The Auckland Project brings to life the old land and property of the Bishop of Durham in Bishop Auckland. Formerly the site of the Bishop of Durham’s Palace at Auckland Castle, the town is now benefiting from one of the best examples of philanthropy in the North East – the Auckland Project.

Kynren is an epic outdoor live-action show that takes you through 2000 years of British history via a theatrical story by Eleven Arches.

The Bowes Museum is the North of England’s Museum of Art, Fashion and Design. Found in Barnard Castle, the museum has a huge collection of art, ceramics, textiles, costumes, and eccentricities that make any trip to it informative and interesting.

Travelling to Durham by train, one of the first things that you will see is Durham Cathedral majestically overlooking the city, standing on a prominent rocky outcrop above the town and River Wear. Its foundations date back to the establishment of an Anglo-Saxon cathedral in 995AD by the community of St. Cuthbert, who moved St. Cuthbert’s body from Chester-Le-Street to Durham to protect it from renewed Viking assaults on England.

Opposite the cathedral is Durham Castle. It was constructed initially because of the dangerous conditions following the Norman Invasion. The Anglo-Saxon population of England were not pleased at the idea of being invaded by a small group of French-speaking Vikings and were doing their best to try to drive them out of England.

Beamish is the Living History Museum of the North, where a huge collection of artefacts has been gathered together to allow you to discover life as it used to be. The world-famous museum was started by Dr Frank Atkinson – who was the director of the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle – and wished for the history of the North-East of England to be preserved during a time where he witnessed a great deal was being demolished or removed.

In the heart of Durham, a stone’s throw from the cathedral, is the Assembly Rooms Theatre. This historic building showcases theatre throughout the year and specialises in creating a body of plays and works as well by hosting touring shows throughout the year. The building itself started as a ballroom for the entertainment of Durham’s population. As any fans of period drama know, this would have been a key location for the social life of the town during the period. It only became a theatre in 1869 after the old Theatre Royal in Durham burnt down in a fire.

Not far from the North Pennines and Bishop Auckland, Raby Castle is an ancient fortress which has Viking roots. The Great King Cnut (one-time King of England, Denmark, Norway and parts of Sweden, Scotland and Ireland) held the estate and gave them their name, with ‘Ra’ meaning boundary and ‘Bi’ or ‘By’ a settlement in old Danish.

Locomotion is a railway museum found in Shildon, a town in County Durham, which is known as the world’s first railway town. Shildon was the location where, in the 1820’s, the Stockton and Darlington Railway started from and it was key in the creation of the railway across the whole of the UK. In fact, it could be argued without the success of railway trials like the ones conducted by George Stephenson with his Locomotive (on the 27th September 1825) the railways would never have developed like we know them today.

The Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre provides a starting point for your exploration of the 177 km² landscape around Whickham, Prudhoe, Rowlands Gill and Consett. There you can plan your route, purchase local artists and creators work and enjoy a coffee before discovering this landscape.

Founded in 2010, Fat Hippo began in Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and grew in popularity as more people discovered their fantastic food. Fat Hippo expanded to Durham in 2016, with their Saddler Street venue a short distance from Durham Castle and Cathedral and an easy walk to the River Wear. The signature burgers and flavours of Fat Hippo became much loved by the student population and visitors to the city alike, so their brand was quick to grow in size and reputation.

Walking down from central Durham and crossing into Elvet, you will no doubt enjoy the historic surroundings of the city. Built into Old Elvet Bridge, with the building having served as the bridge house for collecting tolls on entering Durham and parts of the building dating back to the middle ages as a Chapel, Tango already has a great deal of character in just its bricks and mortar. Tango is an independent restaurant that provides the best in comfort food with a modern flavour.

Found on Crossgate just below St. Margaret’s Church is Nadon Thai. A part of an independent chain of restaurants, with the first one being founded in Morpeth in 2010, and Durham’s own restaurant opening in 2014. With six years of experience in Durham and a lifetime from the owners, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength. This is likely due to being a family-owned business with a passion for Thai food.

The Cellar Door is a premium restaurant built into an old 13th century baker shop enjoying wonderful, wooded views over the River Wear.

Vennels Café is a fantastic venue in the heart of Durham, steeped in the charming history of the city. The word “vennel” comes from a corruption of the French word for an alleyway and the vennels in Durham are the alleyways that date back to the medieval city. The building itself dates from the 16th century and it is truly special as an old English house in its own right. Entering the building you will notice the old ceiling beams that are bent by age that would fit into any BBC period drama. The interior is also outfitted with the original fireplaces and appropriate furnishings to highlight and enhance the surroundings. Eating at the Vennels you are in for a treat, all the produce is made on site and has that exceptional homemade quality – from their internationally famous scones, which are freshly made each day, through to their soups, pies and cakes.

The Mugwump is a unique boutique on Saddler Street. With a history stretching back to 1966, when it was founded by two art school graduates, it has grown to have something for everyone. The ambition of The Mugwump is to find the most wonderful clothing, glassworks, ceramics, and gifts that can be purchased and bring it together under one roof for all to enjoy and be owned by you.

The People’s Bookshop sits one of the alleyways that comes off Saddler Street and is a hidden gem and a treat for the book lover. Away from the bustle of the main streets, it is a treasure trove of books from all areas and periods and encourages those to enter to discover a whole new theme of knowledge through the book that they have purchased.

Within the side alleys of Saddlers’ Yard, there is a small shop that many would pass by, but holds a wonderful surprise for those who go in. Going to Gavin Shelley Jewellery you will be able to see a fantastic range of items from rings to pendants, and earrings, it is likely that the piece you are looking to buy has been made by him. Discovering this little jeweller could be the highlight to your trip to Durham and you may go away with something that you will love for years to come.

Situated in beautiful Teesdale, High Force Hotel is in a picturesque spot surrounded by the beauty of County Durham’s rolling green hills and luscious scenery.

In the deceptively rural setting of the Flass Vale, but still near central Durham with its historic attractions, you can find The Kingslodge Inn – which blows away any unappealing associations with city centre hotels. In being so close to a UNESCO world heritage site, Durham Cathedral, and the other historic attractions of Durham city, it really is a treat to have the combination of comfort and convenience. It is under ten minutes’ walk from Durham train station for those travellers who want to leave the car behind for the weekend.

In the Beamish Valley, an area of incredible beauty, you will be able to find the amazing South Causey Inn. Easily described as a luxury experience, South Causey Inn is one of the best places to stay in County Durham. It is known for its range of beautiful alternative accommodation, incredible food and amazing events space that is renowned across the region. With a hundred acres of land to explore, you will be wanting to return time after time to discover more.