County Durham

Properties and events in County Durham

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

"Mighty" Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ Visits

New Victoria Centre, High Street, Howden Le Wear, Crook, County Durham, DL15 8EZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

See & hear the North East's only 'Mighty Wurlitzer' theatre pipe organ (one of UK's largest). The theatre organ was part of the 'Everyday History' of our society last century - find how it was used & look inside the workings of this amazing machine!

All Saints Church and Churchyard open day - Langley Park

All Saints Church, Quebec Street, Langley Park, County Durham, DH7 9UU
In person
Pre-booking not required

A chance to explore the church, find out what's happening in the churchyard, and discover the history of the village contained there.

An invitation to visit the ancient church of All Saints, Stranton. Guided tours throughout the day.

Church Row, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS247QT
In person
Pre-booking not required

This year we are celebrating our 900 year anniversary. We will have a Memories of Stranton display in church.

AudaTours Durham Audio Tour: Hands That Built Durham

Framwellgate Bridge, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Online & In person
Book on day

A self-guided audio tour of Durham, exploring the masons, miners and cathedral craftspeople who built the city.

Aycliffe Bus Museum

Aycliffe Bus Museum, Langton Business Centre, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 6BL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Step aboard at Aycliffe Bus Museum for a journey through North East transport history. Explore vintage buses, fascinating memorabilia, enjoy free heritage bus rides, and meet our friendly volunteers. Free admission and fun for all ages!

Banners, Art and Local History

Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham, County Durham, DH6 5AT
In person
Pre-booking not required

Display of miners’ lodge & community banners + Collection of mining & other local history records + Gallery of work by local artists

Billingham Green History Walk

St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham Green, Church Road, Billingham Green, TS23 1BW, Billingham, County Durham, TS23 1BW
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join a volunteer of The Friends of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Billingham for a guided walk around Billingham Green to hear about its history.

Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric

Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric, 2, Castle Chare, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4RD
In person
Pre-booking not required

Between the train and the bus stations, a landmark in the Durham City Conservation Area, St. Godric's Grade II listed church was designed by Edward Pugin. Opened in 1864 it has beautiful examples of Victorian stained glass and a fine high altar.

Cotherstone Old Chapel Project

The Old Wesleyan Chapel, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9NL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now community owned/run shop, café and heritage centre. Special display of material showing the history and refurbishment of the building. Village guided walk leaflet. Refreshments

County Durham Libraries Book Collection Tour

Sevenhills, Unit 1, Greenhills Business Park, Enterprise Way, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6JB
In person
Pre-booking required

A talk and tour of County Durham Libraries book collection.

Crook Hall Gardens - National Trust

Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Free entry to enjoy the beautiful gardens and Medieval Hall

Darlington Library

Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Library, Crown Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1ND
In person
Pre-booking required

Guided tour of the library including basement areas not usually open to the public.

Durham Castle

The Castle, Palace Green, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
In person
Pre-booking not required

Experience a self-guided visit to Durham Castle and stroll around at your own pace on Saturday 12 September.

Durham Crematorium

Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3TQ
In person
Pre-booking required

A rare chance to see behind the scenes, learn about cremation and view this rich and beautifully detailed building and its grounds.

Durham School Tour & Durham School Chapel

Durham School, Quarryheads Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SZ
In person
Pre-booking preferred

On Sunday 13th September, Durham School will open its doors to the public for a guided tour of its buildings, chapel and grounds - exploring its 610-year history.

Escomb Saxon Church

Escomb Saxon Church, Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7SY
In person
Pre-booking not required

The church was built in the 7th century. Have a free guided tour of this ancient, Anglo-Saxon Church, where you can learn about its history and heritage. Tours will run every half hour.

Everyday Histories - Two Mining Families - One Village History- a lasting legacy.

St Mary's Church, South Street, West Rainton, County Durham, DH4 6NR
In person
Pre-booking not required

The growth of mining in West Rainton brought an influx of workers from different parts of the country. A history of two families, their lives and their impact on the community.

Ferryhill Wild Boar Heritage Centre

7 North Street Ferryhill, Ferryhill, County Durham, Dl178hx
In person
Pre-booking not required

Remembering the past to educate the people of the future

From Dig to Display: Get Behind the Scenes at the Museum of Archaeology

Museum of Archaeology, Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RN
In person
Pre-booking not required

Explore the newly reopened upstairs gallery and discover the work that goes on behind the scenes of an archaeology museum. Meet project partners, join a curator tour, and get hands-on to find out how collections are studied, cared for and displayed.

History Talk of St Cuthbert's Graveyard

St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham Green, Church Road, Billingham Green, TS23 1BW, Billingham, County Durham, TS23 1BE
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Discover the fascinating history of the St Cuthbert's Graveyard, telling the story of the changing community of Billingham.