Six trips to make by public transport in Durham

Exploring Durham's many award-winning attractions by public transport is an easy way of travelling more sustainably by reducing your carbon footprint. It's also a great way to enjoy Durham's scenery, it's cost-effective and reliable. 

So on your next visit to the county why not try out one of our ideas of easy journeys to make using public transport. 

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Travel through time as you explore the world-famous open air museum, which tells the story of life in the North East during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and now 1950s. 

By rail
The closest train station to Beamish Museum is Chester-le- Street and regular direct trains run from Newcastle (approx 9 minutes) and Durham (approx 15 minutes). Once you arrive at Chester-le-Street town centre you'll find regular bus services to hop on, which take you straight to the museum (approx 15-20 minutes). Monday – Saturday: Nos. 8, 28 & 28A Go North East service, Sundays and Bank Holidays: Nos. 78A & 28 Go North East service.

By bus
Waggonway service 28/28A from Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station runs every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes, and hourly in the evening and on Sundays, No. 28 approximately 50 minutes journey time and No. 28A approximately 57 minutes.

From Durham City you can catch a bus to Chester-Le-Street - Arriva X21 or Go North East 21, X21 and 50 and then change to a connecting bus to the museum - Go North East 8, 28 or 28a.  

Plus if you show your Go North East bus ticket on arrival you'll recieve 25% off addmission! 

Durham Heritage Coast

Starting at the lively harbour town of Seaham, you'll find lots to see and do along the Durham Heritage Coast. Pull your hiking boots on and explore the spectacular landscapes on the coastal path, which is home to many rare plants and wildlife. Head to the beach and see if you can find any world-famous Seaham Sea Glass or treat yourself in the many delicious restaurants, cafes and seaside boutiques. 

By rail
From Newcastle Central Station you can jump on a train straight to Seaham Rail Station (approx 30 minutes), and from there it's a short walk of approx 10-15 minutes along Dene House Road to the seaside. 

By bus 
From Durham City bus station you can hop on the Go North East 265 service which goes staright to Seaham, running every 60 minutes. 

Locomotion

Explore the fascinating world of railways and national railway museum collections at Locomotion in Shildon - the world's first railway town. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station you can take a train direct to Darlington (approx 30 minutes), then change to a Northern Rail service from Darlington to Shildon (approx 20 minutes). Then it's only a short walk to Locomotion. Total journey time is approx 1hr.

You can also jump on the Bishop Line from Bishop Auckland direct to Shildon as you follow the historic route along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Where you can extend your trip to Darlington where you'll find Hopetown - another must-visit attraction for railway lovers.

By bus
Starting at Durham City bus station, you can catch the X21 bus to Bishop Auckland or the Arriva 7 to Darlington. From Bishop Auckland the Arriva 5 service stops just outside the museum and the Arriva 1 from Darlington. 

Raby Castle

In the Durham Dales you'll find one of England's best-preserved Medieval castles - Raby Castle. Travel back in time as you explore the grand collections inside the castle, see how many deer you can spot in the 200 acre deer park or enjoy a relaxing walk around the 18th century walled gardens. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station, take the train to Darlington (approx 30 minutes). Once you arrive in Darlington it's a 15 minute walk to Tubwell Row Stand I, where you can catch  the Scarlet Band Bus 84 staright to the castle (approx 35 minutes). The total journey time can range from 1.45hrs to just over 2hrs.

By bus
Starting at Durham City bus station catch the Arriva 6 bus to Cockfield, which runs every half hour. From Cockfield transfer to the 84 bus which goes directly to Raby Castle. 

The Auckland Project 

Explore over one thousand years of history, art and culture at The Auckland Project. Take in 360 views from the top of Auckland Tower, explore the beautiful grounds of the ancient deer park, get up close to beautiful pieces of art at The Mining Art Gallery or follow in the footsteps of some of the most powerful men in British History at magnificent Auckland Castle. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station grab the train to Darlington (approx 30 minutes), then when you get off at Darlington you can board a connecting train to Bishop Auckland with a journey time of (approx 26 minutes). Once you get off it's a short walk (approx 15 minutes) down the main town High Street to Bishop Auckland market place, where you'll find all the Auckland Project attractions.  

If travelling by train to Darlington, you can also get to Bishop Auckland by bus. Services include  Arriva services 1, X1, 5 and 5A. The train from Durham City to Darlington takes approx 20 minutes.

By bus
Direct bus services from Durham City to Bishop Auckland include the Arriva service number 6 (approx 40 minutes) and Go North East Service number X21 (approx 35 minutes). 

The Bowes Museum 

The Bowes Museum in the quite market town of Barnard Castle is home to internationally renowned collection of fine and decorative art and an ever changing programme of events and exhibitions. 

By rail
Starting at Newcastle Central Station or Durham Train Station, you can board a connecting train to Darlington (journey time approximately 20-30 minutes), where buses run regularly to the market town of Barnard Castle. The Arriva services X75 and X76 leave for Barnard Castle from stand M outside Darlington Town Hall and take approximately 40–50 minutes, or once you arrive in Barnard Castle you can walk to the museum which takes around 15 minutes. 

By bus
From Durham City bus station take the X21 to Bishop Auckland, which runs every 20 minutes. From Bishop Auckland hop on the Arriva 8 bus to Barnard Castle, which leaves every 2 hours. From Barnard Castle town centre it's approx 15 minute walk to the museum.  
 

Click here to start planning your next visit to Durham using public transport >> 

Did you know you can explore the whole county and wider region on public transport from only £10.90 per day. Click here to find out more about the North East Explorer ticket >>