County Durham Events
Past Events In County Durham
Past events by date
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Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with El Purnell
Thu 24 Sep 26
Oakleaf Sports Complex, School Aycliffe Lane
Newton Aycliffe DL5 6QZ
Coming to Hilarity Bites at the OakLeaf Sports Complex in Newton Aycliffe on September 24th 2026:
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night,...
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Alex Mitchell
Mon 21 Sep 26
The Vault, East Row, Darlington DL1 5PN
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Vault in Darlington on September 21st 2026:
Hilarity Bitesize New Act & New Material Night, with Alex Mitchell,...
Mickleton Village Hall and the Community over the years
Sun 20 Sep 26
Mickleton Village Hall, Mickleton, Mickleton, Barnard Castle DL12 0JR
Heritage Open Day: Come and see on the cinema screen how the village hall was built and see what actually goes on in the hall...
County Durham Dollhouse and Miniature Fair
Sun 20 Sep 26
Blackhill Club, Ridley Street, Consett, County Durham DH8 8TT
Our fairs specialise in traders selling a variety of 1/12th and some 1/24th miniatures for all dollhouse, room boxes and project needs...
St. Cuthbert’s Church, Etherley (DL14 0HT)
Sat 19 Sep 26
St. Cuthbert’s Church, Church Street, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland DL14 0HT
Heritage Open Day: Church is open from 9.30 - 15.30 on Saturday, September 19th.
Church guide.
Christian artwork on display...
All Saints Church and Churchyard open day - Langley Park
Sat 19 Sep 26
All Saints Church, Quebec Street, Langley Park DH7 9UU
Heritage Open Day: A chance to explore the church, find out what's happening in the churchyard, and discover the history of the village...
Holy Trinity Darlington
Sat 19 Sep 26
Holy Trinity Church, Woodland Road, Darlington DL3 7BQ
Heritage Open Day: Visitors of all ages are invited to Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 19th September between 10 am and 4pm...
Everyday Histories - Two Mining Families - One Village History- a lasting legacy.
Sat 19 Sep 26
St Mary's Church, South Street, West Rainton DH4 6NR
Heritage Open Day: The growth of mining in West Rainton brought an influx of workers from different parts of the country...
Banners, Art and Local History
Sat 19 Sep 26
Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT
Heritage Open Day: Display of miners’ lodge & community banners + Collection of mining & other local history records + Gallery of work by local...
Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ Visits
Sat 19 Sep 26
New Victoria Centre, High Street, Howden Le Wear, Crook DL15 8EZ
Heritage Open Day: See & hear the North East's only 'Mighty Wurlitzer' theatre pipe organ (one of UK's largest)...
St Laurence's Church, Pittington
Sat 19 Sep 26
Hallgarth Lane, High Pittington DH6 1AB
Heritage Open Day: Visit St Laurence Church. Refreshments available. Discover a Grade I listed, 12th & 13th century church...
St Margaret of Antioch Church
Sat 19 Sep 26
Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PR
Heritage Open Day: St Margaret of Antioch church building dates from the mid-twelfth century, and much of the stonework (as well as the font) is...
Thorpe Light Railway - behind the scenes
Sat 19 Sep 26
Thorpe Light Railway, Barnard Castle DL12 9TW
Heritage Open Day: An opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Thorpe Light Railway, and hear about ongoing projects and future plans...
St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington
Sat 19 Sep 26
St. Cuthberts Church, Market Place, Darlington DL1 5QG
Heritage Open Day: St. Cuthbert's Darlington, the Church in the Market Place is undergoing a transformation, but we're opening our church...
Two Railways and Two Denes
Fri 18 Sep 26
Castle Eden Dene Local Nature Reserve, Oakerside Dene Lodge, Stanhope Drive, Castle Eden Dene SR8 1NJ
Heritage Open Day: A walk in the countryside along former railway lines. Two Railways and Two Denes
10:00am (4.5 hours) 8 miles, level 2...
St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham
Fri 18 Sep 26
St. Cuthberts Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL
Heritage Open Day: Visit this simple, peaceful church to rest a while or to see the stunning window by the world-famous Irish stained glass artist...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Josh Jones & Jenny Hart
Fri 18 Sep 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on September 18th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Washington Old Hall - National Trust
Fri 18 Sep 26
Washington Old Hall, The Avenue, Washington Village, Sunderland NE38 7LE
Heritage Open Day: Enjoy free entry to the manor house, gardens and nuttery. At the heart of historic Washington village this picturesque stone manor...
Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre
Thu 17 Sep 26
Cemetery Lodge, 25 Woodlands Avenue, Wheatley Hill DH6 3JY
Heritage Open Day: Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre will be open for the last weekend of Heritage Open Days - Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 September 2026...
Stanhope and Tyne Railway Walk
Wed 16 Sep 26
Waskerley station picnic area, Waskerley Village, off Castleside to Stanhope road, Consett DH8 9DZ
Heritage Open Day: A walk in the countryside along former railway lines. Let our guides take you on a walk through history using the former railway...
Crook Hall Gardens - National Trust
Wed 16 Sep 26
Crook Hall Gardens, Frankland Lane, Durham DH1 5SZ
Heritage Open Day: Free entry to enjoy the beautiful gardens and Medieval Hall Wander through the series of interlinking gardens, each with its own...
Your Families and How They Came to Billingham
Mon 14 Sep 26
St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham TS23 1BW
Heritage Open Day: Photos and stories of the first generations to come to Billingham – as a tribute to the Town’s pioneers...
St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham, Church History Tour
Mon 14 Sep 26
St Cuthbert's Church, Billingham Green, Billingham, Teesside TS23 1BW
Heritage Open Day: Come and explore this historic church and hear some fascinating facts in an iconic setting led by a knowledgeable members of the...
St Mary's Parish Church
Sun 13 Sep 26
Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NQ
Heritage Open Day: The church tower will be open with access to the ringing chamber and the clock chamber...
St Andrew's Church, Haughton le Skerne, Darlington
Sun 13 Sep 26
Haughton Green, Haughton le Skerne, Darlington DL1 2DD
Heritage Open Day: The oldest church in Darlington, c1125, including interesting stonework and woodwork...
St Ives' Church Leadgate
Sat 12 Sep 26
St Ives Church, St Ives Road, Leadgate DH8 7SN
Heritage Open Day: Discover St Ives' Church Leadgate, one of the North East's little-known architectural gems with a fascinating heritage...
Cotherstone Old Chapel Project
Sat 12 Sep 26
The Old Wesleyan Chapel, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle DL12 9NL
Heritage Open Day: Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now community owned/run shop, café and heritage centre...
Escomb Saxon Church
Sat 12 Sep 26
Escomb Saxon Church, Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland DL14 7SY
Heritage Open Day: The church was built in the 7th century. Have a free guided tour of this ancient, Anglo-Saxon Church, where you can learn about...
St. John the Baptist Church Greatham
Sat 12 Sep 26
St. John the Baptist Church, Greatham, Hartlepool TS25 2QT
Heritage Open Day: Discover St. John the Baptist Church, Greatham and discover the history of the church through a display as well as Wedding...
Aycliffe Bus Museum
Sat 12 Sep 26
Aycliffe Bus Museum, Langton Business Centre, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6BL
Heritage Open Day: Step aboard at Aycliffe Bus Museum for a journey through North East transport history...
St Mary the Virgin, Easington
Sat 12 Sep 26
St Mary the Virgin, Hall Walks, Easington Village SR8 3BP
Heritage Open Day: A 12th century Parish Church, with evidence of Saxon origins. The building contains Medieval pieces including a beautiful example...
An invitation to visit the ancient church of All Saints, Stranton. Guided tours throughout the day.
Sat 12 Sep 26
Church Row, Hartlepool TS247QT
Heritage Open Day: This year we are celebrating our 900 year anniversary. We will have a Memories of Stranton display in church...
St James' Church, Hamsterley
Sat 12 Sep 26
St James' Church, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland DL13 3RQ
Heritage Open Day: St James' Church, Hamsterley. An opportunity to see one of County Durham's Grade 1 listed churches...
Life in the world's first railway town
Sat 12 Sep 26
Locomotion, The N R M At Shildon, Dale Road Trading Estate, Dale Road, Shildon DL4 2RE
Heritage Open Day: The town of Shildon has had an exciting story to tell since the earliest days of the rail industry...
St Andrews Church - Dalton le Dale
Sat 12 Sep 26
St Andrew's Church, St Cuthberts Tce, Dalton le Dale SR7 8QX
Heritage Open Day: St Andrews Church has some unique features dating back to Anglo-Saxon origins. It is situated in an ancient village which has a...
Durham Castle
Sat 12 Sep 26
The Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW
Heritage Open Day: Experience a self-guided visit to Durham Castle and stroll around at your own pace on Saturday 12 September...
The Bowes Museum
Sat 12 Sep 26
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Heritage Open Day: Enjoy a fantastic free day out with family and friends at The Bowes Museum and celebrate England’s largest festival of history...
From Dig to Display: Get Behind the Scenes at the Museum of Archaeology
Sat 12 Sep 26
Museum of Archaeology, Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RN
Heritage Open Day: Explore the newly reopened upstairs gallery and discover the work that goes on behind the scenes of an archaeology museum...
St Barnabas Burnmoor Church
Sat 12 Sep 26
St Barnabas Church, 75 St. Barnabas, Bournmoor DH4 6EU
Heritage Open Day: A visit to a lovely church where you can expect a warm welcome and refreshments.
There will be a variety of displays on local...
Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric
Fri 11 Sep 26
Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Godric, 2, Castle Chare, Durham DH1 4RD
Heritage Open Day: Between the train and the bus stations, a landmark in the Durham City Conservation Area, St...
The Fitzhugh Library
Fri 11 Sep 26
The Fitzhugh Library, 1st floor 51 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle DL12 0QH
Heritage Open Day: Visit the hidden gem of the Fitzhugh Library and its collection of photographs, books and documents re the County Palatine of...
Ferryhill Wild Boar Heritage Centre
Fri 11 Sep 26
7 North Street Ferryhill, Ferryhill DL178HX
Heritage Open Day: Remembering the past to educate the people of the future Past heritage of Ferryhill.
Horticultural Show 2026
Sat 5 Sep 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
The museum has teamed up with the North East Horticultural Society for this annual event, taking place on the museum’s Events Field, which will see...
W3L Wrestling Showdown and Dropkick Championship Wrestling
Fri 28 Aug 26
University Blvd, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BH
W3L Wrestling and Dropkick Championship Wrestling @ Queens Campus Sports Centre, Stockton-On-Tees
Friday August 28th, Doors Open 6...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Matt Stellingwerf & Lauren Pattison
Fri 21 Aug 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on August 21st 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Heather Holm - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 2 Aug 26
Heather Holm, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 3JU
Divided into several rooms, this is a garden of different aspects, formal, floral and architectural. The owners have a philosophy of colour...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Brennan Reece & Fran Garrity
Sat 1 Aug 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on August 1st 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
St Cuthbert's Hospice - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 26 Jul 26
St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham DH1 3QF
5 acres of mature gardens surround the Hospice. In development since 1988, the gardens are cared for by volunteers inc a Victorian-style greenhouse...
Ayclive Music Festival 2026
Fri 24 Jul 26
OakLeaf Sports Field
School Aycliffe Lane
Newton Aycliffe
Co. Durham DL5 6QZ
Ayclive Festival is a community-driven music event in Newton Aycliffe, organised by passionate volunteers to bring live entertainment and support...
Brancepeth Castle Summer Craft Fair 2026
Fri 24 Jul 26
Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth DH7 8DE
A three-day craft fair at Brancepeth Castle, with around 70 unique stalls, delicious home-made hot and cold food and cakes served in the castle...
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Things to do around County Durham
If you're planning a day out in County Durham, this northernmost county in England offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Here are some delightful activities to consider:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!
:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!