County Durham Things to Do

 
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  • Durham Castle & River Wear
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  • Views from the Cathedral's Tower
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Gibside - The Hall

by stevezero

The main house of the estate was a celebrated stately home, now reduced to a shell after becoming vacant in the 1940s, when death duties forced the Bowes-Lyon family to scale back its lavish lifestyle and give up some of its great houses.The hall was owned by the Bowes-Lyon family (Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorn) who also owned nearby Streatlam Castle, now demolished.The hall is currently being stabilised and may be avaiable for inside viewing one day, At present you can only see it from outside. There are fine views from here over the river Derwent.

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Gibside Orangery

by stevezero

In the Gibside grounds there is a charming orangery. Although now ruined it retains much of its charm. It was formally used to grow exotic plants for the estate and contained a boiler which heated the building to the correct temperature.

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Gibside Chapel

by stevezero

Technically now in Tyne and Wear, Gibside was formally in County Durham until 1974 and is stil most asociated with the county.The Gibside Estate, overlooking the River Derwent about four mileswest of Gateshead, was created by land owner and coal baron George Bowesbetween 1729 and 1760For whatever reason, the estate was allowed to fall into disrepair.But now, in the hands of The National Trust, is currently in the midst of an extensive renovation programme. Currently only the delightful chapel is open for viewing to the public, but there are also extensive grounds to explore.It is the Ancestral estate of the Queen Mother's family, the Bowes-Lyons In care of the National TrustAdmission Charge-Adults - £5.00

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Raby Castle

by stevezero

Unfortunately the castle was closed as we passed, you could not even get in the grounds. It opens selected days in summer only.The present castle was built by John, 3rd Baron Nevill in about 1360; Sir Henry Vane the Elder, MP, purchased Raby in 1626 and his family still own Raby, now the home of Lord Barnard's family. Raby is one of the finest medieval castles, the grandest medieval kitchen in England which was used 1360-1954, and the magnificent Baron's Hall where 700 knights gathered in 1569; Coach House museum Admission Charge Adults £9.00 for grounds and castle

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Egglestone Abbey

by stevezero

The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle. Remains include much of the 13th-century church and a range of living quarters, with traces of their ingenious toilet drainage system.In the care of English HeritageAdmission free

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Bowes Castle

by stevezero

Bowes castle is in the small village of Bowes, some 8kms west of Barnard Castle.The castle is thought to have been built by Alan, Earl of Richmond, soon after the Norman conquest of 1066 on the site of the old Roman fort, a date of 1087 indicating how strategic the location was to the Normans. It appears to have been involved in considerable conflict over the centuries with reports of it having been besieged as early as 1173 by King William of Scotland. It was apparently so badly damaged as to have required rebuilding in 1187. Around 1216 enemies of King John again besieged the castle, and again in 1322 in a regional feud between Henry Fitzhugh and the then Earl of Richmond. The castle keep we see now stands testimony to the choice of site and the quality of the 1087 construction and 1173 reconstruction.In care of English Heritage-Admission Free!

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Barnard Castle - Bowes Museum

by stevezero

The museum lies just outside the town of Barnard Castle, built in the style of a French chateau, unfortunately we did not have the time to visit this trip.It has one of the most impressive collections of pictures, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, clocks and costumes in the north of England. The Bowes Museum developed from the collection of John Bowes, Earl of Strathmore, who with his French actress wife Josephine purchased most of the wonderful items displayed in the museum. Sadly both died before the completion of the building in 1892.

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Barnard Castle - County Bridge

by stevezero

We came into town via the County Bridge, an old bridge, built in its current form in 1569 . It lies at the foot of the castle hill. You can park near here for free and walk up to the castle and main town.

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Barnard Castle - The Castle

by stevezero

Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the 12th century, the castle stands on a rocky hill overlooking the River Tees.Unsuccessfully besieged by the Scots in 1216, it was confiscated when John de Balliol, briefly King of Scotland, was deposed by Edward I. It last saw action during the Northern Rising against Queen Elizabeth in 1569, surrendering to 5000 rebels, and was partly dismantled in 1630 to furnish materials for Sir Henry Vane's new Raby Castle.In the care of English HeritageAdmission Charge -Adults £3.40

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Barnard Castle

by stevezero

Barnard Castle is a castle and also the name of its surrounding town in Teesdale, County Durham, England. It sits on the north side of the River Tees, opposite Startforth. Other than the castle, Bowes Museum and the Butter Market are among the town's other attractions.

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Fun things to do in County Durham

Top 3 Hotels in County Durham

Premier Inn Durham City Centre  Durham

 1 Review and 234 Opinions  The accomodations were clean, neat and pleasant. The food in the attached restaurant were above the... 

 Hotels in Durham

The St George Hotel  Darlington

 1 Review and 18 Opinions  This is one of the worst hotels that I have ever had the displeasure to stay in. To begin with, my... 

 Hotels in Darlington

The Rose & Crown  Barnard Castle

 132 Opinions

 Hotels in Barnard Castle

108 Hotels in County Durham
 
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Reviews and photos of County Durham attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for County Durham sightseeing.

Experience County Durham
Things to Do: Cities in County Durham
  1. Durham Things to Do
  2. Darlington Things to Do
  3. Barnard Castle Things to Do
  4. Billingham-on-Tees Things to Do
  5. Brandon Things to Do
  6. Sedgefield Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

sunset_gal profile photo

Q:  We'll be stopping in Durham for the night en route from York to Edinburgh. Any recommendations for hotels/B&Bs for Durham? Is... 

christine.j profile photo

A: I think Durham is at least as beautiful as York, if not more so. Walk up to the cathedral, then climb up the tower there. You'll have a wonderful view. For me, Durham... 

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