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

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

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.

Everyday Histories - Two Mining Families - One Village History

St Mary's Church, South Street, West Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring, 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.

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!

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.

Stanhope and Tyne Railway Walk

Waskerley station picnic area, Waskerley Village, off Castleside to Stanhope road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 9DZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A walk in the countryside along former railway lines.

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
In person
Pre-booking not required

Enjoy a fantastic free day out with family and friends at The Bowes Museum and celebrate England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days. There are exhibitions to discover, 22 galleries and a large parkland to explore.

Thorpe Light Railway - behind the scenes

Thorpe Light Railway, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9TW
In person
Pre-booking not required

An opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Thorpe Light Railway, and hear about ongoing projects and future plans.

Two Railways and Two Denes

Castle Eden Dene Local Nature Reserve, Oakerside Dene Lodge, Stanhope Drive, Castle Eden Dene, County Durham, SR8 1NJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A walk in the countryside along former railway lines.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens

Ushaw Historic House, Woodland Road, Durham, County Durham, DH7 7DW
In person
Pre-booking required

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens is tucked away in beautiful open countryside near Durham City. An arts, heritage and events venue, waiting for you to escape the everyday, stop the world for a while and be surprised.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

Cemetery Lodge, 25 Woodlands Avenue, Wheatley Hill, County Durham, DH6 3JY
In person
Pre-booking not required

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre will be open for the last weekend of Heritage Open Days - Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 September 2026. 11.00am-3.00pm