Durham

Properties and events in 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.

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!

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

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.

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

Life in the world's first railway town

Locomotion, The N R M At Shildon, Dale Road Trading Estate, Dale Road, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 2RE
In person
Pre-booking not required

The town of Shildon has had an exciting story to tell since the earliest days of the rail industry. Learn more about the working lives of ordinary people of Shildon, and how Locomotion is keeping heritage skills alive today and for the future.

Mickleton Village Hall and the Community over the years

Mickleton Village Hall, Mickleton, Mickleton, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 0JR
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come and see on the cinema screen how the village hall was built and see what actually goes on in the hall. Displays and presentations.by user groups and how people use the site from family get togethers to country weddings. Tea and cake by MiCE!

St Andrews Church - Dalton le Dale

St Andrew's Church, St Cuthberts Tce, Dalton le Dale, County Durham, SR7 8QX
In person
Pre-booking not required

St Andrews Church has some unique features dating back to Anglo-Saxon origins. It is situated in an ancient village which has a diverse history starting with a reference by the Venerable Bede.

St Barnabas Burnmoor Church

St Barnabas Church, 75 St. Barnabas, Bournmoor, County Durham, DH4 6EU
In person
Pre-booking not required

A visit to a lovely church where you can expect a warm welcome and refreshments. There will be a variety of displays on local buildings, environmental and conservation issues. Additional activities for adults and children.

St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham

St. Cuthberts Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3HL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Visit this simple, peaceful church to rest a while or to see the stunning window by the world-famous Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke or works by the late renowned local sculptor Fenwick Lawson.

St James' Church, Hamsterley

St James' Church, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 3RQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

St James' Church, Hamsterley. An opportunity to see one of County Durham's Grade 1 listed churches.

St Laurence's Church, Pittington

Hallgarth Lane, High Pittington, County Durham, DH6 1AB
In person
Pre-booking not required

Visit St Laurence Church. Refreshments available.

St Mary the Virgin, Easington

St Mary the Virgin, Hall Walks, Easington Village, Easington Village, County Durham, SR8 3BP
In person
Pre-booking not required

A 12th century Parish Church, with evidence of Saxon origins. The building contains Medieval pieces including a beautiful example of a Frosterly Marble tomb effigy. There are beautiful stained glass windows and oak pews dating back to 1660.

St Mary's Parish Church

Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

The church tower will be open with access to the ringing chamber and the clock chamber.