The Way of Life

Highlights...

Auckland Palace Deer House and Park, Bishop AucklandA charming Gothic Revival 'eyecatcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham.

Binchester Roman Fort, BinchesterRemains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

Durham Castle, Durham CityDurham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.

Durham Cathedral, Durham CityThought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.

Escomb Saxon Church, EscombOne of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).

World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library, Durham CityProviding a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre is the gateway to discovering what it is that makes Durham so significant, and what there is to see and do around the peninsula.

Durham Cathedral Museum, Durham CityExplore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.

Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandWith three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery explores working life in the coal mines through original artefacts and artworks by prominent mining artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.

Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library, Durham CityOver almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year. 

Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandAuckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting, and to pick up everything you’ll need for your day of exploration.

St Oswald's Church, Durham CitySt Oswald’s is an Anglican church in the centre of the beautiful university and cathedral city of Durham.

Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandPositioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Palace was once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, and was the place where they entertained, hunted and worshipped.

Etherley Incline, Northern Terminus of the Stockton-Darlington Railway, Bishop AucklandThe Etherley Incline was a railway incline on the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which opened in 1825. Distribution of coal from the Witton Park Colliery was undertaken by horse and cart, but due to volume and costs a new transport solution was required. George Stephenson was contracted to build a…

Gainford Spa, GainfordA hidden natural fountain with supposedly healing water that tastes like rotten eggs. This mineral spring can be found in Gainford. With a very high sulphur content the gases omit a foul bad egg smell which may put you off tasting it, but as soon as the smell clears the water appear fresh and cold.

Sunderland Bridge, SunderlandSunderland Bridge dates back to the 14th century and the woodland clustered around it is majestic. It is built of dressed sandstone with four semicircular arches. The bridge has undergone several rebuilds, with the end arches being rebuilt in 1770, the parapets widened in 1822, and new end walls…

St Mary's Church, GainfordSt Mary’s Church is a grade 1 listed building, founded on a monastery and dates from the 8th century. It was re-modelled and extended in 13th century and still retains many features from that period.

Mountjoy, Durham CityRewarding climb to see Durham spread-eagled spectacularly below.

West Auckland, West AucklandLocated in County Durham, to the west of Bishop Auckland, West Auckland is famous for having one of the largest village greens in the country, lined with 17th and 18th century buildings. The village also very proudly produced the legendary football team who became the first world cup winners!

Prebends Bridge, Durham CityPrebends Bridge, created by George Nicholson and completed in 1778, is one of three historic stone-arched bridges that cross the River Wear in Durham City.