Durham Visitor Travel Guide Page

We have compiled a travel and holiday information guide to help with your holiday stay in Durham.

About Durham

County Durham is one of the most northern located counties in England with its county town being the Durham itself. Towns within the county also include Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and Darlington. Durham has a proud industrial history of coal and iron. In the modern day, the county is transforming itself with regeneration to appeal as a tourist destination. The long stretch of beaches and wildlife are the key to Durham's allure and the surrounding countryside is great for walks and cycling. Barnard Castle is one of England's finest historic buildings which can also boast the Bowes Museum that holds a nationally renowned collection of art and Durham Cathedral is also a fascinating piece of architecture that has withstood the test of time. Beautiful natural landmarks can also be seen with the High Force and Low Force waterfalls that are along the River Tees. Hamsterley Forest adds to Durham's fine natural portfolio with over 2,000 hectares of land that can be enjoyed all year round. The Scottish border is also near to County Durham which makes a day trip or long weekend to Edinburgh or beyond a very tempting proposition.

Attractions & Heritage Sites within Durham

1. Barnard Castle - Durham, DL12 8PR This large fortress was built in the 12th century by the Normans, made of stone and divided in four wards, with ditches. Owned by English Heritage the castle is open to the public to enjoy its splendour. 2. Diggerland - Langley Park, Durham, Durham, DH7 9TT A great alternative family day out, watch the five big JCB digger dancing show, kids get to ride diggers and play. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or bring a picnic.  3. Thorpe Farm Centre - Greta Bridge, Barnard Castle, Durham A farm site that offers guests many family activities to enjoy - falconry displays during the summer, wildlife and nature area, biking and walking trails, and a play area for kids with trampolines. There is a bistro and coffee shop, a farm shop selling local produce and fine foods, and gift shop. See Full List of Attractions in Durham See Full List of History and Heritage Sites in Durham

Towns and Villages in Durham

Durham has some lovely towns and villages to explore, below is a list with a short summary and link to more information about it and pictures. Barnard Castle - is a picturesque market town with a fascinating history... More... Bishop Auckland - developed around a manor house built by Bishop Pudsey in 1183... More... Chester le Street - provides a great location to explore this part of Durham... More... Consett - lies high along the Pennines offering numerous opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast... More... Darlington - hosts a number of galleries housing collectables and works of many local artists... More... Durham - is the City from which the County of Durham takes its name... More... Gateshead - lies on the south shore of the River Tyne... More... Hartlepool - is a seafaring town that boasts a wonderful historic quay... More... Jarrow - really grew with the introduction of the industrial revolution... More... Peterlee - is rich in cycling and walking paths whether through the town itself or at nearby Castle Eden Dene... More... South Shields - lies on the coast at the mouth of the River Tyne... More... Spennymoor - is a small town which has suffered economically with the decline of the mining industry... More... Stockton on Tees - is a historic market town located on the northern shore of the River Tees... More... Sunderland - Museum and Winter Gardens traces the history of the area from prehistoric times... More... Washington - was designated a new town in 1964 but its history goes back much further... More...

Useful Contact Information for Durham

Stanhope Tourist Information Centre Castle Gardens, Stanhope, County Durham, DL13 2FJ Tel No: 01388 527650 Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre Flatts Road, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8AA Tel No: 01833 690909 Durham Tourist Information Centre Millennium Place, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1WA Tel No: 01913 843720 Middleton-in-Teesdale Tourist Information Centre Market Place, Middleton in Teesdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 0QG Tel No: 01833 641001 Peterlee Tourist Information Centre Upper Yoden Way, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 1AX Tel No: 0191 5864450 Bishop Auckland Tourist Information Centre Market Place, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 7NP Tel No: 01388 604922

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