Co Durham Attractions 

Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester was the largest Roman fort in County Durham. A small part has been excavated and is open to view. Most of the fort and the remains of the nearby civilian settlement still lie buried in the surrounding fields.

The fort was built to guard the point where Dere Street crossed the Wear. The first fort was built in timber around AD80 but was soon replaced by a more massive stone fort in the early second century AD. The fort was defended by a wall some 5m high with four gateways flanked by guard towers and outside was a huge V-shaped ditch for extra defence. Inside were the headquarters building, the commandant’s house, the hospital, granaries, work-shops, barracks and stables.

The Roman fort became a focus of local activity and a large civilian settlement soon grew around it. This settlement provided for the needs of the troops and became a market centre for the surrounding area.

Binchester, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DJ  Tel:  (01388) 663089

Diggerland

An adventure park for all ages where you can ride, drive and operate full size constuction machinery. (other parks in Devon & Kent)

Langley Park, DH7 9TT  Tel: 08700 344437  Email

Durham Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre is Durham City’s only local history museum telling the story of Durham from Mediaeval times to the Twentieth Century. It offers much of interest to tourists and Durham residents alike with displays about Durham as a centre of pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Cuthbert, the City’s old theatres only one of which survives in use, Durham people, the world renowned Harrison organ makers, lost industries, mining life and railways. Particular items of interest include models of the Mediaeval city and 19th Century Market Place, the Chancery Court bench, reconstructions of cells from the Victorian prison and the notorious Northgate gaol and Durham School’s "Death Chair".

Saint Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey, Durham  DH1 3ET  Tel: 0191 384 5589

Durham University

The University of Durham was founded in 1832. It developed in Durham and Newcastle until 1963, when the independent University of Newcastle upon Tyne came into being. The University of Durham is collegiate and is located in the city of Durham and the nearby town of Stockton. The colleges are not teaching bodies, nor are they purely residential - typically they provide a centre for students’ sporting, social and residential activities

The Oriental Museum: from eighth-century grave figures to contemporary New Year street lions - discover ancient Egypt, Japan and China in the heart of Durham.

Old Fulling Mill Museum: exhibits the archaeology of the local area and holds collections of national significance. It is one of the most photographed museums in the world because of its position underneath the cathedral.

Botanic Garden: an 18-acre garden with trees, shrubs and flowers from all over the world, sculptures, and a reptile and exotic plant house.

Durham  DH1 3HP   Tel: 0191 334 2000

Piercebridge Roman Fort

The East Gate and defensive ditches of the late 3rd Century Roman Fort of Morbium. This is situated in the attractive village of Piercebridge on the River Tees.

Darlington, DL2 3SG  Tel: 01325 460532