Explore Durham Tees Valley with Durham Cathedral, Raby Castle, High Force Waterfall, Tees Barrage, Darlington Railway Museum, Preston Park, and scenic walks in the North Pennines and Teesdale.
Binchester Roman Fort
Room 36–43, Fifth Floor, County Hall, Durham County Council, Durham, DH1 1UQ
Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, is one of the UK’s best-preserved Roman military sites. Built in the 1st century AD to guard Dere Street, the site includes a well-preserved bathhouse with an intact hypocaust system. Excavations have uncovered important Roman artefacts, offering insight into life in Roman Britain. Visitors can explore the remains and learn more through displays and guided tours.
https://www.durham.gov.uk/binchester |
archaeology@durham.gov.uk |
tel:+443000267012
Hopetown Darlington
North Road Station, Darlington, DL3 6ST
Hopetown Darlington is the region’s award-winning railway heritage attraction, celebrating 200 years of railway history. Explore the North Road Station Museum, ride the immersive ‘Experiment!’, and see live engineering at the Darlington Locomotive Works. With exhibitions, festivals, and the Wagon Woods outdoor play park, it offers a rich experience for all ages.
https://hopetowndarlington.co.uk | hopetown@darlington.gov.uk | tel:+441325405060 |
Sunderland City Council
Jack Crawford House, Commercial Road, Sunderland, SR1
Sunderland offers a wide range of attractions, events, and family-friendly activities. From museums, heritage trails, and art galleries to theatres, it blends historic charm with modern development. The city’s bars, cafés, and restaurants serve everything from local produce and craft beers to global cuisine and inventive cocktails.
Beamish Museum
Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RG
Beamish Museum is a world-renowned open-air museum in County Durham, showcasing life in North East England from the 1820s to the 1950s. Spread across 350 acres, it features historic streets, heritage trams, a 1900s town, a 1940s village, and a working farm. Costumed staff, interactive exhibits, and traditional food make it a rich, hands-on experience for all ages.
https://www.beamish.org.uk |
museum@beamish.org.uk |
tel:+441913704000
The Manor House Hotel and Spa
Front street, West Auckland, Dl14 9HW
The Manor House Hotel & Spa is a charming countryside retreat that blends historic character with modern comfort. Located in County Durham, the hotel features stylish accommodation, a contemporary restaurant, and a well-equipped spa with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and relaxation areas. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, wellness breaks, and locally inspired dining. The property is also popular for weddings, events, and short getaways, offering a peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality in a picturesque setting.
www.manorhousehotel.net | 01388 834834 | gm@manorhouse.net
The Hullabaloo
Borough Road, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 1SG
The Hullabaloo is a dedicated children’s theatre in Darlington, offering world-class performances and creative play spaces. Located next to Darlington Hippodrome, the venue includes a 150-seat studio theatre, a café, and immersive installations designed for young audiences. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am–2 pm, it’s a welcoming space for families to enjoy the arts together.
https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/visit-the-hullabaloo/ |
tel:+441325405405 | info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
Wensleydale Railway
Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, DL7 9AR
Wensleydale Railway is a heritage railway running through the scenic Yorkshire Dales, offering visitors a unique journey through beautiful countryside and traditional market towns. Operated largely by volunteers, the railway preserves the region’s rich railway history while providing enjoyable steam and diesel train experiences. Passengers can explore charming stations, special events, and seasonal services throughout the year. The railway also supports local tourism and education, making it a popular attraction for families, railway enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a nostalgic travel experience.
https://www.wensleydale-railway.co.uk | 01677 425805 | admin@wensleydalerailway.com
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Yarm School, Yarm, Cleveland, TS15 9EJ
The Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm is a modern performance venue celebrated for its design and acoustics. Hosting concerts, theatre, comedy, and screenings, it combines cutting-edge facilities with a stylish setting. Located within Yarm School, it serves as a cultural hub attracting both local and international talent.
https://www.thepaaonline.org |
boxoffice@thepaaonline.org |
tel:+441642792587
Newcastle Quayside Market
Quayside Markets, Property Services, 9th Floor, Civic Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8QH
Newcastle Quayside Market is a lively outdoor market held every Sunday along the River Tyne. Featuring artisan crafts, street food, clothing, jewellery, and gifts, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. With live music, street performers, and views of the Tyne and Millennium Bridges, it’s ideal for a weekend stroll and shop.
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk |
markets@newcastle.gov.uk |
tel:+441912115512
RSPB Saltholme
Seaton Carew Road, Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, TS2 1TU
RSPB Saltholme is a wetland nature reserve in Teesside, known for its wildlife, scenic trails, and family-friendly features. It’s a key spot for birdwatching, with species like bitterns, avocets, and wading birds. The reserve includes hides, a discovery zone, café, play area, and year-round events—ideal for families and nature enthusiasts in the Tees Valley.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/saltholme |
saltholme@rspb.org.uk |
tel:+441642546625
Auckland Castle
co Auckland Project, 58 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7JF
Auckland Castle is one of the most important historic residences in northern England. For centuries, it served as the home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, powerful religious leaders who governed the region. The castle features beautifully restored interiors, impressive artworks, and extensive gardens that attract visitors year-round. Today, it forms part of a wider heritage and cultural destination in Bishop Auckland, offering exhibitions, guided tours, and insights into the area’s rich history, architecture, and religious significance.
https://www.aucklandproject.org | 01388 743750 | enquiries@aucklandproject.org
Durham Cathedral
Cathedral Office, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Norman buildings in England. Built in 1093, it overlooks the River Wear and houses the shrine of St Cuthbert. Known for its Romanesque architecture, stained glass, and cloisters featured in the Harry Potter films, the cathedral also offers tours, a museum, and panoramic views from the central tower.
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