Raby Estates

Ambitious renovations and developments are underway at Raby Estates, as they expand the visitor offer at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. The Rising development has now opened and includes reimagined walled gardens, restored heritage buildings and the new Vinery Café Restaurant.

Return of the Vikings

Get set for the return of the Vikings this summer! Prepare to be transported back in time as you encounter the Viking Village, the new pre-show experience at Kynren. Venture into the Viking Village, and watch as the warriors prepare for battle. Complete with a cookhouse, a woodworker’s cottage and even a working Blacksmith’s forge, experience history come to life before your eyes.

Locomotion

Locomotion is investing in new experiences, buildings and interpretation across the museum to better tell the significant story of Shildon, and its contribution to the development of railways worldwide. The recently opened New Hall showcases the largest collection of historic rail vehicles, under cover and on display in Europe.

Remaking Beamish

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is celebrating the largest single investment ever seen with a £10.9m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Remaking Beamish project. Work to expanded the 1950s Town continues with the construction of a new toy shop, a new electrical store and cinema also underway. Recently opened is a new pottery workshop and tavern, with Georgian themed accommodation in the pipeline. Due to be opened in 2024.

Seascapes

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £2.78m to the Tyne to Tees, Shores and Seas Partnership scheme (SeaScapes).

Redhills

After almost six years of fundraising, work has now started on the ambitious renewal of Redhills, the historic Durham Miners’ Hall. Opening late 2024.

The Story

The newly opened grade II listed Mount Oswald has undergone restoration to become a state-of-the-art history centre – The Story at Mount Oswald. Bringing Durham’s fascinating history to life through historic records, photographs and objects, alongside exhibitions, activities and events.

Aykley Heads Cultural Venue

As the UK's National Centre for Light Art, this new venue will draw on Durham's many associations with light, from the Venerable Bede's Lunar Calendar to Durham University's work on the James Webb Space Telescope and the biennial Lumiere festival.

Occupying the site of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery building and its grounds, it will bring together art and science to look to the future and celebrate the county's creativity.

Re-opening date to be announced soon.

Northern Saints Trails

Six walking trails that bring to life the stories of the region’s saints, set against a backdrop of the best of the North East’s landscapes, heritage and food and drink.

Stockton and Darlington Railway 200th Anniversary

There is now less than two years to go until the bi-centenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway - the world's first passenger railway, which started its journey in Durham. Celebrations taking place in 2025 will include S&DR2000 – a nine-month festival, featuring internationally significant events and projects that shine a light on the history and future of transport.

Auckland Palace Gardens

The regeneration of Auckland Palace continues at The Auckland Project as three new gardens have recently opened. Connect with nature in the Wilderness Garden, pause and reflect in the Faith Garden, and meet Auckland Palace’s gardeners in the historic Walled Garden, which will feature a striking new glasshouse.