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.

Read the blog below and find out more about these incredible artists ahead of: Norman Cornish and LS Lowry: Kith and Kinship, opening at The Bowes Museum from 20 July 2024 until 19 January 2025.

Laurence Stephen Lowry was born on the 1 November 1887 in Barrett Street in Old Trafford, Manchester. Norman Stansfield Cornish was born on November 18 1919, in Catherine Street in Spennymoor, Durham. A chronological gap of thirty two years, but a much wider gulf in terms of their local environment and the socio-economic circumstances in which they both spent most of their early years growing up and as aspiring artists.

Lowry’s family has been described as ‘lower middle class’ with parents who had high ambitions. The Cornish family was firmly rooted in working class culture with an underlying basic need to survive ‘hard times.’ Lowry lived for 88 years until 1976 and Cornish ‘passed away’ in 2014 at the age of 95.

Cornish lived in a house with no bathroom or inside toilet, where he shared a room with his five brothers and one sister. He described living conditions as ‘primitive’ and he contracted diphtheria when seven years old. The only reading material at home was an American detective comic.

His journey from miner, to professional artist, is a story of determination and resilience to overcome hardship and prejudice.

Cornish started work aged 14yrs on Boxing Day 1933 at Dean & Chapter Colliery. He walked three miles to work in the snow to start as a Pony Putter. He was denied the opportunity of continuing his education like so many others at this time. 

Pit Gantry Steps by Norman Cornish, circa 1967

In his early years Lowry suffered repression from his mother, an accomplished pianist, who was disappointed when he was born, hoping for a girl. She was also frustrated that he didn’t share her aspirations for a traditional academic route to future employment in view of the investment his parents had  made for Lowry to attend a private school. Lowry’s emerging interest in drawing was met with chagrin within the family circle although he was determined to fulfil his interest in drawing and painting.   

Lowry attended three different art schools in between working as a rent collector. He experimented with his figures and was advised to use a white background to make buildings and people ‘stand out.’ He developed a characteristic style to suit the industrial and city subjects that he generally  painted with a limited palette of five colours: ivory black, vermillion, Prussian Blue, yellow ochre and flake white. According to Lowry he generally ‘invented the figures’ in his pictures. 

Cornish was initially turned away from The Spennymoor Settlement Sketching Club because he was too young. He eventually joined and was influenced by the advice to ‘paint the things around you.’ He was denied an opportunity to attend The Slade School of Art because it was 1939 and he was in a reserved occupation and had to continue working as a miner. The members of the Sketching Club were gifted a set of oil paints by Mrs Baker- Baker of Ellemore Hall and Cornish also used pastels, watercolours and the Flo-master pen in his drawings as his career developed. Cornish’s sketchbooks contain hundreds of observations of people in different settings who often appear later in different compositions.

Bishops Close Street at Night by Norman Cornish, 1961

In 1930 Lowry staged a solo exhibition of drawings at The Roundhouse, Manchester University Settlement, which was also part of the national Settlement movement. 

Both artists were influenced by their immediate environments. One day in 1916 Lowry missed his train to art school but the view from the station steps became a significant moment when he saw the yellow lights from the Acme Mills. His vision to paint the industrial scene was born and he claimed ‘nobody had done it,’ although this was not entirely correct.  

For the first thirty years of his life his work was ignored and in his twenties when he painted some of his most famous pictures he was often ridiculed as a ‘Sunday painter.’ He didn’t sell much of his work.

Cornish retired from mining in 1966 after working for 33 years underground whilst continuing to draw and paint. It was inevitable that his working environment impacted his work and the interpretation of his experiences. He later worked part time as a lecturer at Sunderland Art College teaching ‘Life Drawing.’  

Lowry was a theatre lover, and there were over 64 individual theatres in the Manchester conurbation. He was tee-total and there is no evidence of any pub scenes in his work. A recent theory from Sir Ian Mckellan suggests that Lowry’s pictures look as if they are staged scenes and events, with a straight line of some sort in the foreground – the front of the stage beyond where the action takes place?

There were 34 pubs in Spennymoor and the beer in Cornish’s glass became the passport to be able to share, observe and record communal life as he blended in and was therefore able to produce so many character drawings.      

Whenever there was a rare visit by family or friends Lowry’s mother turned his pictures to the wall because of her resentment, disappointment and shame.

Lowry’s father died in 1932 leaving debts and for the next seven years his mother became ‘bedfast’ and completely ruled his life until she died in 1939 without knowing his imminent success. Her bedroom remained locked for over a year and was later the subject of a painting.  He was close to a ‘breakdown’ and his doctor advised a holiday. He began to visit Berwick where he almost bought a house. He was also fascinated by the sea.

The Bedroom  Pendlebury by L.S. Lowry, 1940

Norman and Sarah Cornish enjoyed listening to music at home via their extensive collection of classical music records. Cornish was an accomplished Banjo player and once travelled to the City Hall, Newcastle to listen to Beniamio Gigli, one of the greatest tenors of his time. On one occasion he was visited at home by Raymond Keenlyside, a member of the Aeolian Quartet who treated Norman and Sarah to an impromptu performance on his Stradivarius. The only modern music Cornish admired was ‘Stranger on the Shore’ by Aker Bilk. Early in the evening of August 1st 2014, just before he passed away, ‘Stranger on the Shore’ was broadcast by BBC Radio 2. 

When Lowry moved to Mottram - in- Longdendale in 1948 there were over a dozen clocks in his home and each told a different time. He had a ‘workroom,’ and when working listened to the music of Bach, Bellini, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Haydn.

Later in his career Lowry found a replacement for his industrial scenes by focussing on individual people, with varying characteristics, set against a white background. 

Lowry spent most of the last 15 years of his life in the NE residing at the Seaburn Hotel, Sunderland, and enjoying being associated with the Stone Gallery in Newcastle. He died from pneumonia on February 23rd 1976. A retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy showing 334 paintings and drawings attracted 180,000 visitors.

In 1986 -87 ‘The History of 20th Century Art’ exhibition was held at the Royal Academy, London, but works by LS Lowry were excluded.

Norman Cornish MBE was perhaps the most famous artist to emerge from the North East of England in the 20th Century and he became one of the most famous British artists of his time. His work is held in public and private collections throughout the UK and abroad. Cornish died on August 1st, 2014. The eulogy at his funeral was spoken by Michael Chaplin and later broadcast by BBC Radio 4 ‘Last Words.’  

The Centenary exhibitions in 2019 were enjoyed by over 87,000 visitors from all over the UK and previous attendance records at the Bowes Museum were exceeded.

‘Norman Cornish is part of a deeper and more complex unravelling and re-evaluation of history. A slow burn you might say, but unquenchable.’ - Melvyn Bragg 2017

There are a number of previously unseen pictures by both artists being exhibited for the first time at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle - Norman Cornish and LS Lowry: Kith and Kinship, from 20 July 2024 until 19 January 2025.

• A - Animals! Durham is overflowing with fantastic attractions filled with lots of wonderful animals to make friends with like Hall Hill Farm and Adventure Valley.
• B - Board a train at Weardale Railway, a heritage railway which travels through the beautiful Durham Dales, part of the historic Stockton to Darlington Railway line.
• C - City life! Enjoy a day out exploring the cobbled streets of historic Durham City, you never know what you'll discover!
• D - Diggerland - enjoy 25% discount off pay on the day admission with our exclusive voucher.
• E - Explore Egglestone Abbey, the perfect spot for a picnic just on the River Tees.
• F - Feel the Force at High and Low Force Waterfalls - a great spot for enjoying nature trails, picnics and spectacular countryside views.

• G - Go Glamping. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hot tub hide away or family-friendly getaway, from the heritage coast to Durham Dales, there’s a glamping site to suit every taste and budget this summer.
• H - Hamsterley Forest, over 2,000 hectares of wonderful woodland to explore - build a woodland den, follow the Zog trail, spot the Gruffalo, hire a bike or enjoy a relaxing walk.
• I - Investigate the hidden history behind one of Durham's most magnificent buildings - Durham Cathedral inside the cathedral museum.
• J - Jump around at Infinite Air, one of the UK's largest indoor trampoline parks!
• K - Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - travel through 2,000 years of English history, myth and legend at the UK's most spectacular outdoor live show. Every Saturday 27 July to 14 September.
• L - Locomotion, the National Railway Museum. Get up close with incredible engineering feats in Shildon, the world's first railway town, and home to the largest undercover display of heritage railway vehicles anywhere in Europe!

• M - Music! Calling all music lovers, Durham is the place to be this summer, with an incredible collection of musical events taking place. From Durham Brass Festival to Durham Fringe Festival, and Hardwick Live. See big name acts, exciting new bands and up and coming local artists at iconic venues across the county. A visit to Durham is guaranteed to get your toes tapping!
• N - North Pennines National Landscape. One of England's most special places, a great place to get out and get active.
• O - Oriental Museum - The North of England's only museum devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.
• P - Parks and Gardens. Durham is filled with wonderful parks and gardens to explore and enjoy together as a family. Don’t miss Crook Hall Gardens – a hidden oasis on the outskirts of Durham City, the newly opened Walled Garden at Auckland Castle, or The reimagined walled gardens at Raby Castle’s Rising.
• Q - Quench your thirst and try out the many locally brewed gins, beers and more! Across the county you’ll find lots of distilleries and breweries offering hands-on experiences. And of course, many restaurants and bars across the county are serving Durham’s locally made tipples.
• R - Reservoirs! Durham has lots of wonderful waterside parks and reservoirs to explore this summer, including Cow Green Reservoir, Grassholme Reservoir and Derwent Waterside Park which has lots of fun activities happening throughout the holidays.

• S - Seaglass collecting at Seaham, enjoy hunting for 'mermaid's tears' at one of the top seaglass collecting spots in the world.
• T - Travel through time at Beamish - The Living Museum of the North. New for summer 2024 – explore the 1950s cinema and shops, or head over to the Drovers Tavern for some delicious Georgian-inspired food.
• U - Unwind and treat yourself to a relaxing spa day or night away. Across the county you’ll find many award-winning spas which offer fantastic spa break packages, including personalised treatments in luxurious settings.
• V - View the night sky. Did you know the North Pennines National Landscape has more nationally recognised Dark Sky Discovery Sites than any other part of the UK? Making the Durham Dales the perfect location for some stargazing action.
• W - Water Sports, from coast to countryside you’ll find lots of opportunities to make a splash! Try out kayaking at Seaham Harbour Marina, or test your balancing skills with paddleboarding along the River Wear with Adventure Access.
• X - X marks the spot at Raby Estate’s exciting children’s trails this summer. Follow the map and see how many clues you can collect as you follow family-friendly outdoor trails, including Folk and Fairy Tales at High Force Waterfall or the Alice in Wonderland Trail in The Plotter’s Forest adventure playground at Raby Castle. 
• Y – Yum, Yum, Yum! Treat yourself to a taste of Durham and tuck into delicious seasonal produce at ward-winning restaurants and eateries across the county. From cosy country pubs, to high end dining and hands-on experiences. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
• Z - Catch a few ZZZZZ's. After an action-packed day of adventure, you'll find lots of wonderful places to stay for a good night's sleep. From five star luxury hotels and grand county houses, to cosy holiday cottages and unqiue glamping huts, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets.  

For lots more summer holiday ideas including stunning accommodation check out our summer breaks page. 

My name’s Tom and I’m from Stepping Through Film where I celebrate the world of the screen in reality. I headed over to Durham to explore the beauty the county has to offer, and to visit where some of my favourite movie moments were born.

All locations are easy to visit, but a car is advisable if you want to reach all of them with ease. Durham Cathedral is the most central point with Durham station just a 10-minute walk way. Follow along below to find out more:

Harry Potter – Durham Cathedral

The magic is all very real here in Durham City! Harry Potter probably stands as the most popular reason, for cinephiles, to visit Durham Cathedral. While the Cathedral itself is stunning to behold, just walking through makes you stare up in wonder, this location was used in the first two instalments of the Harry Potter movie franchise.

We see Ron yell ‘EAT SLUGS!’, the quidditch teams heading off for practise, and Harry walking in the snow with Hedwig all right here in the Cathedral courtyard. A few steps away in a separate room we find the Chapter House; a medieval monastery which has seen its fair share of history. It’s here where Professor McGonagall teaches her transfiguration classes.

Honourable mention: I was lucky enough to be given an exclusive look behind the scenes high up inside the cathedral's Triforium. This area isn't open to the public, but it was amazing to be granted permission to view this hidden away location. It was here that Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter Fluffy the three-headed dog as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone.

Avengers: Endgame – Durham Cathedral

Stay put in Durham Cathedral because do you know what else was filmed here? That’s right, Avengers: Endgame?! Still reigning as the 2nd highest grossing film of all time, this movie really is a triumph and the fact that Durham Cathedral was used for such a pivotal scene is still quite remarkable to me!

The interior of the Cathedral was kitted out with green screens and (very carefully) placed camera crews. Chris Hemsworth, the Russo Brothers, and a talented production team then transformed the interior into that of Thor’s home – Asgard. Keep an eye out for what elements were changed at the real location when watching the sequence again!

Billy Elliot – Easington, Durham Heritage Coast

Billy Elliot certainly still holds the title as one of the most iconic British films in the past 25 years. It’s such a heartwarming story and really delves into what makes families strong and how important it is to keep chasing your dreams no matter what anyone tells you.

Visiting Easington, where the main portion of the film was shot, was a fascinating experience. Easington is about a 25-minute drive from Durham City and is worth visiting if you’re a fan of the film. The most interesting aspect for me was seeing which areas still looked identical, and which areas had been demolished. For example, the entire row of houses (which was where Billy lived in the film) have all been removed since filming.

Portions of the locations are unrecognisable, some still show the exact same doorways and windows which lined up with where Billy dances down the street. It was quite bittersweet to see the changes but very lovely to see how a lot was still standing.

Downton Abbey: The Movie – Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

This show is just too wonderful! I think I’ve rewatched all the seasons at least four times now. The characters it fleshes out, the storylines it gives us, and the general feel of Downton Abbey is such a wholesome and, more so than not, very cosy. So it will come as no shock that Beamish Museum here in the Vale of Durham was a perfect fit for the first big screen instalment of this saga.

I found this location so cute! It was my first visit, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. When you enter the museum, you’re greeted with many facts and information boards about the history and local area. You then exit into the ‘actual’ museum which is essentially a huge, replicated town set in the past!

You’ll find sections dating back to the 1820s all the way to the 1950s – it was a joy to explore and ‘step back in time’. Downton Abbey used the 1900s Town for some of its scenes as, when there, you really do feel like you’re in the 1900s! A perfect setting a perfect film.

The Witcher & 1917 – Low Force Waterfall, Durham Dales

You’ll want to visit Low Force Waterfall! Next up we have The Witcher, the smash hit on the little screen from Netflix. This series explores the realms of fantasy mixed with reality – its visuals stand out as a mix of wonderful studio-based work and real-life locations. That’s where the Durham Dales works well for this title, as the stunning landscapes of the dales really lends to the world of this show.

Low Force Waterfall was used in Series two and it’s quite easy to spot due to its huge presence in-person and on the screen. You can park right up close to the waterfall and walk around at your leisure.

1917 was also partially filmed here – the fantastic sequence where George MacKay’s William Schofield makes a quick escape by jumping into the currents of the waterfall stream and heading on upriver.

Elizabeth & Damsel – Raby Castle, Durham Dales

Head on over to Raby Castle for another magical escape. It’s here where parts of Elizabeth and Damsel were shot! That means both Cate Blanchett and Mille Bobby Brown have also been here - so what are you waiting for?

This really feels like a fairytale setting with the castle surrounded by lush green fields and a beautiful little lake right in front of it all. It feels other-worldly and even more so knowing that a huge dragon wasn’t too far away in Damsel. You’ll see scenes shot here from that film in the very beginning as Brown enters the fortress first seen on screen. It’s a little harder to pinpoint the EXACT scenes from Elizabeth here as many interiors from the film look a little similar – but it still feels like you’re stepping through the world of the film right here!

Love movies? You can follow Tom on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. 

Discover more world-famous movie locations across Durham on our dedicated filming locations page. 

N.S. Cornish: Self Portrait with Spectacles 1972  and L.S. Lowry: Self Portrait, 1925.

L.S.Lowry

L.S.Lowry (1887-1976) RBA, RA, painted scenes of life in industrial districts of NW England: urban landscapes, seascapes, portraits and surreal imaginings. He was a rent collector for 42 years, painting in his spare time. He became one of the most famous British artists of the 20^th Century and in 1976 he died six months before a major retrospective at the RA which attracted record numbers of visitors.

Norman Cornish

 Norman Cornish (MBE 1919 -2014) was perhaps the most famous artist to emerge from the North East of England in the 20th Century and he became one of the leading British artists of his time. His work is held in public and private collections throughout the UK and abroad.

Lowry was an outsider looking in on his subjects whereas Cornish was immersed in his community and accepted as a miner and artist for 33 years, prior to becoming a professional artist from 1967 until he died in 2014. He worked for more years as a professional artist than he did underground as a miner. A fact often overlooked.

During a period of 16 years between 1951 and 1967 they exhibited together on six occasions. 

1951: Tullie House, Carlisle:  ‘Realism in Contemporary Painting’ by Northern Artists including Theodore Major, Ned Owen, and  Victor Pasmore. One of the first exhibitions to be aimed specifically at working people. Lowry was 64 yrs, and Cornish 32 yrs.   

1952: ‘The Mirror and The Square – Realism to Abstraction,’ New Barrington Galleries, London. Other artists including   Stanley Spencer, Victor Pasmore, Graham Sutherland and Barbara Hepworth.

1959: The Stone Gallery- Newcastle  including John Piper

1964: The Stone Gallery-Newcastle.   Lowry doesn’t exhibit but purchases  two Cornish paintings including ‘The Gantry’ 30 Gns. 1966  The Stone Gallery-Newcastle including Sheila Fell.

1966/67: The Stone Gallery-Newcastle  Winter Exhibition including Sir William McTaggart, Theodore Major, John Piper, Augustus John, W.R. Sickert, JM Whistler, George Roualt, Maurice de Vlaminck.

1967: The Stone Gallery –Newcastle  Mixed Exhibition including George Romney, John Constable, William Etty, W Holman Hunt, DG Rossetti, JE Millais, Sheila  Fell, Sir William Mc Taggart, Ben Nicholson.

Lowry and Cornish were significant contemporaries during the ’50s and ‘60s, progressing from exhibitions in other parts of the country to a strong regional arts scene in the NE of England overseen by their agents Mick and Tilly Marshall at The Stone Gallery in Newcastle. Cornish was a regular visitor to the Stone Gallery at weekends and there he and Lowry would meet outside of the formal exhibitions.  ‘Cornish was the only artist Lowry was jealous of’ said Tilly Marshall, ‘Life with Lowry’ (1981). 

Did you know? 

On one occasion when Ted Heath (Prime Minister) was visiting The Stone Gallery in 1970, Cornish declined to be photographed with Lowry, Sheila Fell and Mick Marshall, despite the request coming from film director Brian Forbes. Cornish was sensitive to the potential response in his community of being photographed with the Tory PM.

Lowry was a regular visitor to Sunderland during this time, staying at The Seaburn Hotel and, for several years, Cornish was a lecturer at Sunderland Art College from 1967.

Cornish and Lowry referred to each other as Mr Cornish and Mr Lowry. 

Their work was re-united in 2013 on the wall of The National Glass Centre in Sunderland  when ‘The Pit Road in Winter’ was gifted to Sunderland University by Cornish’s family, and hung at the National Glass Centre opposite Lowry’s  drawing of ‘Monkwearmouth Church.’

Lowry was a member of the RA but declined a Knighthood in 1968 and he holds the record for the most honours declined.

Cornish was awarded an MBE in 2008 and the following academic awards:

• 1974   Hon Master of Arts from Newcastle University
• 1995   Hon Doctorate of Civil Law from Northumbria University
• 2011   Hon Doctorate of Arts from Sunderland University

Associate Professor, Jean Brown, Northumbria University

BBC Radio 4  Today, November 15 -  In answer to the interviewer’s question: ‘Will his work stand the test of time?'  "Absolutely , because it is up there with Rembrandt, Degas and Lautrec".

Andrew Festing, Sothebys, Head of British Painting 1977-81, President of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters 2002- 2008 and MBE 2007

‘Cornish’s drawings are as good as any other artist in history?’
"The drawings of figures climbing the gantry have a look of a Piranesi print. The sketches of heads, bent figures on bicycles, sitting on benches and standing in queues are Rembrandt like. His family – wife and children remind me of JF Millais and Van Gogh".

In the late ‘50s and early ‘60s Lowry came to the North East to stay with his friends Tony and Joan Ellis at Barnard Castle. Tony Ellis had been Keeper of Salford Art Gallery before moving to Barnard Castle in 1958 to become Deputy Director of the Bowes Museum. Lowry stayed the weekend with them on a number of occasions and thought highly of the Bowes Museum, writing in a letter.

"It was very nice to see you there in Barnard Castle, and every time I see the collection in your museum I like it better and better – I always find something fresh to my mind, in some way or other" - October 27 1961 - Juliet Horsley  Tyne & Wear Museums Service, 1989. 

Cornish was a native of the region, living and working in Spennymoor, Durham throughout his life.   

"Spennymoor has all that an artist needs" - The Test of Time, 2024, M & AThornton

At an early age he was advised to ‘paint the things around you, the things you know' - The Test of Time, 2024, M & A Thornton.

Lowry’s drawing of The Stone Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne, is one of a number of previously unseen pictures by both artists being exhibited for the first time ever at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, from July 20 2024 until January 19 2025 - Norman Cornish and LS Lowry: Kith and Kinship. 

To help inspire you to get outside and explore Durham’s great outdoors, we’ve picked five fab short circular walks you can enjoy this spring, 5 miles (8km) or under.

Auckland Castle Deer Park, 1 - 3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) 

Take your pick from one of three walks at Auckland Castle Deer Park – where history and nature intertwine.

Nestled in the heart of Bishop Auckland, in the grounds of Auckland Castle this picturesque 150-acre park invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in lush greenery, ancient trees, and hidden heritage. Although the deer are long gone, the historic park retains many of its original features, including the Georgian Deer House, an Obelisk and the 18^th century Trevor Bridge

Open daily from dusk until dawn, Auckland Castle Deer Park is free to explore.

Crimdon Walk, 3 miles (4.8km)

This 3 mile circular walk takes in part of the Durham Heritage Coastal footpath, which guarantees spectacular clifftop views, beautiful beaches and wildlife watching opportunities aplenty. 

You can extend your walk by heading down to the golden sands of Crimdon Beach to enjoy a beachside picnic or refreshing plodge. Crimdon is also home to Durham coast’s only sand dunes, which are also home to the rare Little Tern seabird (May to August). 

Durham City Riverside Walk, 3 miles (4.8km)

A definite must-do experience when visiting Durham City, this tranquil riverside walk is perfect for taking some time out and admiring beautiful riverside scenery in the heart of historic Durham City.

Follow the ancient paths along the River Wear, admire the spectacular view of Durham Cathedral and Castle towering above. And don’t miss the hidden heritage and artwork along the way, including The Count’s House, Prebends Bridge and the life size Durham Cow sculpture. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Grey Herons of Durham and illusive otters that call the river home.

Hardwick Park and Bishop's Fen Walk, 3.9 miles (6.3km) 

Lose yourself in the tranquil countryside of southern Durham, as you follow the trail through wetlands, woods and historic parkland. 

A great walk for those who love wildlife watching and bird spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for Mallard ducks, Buzzards and Sparrows as you head out of Hardwick Park and follow the path along the River Skerne, through beautiful woodland and past farmland with grazing sheep and cattle. 

The walk starts and ends in Hardwick Country Park, where you can spot the Gruffalo alongside other outdoor artwork. And don't miss Hardwick Park Visitor Centre to pick up a tasty treat from the Tower Cafe. 

High Force and Bowlees Geotrail, 4 - 5 miles (6.4 - 8km)

If you want to experience the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape at its very best, this walk is for you. The trail can be started at High Force Waterfall car park or Bowlees Visitor Centre, and will introduce you to some of the most special features of the surrounding wild landscape. 

Wander along this captivating trail, follow the rhythm of waterfall and trace the path carved by ancient geological forces. Marvel at the sheer power of High Force Waterfall, one of England's most spectacular natural wonders, before meandering through scenic woodlands and meadows to reach Low Force Waterfall, where the River Tees cascades over ancient rocks, creating a serene symphony of sight and sound.  

Check out our dedicated walking in Durham page for even more inspiration, including hundreds of other walks, from long distance to dog-friendly, to explore across the county. 

Whether you're seeking a tranquil rural retreat, quirky glamping experience, or a vibrant city break filled with cultural delights, Durham has stays to suit every taste and budget.

To help inspire you, we've pulled together highlights of places to stay this year across the county...

Headlam Hall

This stunning 17th century country house retreat nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Durham Dales, promises a relaxing escape from the everyday Standing in beautiful walled gardens and surrounded by its own rolling farmland, this historic family-owned property is an idyllic rural retreat.  

Enjoy fine dining in the Orangery Restaurant, treat yourself to a relaxing pampering treatment in the spa, or put your putting skills to the test on the 9-hole golf course.

Hotel Indigo Durham

Modern luxury meets historic splendour at Hotel Indigo. Located just a stone’s throw away from Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site, this boutique hotel, complete with Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Tinderbox Espresso Emporium Coffee House is the perfect base for exploring the historic city.

Radisson Blu Hotel Durham

Overlooking the River Wear, the Radisson Blu Hotel is just a short stroll from the heart of Durham City, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Wake up to beautiful riverside views across the spectacular city peninsula, tuck into delicious dishes in the College Restaurant, and unwind after a day of adventure in the hotel's indoor pool and spa.

Seaham Hall

Recently named one of the UK's most romantic hotels by The Times, enjoy 5-star luxury at Seaham Hall, surrounded by 37 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens on cliff tops overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast. Take your pick from 38 stunning bedroom suites, some even come complete with their evry own private hot tub.

Take some tranquil time out in the award-winning Serenity Spa, where you can enjoy a swim, sauna and steam. Sample the very best British and Pan-Asian cuisine in the Dining Room or vibrant Ozone restaurants. 

The Rose and Crown

Serving up good food, a comfy bed and beautiful Durham Dales countryside to explore, it's not hard to see why the Rose and Crown is regularly voted one of the best UK countryside breaks.

A warm welcome awaits at this 18th century country inn, tucked away in the picture perfect village of Romaldkirk. Surrounded by miles of walking and cycling trails, tasty food and drink its the place to stay for outdoor lovers. Plus its dog-friendly too! 

Classic Country Inns

Lord Crewe Arms

Recently named one of the best places to stay in the UK by The Times, The Lord Crewe Arms can be found in ther sleepy village of Blanchland, right on the boarder of Durham and Northumberland. Surrounded by the wild morrolands of the Durham Dales, here you can relax in luxury rooms and tuck into delicious dining.   

The Black Horse Inn

The recently opened Corner Rooms at The Black Horse Inn offer modern styled rooms with en-suite bathroom, extra comfortable beds, large flat screen TV and a desk with tea and coffee station.

Cosy Cottages

Number Nine

With cosy fire, indulgent interior, and tranquil countryside views, Number Nine is the perfect base for a cosy cottage getaway, only a short drive from Durham City.

Swallows Nest

Deep in the heart of the peaceful Durham Dales countryside, the VisitEngland 4-star Swallows Nest Cottage has everything you need to escape the everyday. 

Hot Tub Hideaways

Rest at the Nest

From waterside lodges to luxury treehouses, The Nest at Red Hurworth Farm has an amazing collection of extraordinary stays to choose from, hidden away on the banks of Hurworth Burn Reservoir. 

Vindomora Country Lodges

Escape to the country with Vindomora Country Lodges. Relax and unwind in a real wood cabin with private hot tub! Guaranteed peace, quiet and beautiful views aplenty.

Quirky Glamping

Beamish Glamping

Take your pick from beautifully restored vintage railway carriages and lodges in a peaceful woodland location, featuring comfy beds, private decking area with hot tub, full kitchen facilities, and en-suite.

Derecroft Glamping

At Derecroft Glamping you can escape from it all with friends and family in luxury hand crafted lodge pods, complete with spacious living quarters and private outdoor area. Cosy up by the roaring fire, relax in the pergola sheltered hot tub and enjoy the sparkling night sky.

Rural Retreats

Plawsworth Hall

Plawsworth Hall serviced cottages and apartments offer stylishly furnished and fully equipped accommodation, perfectly situated for exploring historic Durham City. 

The Old Post Office

In the picturesque village of Lanchester, The Old Post Office B&B offers clean and comfortable rooms with a delicious breakfast, made from locally sourced produce.

Start planning your staycation with a difference today! Find more unforgettable places to stay >