A Day at The Story Durham

By Blog Squad members Sabah and Anees.

Last Saturday, my husband Anees and I finally visited a place we had been eager to explore since it opened in June: The Story Durham. This intriguing spot had been on our radar for a while, especially because it promised to be more than just a museum. It’s a unique blend of a museum, archive, and registration headquarters, all rolled into one.

Naturally, we were curious, how could such diverse elements coexist under one roof?

Stepping into History

Upon entering, we were greeted by a quaint corner shop that set the tone for our visit. This little gem exclusively sells products from local businesses, offering a delightful array of items like tote bags, books, chocolates, and coffee. We were thrilled to discover that England’s first smooth dry mustard was developed right here in Durham by Mrs. Clements in the 1720s.

Today, you can still buy the iconic mustard, now known as Anya Kirby's Durham Mustard, right at The Story. It even features in some of the café’s sandwiches—a tasty nod to local history.

The Ground Floor: A Journey Through Time

The ground floor of The Story is where the magic begins. Here, you’ll find an interactive museum that brings the county's rich history to life. What stood out to us was how engaging the exhibits were. Each display seemed designed to pull you in, whether through interactive videos or hands-on activities. Unlike other museums we’ve visited, where children often seem bored or restless, here they were fully immersed in the experience.

A highlight for us was the dress-up activity, where you could superimpose your face onto historical costumes, video game-style. We also saw some chilling artifacts, like the teapot used by Mary Ann Cotton, one of Britain’s most notorious female serial killers! It was fascinating and eerie to see an object with such a dark history up close.

And here’s the best part... entry to The Story Durham is completely free! It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive deep into the history and culture of Durham without spending a penny.

Where History Meets Romance: The Perfect Wedding Venue

One of the unexpected delights of our visit was the chance to explore The Story's function and wedding ceremony halls. These rooms are a stunning blend of Georgian charm and modern elegance, offering breathtaking views of lush green grounds. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with just two witnesses or a grand affair with 80 guests, there’s a perfect space for every couple.

With such a variety of spaces, The Story offers a beautiful and affordable venue for your special day.

Unraveling Your Ancestry

The first floor is where the experience becomes even more personal. Here, we had access to an array of systems that allow you to trace your family tree. With just a few clicks, we were able to pull up records on our great-great-grandparents and other ancestors.

The Story has subscriptions to a variety of genealogical websites, which would normally cost a small fortune to access on your own. The friendly staff were more than willing to help us navigate this treasure trove of information, showing us how to uncover marriage registrations, newspaper articles, and more, some dating back over 80 years and more.

If you stumble upon something particularly fascinating on the system and want to see the original documents in person, you can book an appointment to view them. The staff will guide you to their dedicated appointment room, where you can witness these treasured documents up close.

There are, of course, a few rules to follow before entering the appointment room, which is entirely understandable given the historical value of the documents you’ll be handling. It's a unique opportunity to connect directly with history, holding in your hands the very pieces of paper that have been preserved for centuries.

Discovering Durham Through the Ages

One of the most fascinating experiences at The Story was the interactive map display on the first floor. This feature allows you to visually explore the evolution of County Durham over the centuries. The large screen offers a captivating journey through time, displaying detailed maps of the region from various historical periods.

As we interacted with the display, we could select specific years and watch as the map transformed before our eyes, revealing how the city and surrounding areas have changed. From medieval layouts to the industrial revolution, and up to the modern day, it was incredible to see how Durham's landscape, infrastructure, and even its boundaries have shifted over time. 

We spent quite a bit of time here, marveling at the changes and discussing what life might have been like during different eras. It was an immersive way to connect with the history of the area, seeing firsthand how much has evolved over the years. This interactive display was not just informative but also deeply engaging, making history come alive in a way that static exhibits often cannot.

Crafting Memories

As if all this wasn’t enough, we indulged in a bit of lighthearted fun making origami on the first floor. A stack of beautifully patterned papers and tutorials were available for anyone to try their hand at crafting. Anees and I turned it into a little competition to see who could finish first, a simple but memorable moment.

Spaces for Learning and Collaboration

On the third floor, The Story offers even more to explore, including a well-equipped learning studio that can be booked for meetings, workshops, or other events. The space is designed with functionality in mind, featuring a magnetic board that spans one entire wall, perfect for brainstorming sessions, as well as a digital display system for video presentations. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to host a creative or educational event in an inspiring environment.

Wrapping Up at the Café

After exploring every nook and cranny of The Story, we headed to the café for a much-needed break. The café offers a 'soup of the day' and we were lucky enough to try their creamy carrot soup, which was absolutely delicious. We also indulged in some hot chocolate and marble cake, both of which were the perfect sweet treats to end our day.

To cap off our visit, we took a leisurely walk around the building, following the walking trails that wind through the scenic grounds. It was a peaceful end to a day full of discovery.

Don’t Miss Out on Future Events

Our visit to The Story Durham was an unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a museum, it’s a gateway to the past, a celebration of local culture, and a window into the future of  Durham. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious explorer, or someone looking to uncover your family’s roots, The Story offers something for everyone.

Best of all, admission is free! And if you want to keep the experience fresh, make sure to check their website regularly for updates on upcoming events and workshops. There’s always something new to discover, and you won’t want to miss it.

We left with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and a sense of connection to the generations that came before us. If you ever find yourself in Durham City, make sure to set aside a day to explore this remarkable place. You won’t regret it.

Like what you read? Follow more of Sabah and Anees' adventures on their Instagram accounts.