanish Gallery. 

From Durham City to Bishop Auckland, there are many amazing locations across the county you can continue to uncover the fascinating stories of the Prince Bishops of Durham. 

Summer of fun at Beamish Museum

Enjoy a fantastic summer of fun at Beamish Museum, daily until 3 September There's a changing programme of events every day, with everything from den building and baking demonstrations to milking a wooden cow and enjoying 1950s fun and games, including a game of the Shove It Up Your Jumper quiz in the 1950s Welfare Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!

Summer at Locomotion Festival

The sun is out and so is the Flying Scotsman! The legendary loco will be on display and running rides and other special experiences until Sunday 18 August. The summer fun continues with Shildon by the Sea, a beach full of deck chairs where you can relax with an ice cream. Plus, don't miss family make-and-do activities and train rides with the replica Rocket steam engine and diesel shunter.

Summer Outdoor Artisan Market - Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors

Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors much-anticipated Summer Outdoor Artisan Market returns the weekend of 17-18 Aug. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of local creativity and flavours across a weekend of fun, as they welcome bustling stalls that will showcase the best of our region’s handcrafted treasures and culinary delights. From unique handmade jewellery to mouth-watering treats and art, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Hardwick Festival 2024

Hardwick Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary on 16-18 August. This year’s stella line-up includes: Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Richard Ashcroft, Jack Savoretti, The Charlatans, Blossoms, Soul II Soul, Heaven 17, Jamie Webster and  Sophie-Ellis-Bextor.  Over 70 acts performing on 6 stages, something for everyone.

Durham Classic Car Show

Durham City Centre will host over a hundred classic cars on 26 August. It's a great family day out with displays in the Market Place, on Palace Green, in Millennium Place and Elvet Bridge. Come discover, learn and admire classic cars, from this country and from overseas. Chat with the owners, and photograph your favourites. It’s a great family day out, with special events for children in Durham Market Place.

Make an event part of your getaway and stay longer in the Culture County. Discover great accommodation across the county

Check out our guide to five things you don’t want to miss this summer at Beamish. 

Fabulous Fifties Fun 

The final additions to the 1950s Town are now complete! The doors to the Grand Cinema, toy shop, electrical shop and record store are now open. 

The new 1950s Town exhibits include a recreation of The Grand Cinema from nearby Ryhope, in Sunderland, with re-usable parts and features incorporated into the cinema at Beamish. Here you can enjoy a trip to the cinema 1950s style and watch Pathé News, adverts and films. 

Along the street from the cinema, you’ll find an amazing collection of shops to browse.  See toys from Beamish’s collection and a dolls’ hospital, as well as purchase 1950s-style toys and games at the toy shop, named after Romer Parrish, whose shop in Middlesbrough was very popular in the 1950s. 

A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services electrical and record shop is named after North East engineer Alan Reece, founder of the Reece Foundation. Browse the latest 1950s appliances in the showroom. In the record shop you can discover popular hits from the day and hear tunes in the listening booths.

You can even purchase 1950s-style refreshments including flavoured milk and choc ices at the Milk Bar (next door to the Grand Cinema).

Dine like a Georgian 

Tucked away in the 1820s Landscape, near Pockerley Hall, you’ll find the Drovers Tavern, serving a Georgian-inspired menu, and pottery, where you can have a go at traditional pottery skills. 

The Drovers Tavern will bring to life the important story of the drovers who walked hundreds of miles moving livestock and carrying goods across the country, stopping off at taverns such as this to rest. Here you can treat yourself to delicious food and drink, inspired by popular Georgian food and drinks, including potted ham, rarebit, soup, stew and salmagundi (a Georgian salad).  

At the pottery, see the traditional skill and have a go at making your own creation. The pottery tells the story of a small independent potter, who would produce wares to be used locally, including bowls, beakers and candlesticks. He would also be able to make small quantities of bricks and possibly pantiles for local buildings, as well as drainage tiles for farmers' field drains.

Exciting Events 

Everyday you’ll find a whole range of exciting events to enjoy. No two days are the same this summer at Beamish! With everything from den building and baking demonstrations, to milking a wooden cow and enjoying 1950s fun and games.

• Enjoy a game of the Shove It Up Your Jumper quiz in the 1950s welfare hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
• On Wednesdays, in the Masonic Hall in The 1900s Town, you can design your own theatre/cinema playbill poster, before heading to the new cinema exhibit to experience a 1950s trip to the pictures.
• There’ll be a chance to get a 1940s hairstyle at the Land Girls’ cottage at The 1940s Farm (small extra fee applies) on Thursdays.
• It’s all fun and games at 1820s Pockerley Old Hall every Friday. 
• On Suffragette Sundays, get involved in the campaign for women’s right to vote at 11am, 2pm and 3pm in The 1900s Town.

Music to our ears

Time your visit right and you can enjoy amazing live performances of music from different ears. 

• The 1900s Town bandstand will come alive with the glorious sound of brass bands every weekend (various times), including Pittington brass, Cleveland Concert Band, Hexham Brass, Spinoff Sax and many more! 
• Tap your foot along and join in with singaround Sunday, with traditional music in Hetton band hall, in the 1900s Pit Village on Sunday 11 August, 11.30am – 2.30pm. 
• Sing-along to 40s and 50s tunes in Orchard Cottage in the 1940s farm from 1.30 – 3.30pm, Thursday 15 and 29 August. 
• On Sunday 25 August, you can enjoy an afternoon of skiffle music in the 1950s welfare hall, with Beamish’s very own band – Hop, Skiffle and Jump performing from 12pm, followed by the Uke Club from 1.15pm, where you can develop your ukulele skills. 

Get a real taste of the past 

Eat your way through history, with delicious food and drink to try in every area of the museum! Tuck into mouthwatering treats in the 1900s Town Tea Rooms. Enjoy a tipple or two in the Sun Inn Pub and treat yourself to Beamish’s famous sweets from the Jubilee Confectioners Sweet Shop. 

Many would argue that no visit to Beamish is complete without sampling Davy’s fish and chips, fried in beef dripping (the traditional way) in the 1900s Pit Village.

Or grab a booth at John’s Cafe in the 1950s Town, and try a scoop of Beamish’s scrumptious ice cream as you bop along to 50s tunes. 

Summer Fun at Beamish Museum is included in admission to Beamish Museum and is free to Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members – pay once and visit free for a year, including daytime events.

Stay a little longer

Did you know two Georgian-themed self-catering cottages will be opening at Beamish Museum this year (date TBC), allowing visitors to stay overnight in the museum for the first time ever!

The Remaking Beamish project is the biggest capital development in Beamish's history, which includes the 1950's town, farm and expansion of the 1820's landscape. Beamish Museum welcomes over 800,000 visitors a year from across the UK and the world, and these new additions to the museum will continue to drive visitors to the region helping to showcase what an extraordinary place the North East is to visit, live, learn and work in. 

The recreation of Ryhope's Grand Cinema has been a long-term project at Beamish Museum since it was dismantled in 2020. The Grand was hugely popular in its heyday in the 1950s, and it later became a bingo hall before closing and was eventually donated to Beamish Museum by Angele and Gary Hepple.

The Grand Cinema was not the only new 1950’s exhibit to be opened, A Reece Ltd Radio and Electrical Services store showcases appliances ranging from TV's to vacuum cleaners . Additionally the 1950’s toy shop is named after the popular Romer Parrish toy shop in Middlesbrough, and Beamish have worked with Romer’s family to try and replicate the shop to how it was in 1953. The shop has plenty of 1950s-style toys from Cup and Ball, Army troopers to Dartboards.

The 1950’s exhibit also is the perfect place to hang out if you want to listen to the latest music from the 1950s. The record shop has a range of music from the 50s and you can listen to tracks in the listening booths and surround yourself in 1950’s culture.

The new 1950's Town will be part of Beamish Museum 's summer  of fun program which is running until 3 September . 

Uncover more information on 'Summer of Fun at Beamish Museum' 

Durham Brass Festival (5-13 July)

Bringing the party to outdoor spaces across Durham, The Durham Brass festival will run from the 5-13 July, with performances from world-class musicians, international street bands and much more.

Durham County Show (6-7 July)

The annual Durham County Show will showcase British Show Jumping, Sheep Dog Trials, and a range of local food and beverage stalls. The County Show has so much more to see and do and will keep you entertained across the whole weekend.

138th Durham Miners' Gala (13 July)

The Durham Miners' Gala is the world's greatest celebration of community, international solidarity, and working-class culture. It is a unique and inspiring spectacle.  More than 200,000 people pack the streets of Durham City to enjoy the sights and sounds of The Big Meeting.

Durham City Run Festival (18-20 July)

The Durham City Run Festival will run from 18-20 July. Across the three days there will be events and activities for the whole family.

Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and L. S. Lowry (20 July-19 Jan 2025)

Experience rarely seen and often overlooked works by Northern artists, Norman Cornish and L S Lowry, in this powerful exhibition celebrating the region’s distinctive industry, emotive landscapes and playful recreation activities. Opening on 20 July and running until January 2025, 50 of the artists’ paintings, drawings and sketchbooks spotlight their friends, neighbours, passers-by and relatives in familiar scenes from across the region.

Peace Doves at Durham Cathedral (26 July -4 Sept 2024)

This summer, Durham Cathedral will welcome Peter Walker’s installation – Peace Doves.Opening on July 26th and running until September the 4th 2024, Over 15,000 paper doves created by visitors with messages of peace will be suspended above the Cathedral’s historic Nave this summer.

 
Durham Fringe Festival (24-28 July)

Durham Fringe Festival 2024 returns bigger and better with 90 different shows.  Running from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 July, it’s looking to be the best festival yet!  The 2024 festival offers dance, drama, music, comedy and magic including sell-out favourites from 2023 like Tom Bolton’s Grow Up Magic Man and the Durham Revue as well as a whole host of new shows from all over the UK and beyond! 

View even more events taking place across the Culture County this month.