Heritage & History in Durham
Historic buildings, walking trails, museums, churches, and the stories behind the streets of Durham.
Upcoming Events
View all →Matthew Bourne's The Car Man, Theatre Royal
7:30 PM · Theatre Royal
From £23.75King King at Sage Two
8:00pm · Sage Two
See bookingDurham City Walking History Tour
10:30 AM · Meets Market Hall entrance
See bookingDruridge Bay Festival 2026
2:00 PM · Druridge Bay Country Park
From £55 adult / £20 childFeatured Guides
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The Durham Miners' Gala: A Guide to the Big Meeting
On the second Saturday of every July, Durham gives itself over to the Big Meeting. Our guide to the Durham Miners' Gala, its banners and brass bands, the cathedral service and its history.
The Best Days Out from Durham
Durham sits within easy reach of some of the North East's finest days out. Our guide to the castles, museums, waterfalls, forests and coastline within a short drive of the city, from Beamish and Raby to High Force and the Heritage Coast.
Things to Do in Durham
From the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, museums and the Victorian market hall, here is our guide to the best things to do in Durham.
Durham Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide
How to visit one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe, from the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of Bede to the tower climb and the Sanctuary Knocker.
Durham Castle: A Visitor's Guide
How to visit the Norman castle on Palace Green, once home to the Prince Bishops and now a Durham University college, open to the public by guided tour.
The Prince Bishops of Durham
For centuries the Bishops of Durham ruled the County Palatine with near-royal powers, raising armies, holding courts and minting their own coins. Here is their story.
Local Places
Full directory →Durham Cathedral
CommunityA masterpiece of Norman architecture and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the shrine of St Cuthbert and free to enter for worship and visits.
Durham Castle
CommunityA Norman castle on Palace Green forming part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site, now part of the University and open to visitors by guided tour.
Gala Theatre
CommunityDurham's main theatre and cinema on Millennium Place, hosting comedy, music, dance, drama, opera and film throughout the year.
Oriental Museum
CommunityThe only museum in the North East devoted entirely to the art and cultures of Asia and North Africa, with collections spanning Egypt, China, Japan and beyond.
Palace Green Library
CommunityDurham University's historic library and exhibition galleries on Palace Green, between the cathedral and castle, home to archives, special collections and public displays.
Durham Market Hall
CommunityA Victorian indoor market in the city's Market Place, home to dozens of independent traders selling food, gifts, crafts and specialist goods.