County Durham

Durham City also abounds with things to do. Take a river boat cruise, catch a show at The Gala Theatre, or visit delightful cafes, galleries, markets, wonderful hotels and character filled shops. Here you’ll discover authentic experiences and genuine hospitality unique to Durham, so whether you’d like to trek across the picturesque moors and valleys of the Durham Dales, or visit majestic castles, living museums, and bustling market towns, visit and fall in love with Durham.

There is no shortage of visitor attractions here. The largest open-air museum in England is to be found at Beamish where you can see life as it was at the beginning of the last century. Fine art treasures can be seen at the John and Josephine Bowes Museum, a French-style chateau in Barnard Castle. Combine funfairs and shopping, all undercover, at Metroland, the biggest indoor theme park in Europe and the MetroCentre, a huge shopping centre. Both are in Gateshead, half an hour by car from Durham. Look out for the Angel of the North above the motorway - a huge welded structure which has become a symbol of the region.

Most of the Durham coast has been designated Heritage coastline with dramatic cliffs and headlines and quiet beaches. Visitors can walk an 11 miles coastal footpath to enjoy the wildlife and take in the spectacular views of the Yorkshire and Northumberland coasts.