Durham’s exciting new heritage experiences for groups

30th August 2019

Durham has always been a county renowned for its heritage and award-winning attractions, but now a series of new developments have created exciting new experiences for groups to enjoy.

At Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's at the Welfare Hall, the first building to open in the museum’s 1950s town, as it plays host to 50s dances and games, and explores the story of the birth of the NHS, among many other activities and events.

Durham City’s world-famous skyline has been restored to its former glory as Durham Cathedral’s Central Tower has reopened following restoration works which began in 2015, and which will preserve the tower for generations to come. After climbing the 325 steps to the top, visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views across the city and beyond. 

Your group could be one of the first through the historic doors of 900-year-old Auckland Castle, part of The Auckland Project visitor destination, as it reopens later this year following a multi-million-pound conservation project. Once home to the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham, the Castle’s State Rooms will be returned to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, while the Bishops’ private apartments will also be open to the public for the first time.   

Hannah Bryan, Head of Visitor Experience for The Auckland Project, said: “As home to the Prince Bishops and later, the Bishops of Durham, Auckland Castle has played a key role in the history of the North East and Britain for centuries. This fascinating story will be told through conservation, interpretation and interactive media, with the Castle set to be an intriguing addition to the county’s group travel offer.” 

A new itinerary, ‘Industries of Old’, has been created to provide ideas and inspiration to the travel trade and group travel organisers. As well as suggested half day and full day itineraries that explore the county’s proud industrial heritage, including Killhope and Locomotion, they also include little known facts, coach travel times and SatNav postcodes.

‘Industries of Old’ forms part of a suite of heritage-themed itineraries, which also include: Our Grand Designs – breathtaking buildings including Durham Castle and Durham University’s Palace Green Library; Take a Step Back in Time – attractions and events that immerse you in times gone by, including The Mining Art Gallery and Kynren – an Epic Tale of England; Flora, Fauna and a Fortress – featuring the glorious gardens of Crook Hall and Raby Castle; Treasure Troves – buildings as impressive as the exhibits within, including The Bowes Museum and Auckland Tower.

Itineraries are also available on the county’s food and drink experiences and walking, plus information on group friendly attractions and accommodation. 

Michelle Gorman, Managing Director of Visit County Durham, said: “Durham is well known as a destination that will immerse groups in its fascinating heritage, but 2019 sees a number of developments at award-winning attractions create a range of exciting new ways for groups to experience the county’s fascinating past for themselves. I’d say if you think you know Durham, think again!

We hope the series of heritage-themed itineraries, along with the newest addition, Industries of Old, will inspire travel trade and group travel organisers to find out more about why Durham is the ideal destination for groups.”