High Church Hill - Fun Days Out

Durham Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral and part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site. A substantial part of the building was completed between 1093 and 1133, and it is a significant example of Romanesque architecture. The nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. Inside you will find the shrines of the Anglo-Saxon saints Cuthbert and Bede, with St Cuthbert's Shrine just behind the High Altar.

There is plenty to do beyond looking around. You can join a one-hour guided tour, climb the 325 spiral steps of the Central Tower for views over the city, or visit the museum, which covers 2000 years of the North East's history, culture and faith. The museum also has a 1.7m high LEGO model of the cathedral. Harry Potter fans can seek out the filming locations, and there are family activities, a café and a shop. Riverbank and woodland trails around the cathedral can be downloaded.

Tip: There is no parking at or near the cathedral, so use the Park and Ride or the Cathedral Bus into Durham. The tower is stairs only.

Beamish is a living, open-air museum on a 350-acre site in County Durham, telling the story of everyday life in the North East. Original, moved and replica buildings are staffed by costumed engagers, with live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Trams and buses carry you between the different areas.

You can explore the 1900s Town, the 1950s Town and the 1820s Pockerley Old Hall with its gardens, and the 1900s Pit Village. There are old-fashioned shops and eateries to try along the way, including a pub, a bakery and a sweet shop. Some areas or exhibits may be closed at times, so check the museum's website before you go.

Most exhibits are indoors, but you will be outside moving between them, so dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes. It was named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025.

Tip: Book your pass online before you visit for faster entry, and download the map to your phone or pick one up at the Entrance Building.

Hall Hill Farm is an award-winning farm attraction near Tow Law in County Durham. It has been open to the public since 1981 and is still a working farm, run by the family who have farmed here since 1925. The land covers 290 hectares of grassland, woodland and crops, and the farm is home to over a thousand sheep.

Visitors can meet llamas, wallabies, Highland cattle, pigs, donkeys, ponies, chicks, lambs and rabbits, and there are friendly rabbits to handle. Admission includes a tractor and trailer ride. You can also play wonky donkey crazy golf and watch puppet shows, with a barrel train and mini jeeps as extras. The farm also takes school and group visits, and offers birthday parties and an Adopt an Animal scheme.

Tip: Tickets can be bought in advance online, and the farm can be phoned on 01388 731333 for help with pre-booking.

Washington Old Hall is a stone manor house in the heart of Washington village, cared for by the National Trust. It includes parts of the medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, and the family took its surname from here. The ground floor shows a 17th-century home, with carved oak furniture and a collection of Delft ware. Upstairs, the Tenement Room recreates the home of the Bone family, with an audio interview bringing back memories of life in the hall.

Outside, the gardens include a wildflower mead, a parterre inspired by an apothecary and a young orchard of English heritage apples. The nuttery is full of insects, birds and pond life, and there's a small play area with a wooden castle. Bring a picnic for the benches or lawn, then follow the short village walk past Holy Trinity Church, where members of the Washington family are buried.

Tip: Free parking is available on The Avenue, right beside the property.

Lumley Castle is a Grade I listed, 14th-century quadrangular castle at Chester-le-Street, close to Durham. It stands on the banks of the Lumley Park Burn, a tributary of the River Wear. Sir Ralph Lumley converted his family manor house into a castle in 1389, and it remains a property of the Earl of Scarbrough.

You can dine in the Knights Restaurant, have a drink in the traditionally styled Library Bar, or book afternoon tea. The castle is also believed to be one of the most haunted places in County Durham. The best-known tale is the Lily of Lumley, who was supposedly thrown down a well in the grounds. The castle is also a picturesque backdrop to Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside Ground.

Tip: Book a table in advance through the castle's website if you want to eat at the restaurant or have afternoon tea.

Durham Castle is a Norman castle begun in 1072 on orders from William the Conqueror. It stands on a hill above the River Wear, opposite Durham Cathedral, and the two share World Heritage Site status. For centuries it was the seat of the prince-bishops of Durham, who held powers to raise an army, levy taxes and mint their own coins.

Inside, the Great Hall is over 30 metres long and 14 metres high, built in the early 14th century by Bishop Antony Bek. The Norman Chapel is the oldest accessible part of the castle, with six columns topped by carved capitals. Outside, Palace Green links the castle and cathedral and makes an easy place to take in both. It's a good pick for history lovers and anyone who enjoys old buildings with a long story behind them.

Brancepeth Castle is a Grade I listed castle in County Durham, about five miles south-west of Durham city. The first castle on the site was Norman, rebuilt by the Nevilles in the late 14th century. The present building is largely the work of the early 19th century, with later improvements by Anthony Salvin. Over the centuries it has served as a fortress and family home, a hospital for convalescents in the First World War, and the regimental headquarters of the Durham Light Infantry.

Today it is the home of the extended Dobson family, who bought it in 1978 and moved their publishing business here. Visitors can take a tour to follow the castle's development from Saxon stronghold to seat of the Neville family. Free, unguided access is offered to up to four of the main rooms on open mornings. The gatehouse has Café Burgschneider, known for its homemade German cakes. The castle is open to visitors on a number of days each year, so check before you set off.

Tip: The castle is only open to visitors on certain days each year, so check its website and book a tour before you go.

Raby Castle is a Grade I listed medieval castle near Staindrop in County Durham, built by the Nevilles between about 1367 and 1390. It has nine towers, a Neville Gateway with grooves still visible from its portcullises, and a large art collection including works by old masters and portraits. It remains a private family home, and the grounds include 200 acres of deer park.

The 18th-century walled gardens are a big draw in their own right. Designer Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard remodelled them, and they came second in the 2025 European Garden Awards. You'll find historic yew hedges, a fig tree brought here in 1786, mazes, a rill, a cut flower garden and a grass amphitheatre with views of the castle. History fans and garden lovers will enjoy both the castle and the grounds.

Tip: Pre-booking tickets online is recommended to get the best price.