If you are heading North this summer, make sure you visit Historic Durham to see some of the exciting new attractions in and around the county.
From the much anticipated 1950s town in the largest living open air museum to a restored castle and French chateau style Museum, it’s all happening here in Durham. We were kindly invited along to visit all the new and wonderful developments happening and can highly recommend you add this to your summer visit list this year.
Step back in time at the Beamish Museum
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is a fantastic day out for all the family. This summer there is something new and very exciting to experience at Beamish. The remaking Beamish project sees the development of the 1950s Town and community, bringing the not so distant past to life.
The welfare hall, standing just as you enter the town offers a variety of events and workshops for everyone. The 50’s street and Police Station are open to wander through, giving you a glimpse into life as it was 70 years ago.
The new park is a huge attraction for families and includes a sandpit, swings,a high slide ( just like the good old days!), a roundabout,and a climbing frame. On our visit it was wonderful to see families enjoying the sunshine and a bit of old fashioned fun. Beamish has been crying out for a park and it looks like it is going to be very popular and well used. I’m sure many visitors will have flashbacks to their own childhood of endless hours playing outdoors and the great sense of togetherness that existed within communities.
Also within the 1950s town is a bowling green, a mini golf with obstacles inspired by locations around the North East including High Force, Sycamore Gap and the iconic Tyne Bridge. Don’t forget to pop by the hairdressers to have a 50’s pin up and call next door for an ice cream float.
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of iconic Silver Swan automation Bowes museum
Picture a beautiful French Chateau with immaculate gardens to the front and acres of wild woodland behind. This summer you don’t need to head to the South of France, it’s all here to experience at the beautiful Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, Durham.
With a stunning collection of art and fashion there really is something to capture everyone’s imagination, regardless of age.
The main attraction this summer has to be be the museum’s landmark exhibition, Movement, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the iconic Silver Swan automaton. Running between 8 July 2023 and 7 January 2024, the exhibition tells the incredible story of John Joseph Merlin, the swan’s marvellous inventor, and showcases other automata from the 18th century to today.
The stunning botanical décor that runs throughout the museum connects the inside to its surrounding grounds. There are a number of beautiful spots to sit and admire the views or take five minutes to absorb the grandeur of Bowes museum. The extensive grounds of the museum invite you to explore and unwind as you meander beneath the trees. There are plenty of perfect picnic spots to sit back, relax and take in the surrounding woodland.
I would recommend a stop off at the café, it is simply beautiful. With little nooks set within the bay windows and surrounded by plants, it’s an experience in itself. Whether it’s breakfast, a quick cuppa and a slice of cake, a leisurely three course lunch or delicious afternoon tea, you’ll find something special to round off your visit.
More information: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/the-magic-of-the-silver-swan/
Refuel at The Park Head Hotel
A great place to refuel after Bowes Museum is The Park Head Hotel. I can highly recommend a visit for Sunday Lunch. The restaurant is beautiful. With a light and bright interior and relaxed atmosphere it’s perfect after a busy morning. The staff are friendly and helpful and serve up lunch in record time, which is great if you have hungry children in tow! There is a great selection of meat choices and a good veggie option too. The roast is served up with vegetables on the side, a selection of potatoes and a perfectly cooked Yorkshire pudding. I love that lots of the food served is the produce from the Kitchen garden over at Auckland Castle -sustainability at its finest!
Admire the art at Auckland Project
The Auckland project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, Durham. It includes The Spanish Gallery, Auckland Tower with its viewing platform offering 360° views across Auckland Park,
We visited The Auckland Project to see “Sin” ,the latest exhibition in the castle.
Organised by the National Gallery London and on show until 1st October,
The exhibition looks at ideas around sin, bringing together works of art that span centuries.The exhibition includes eight outstanding paintings from the National Gallery’s collection as well as works by Tracey Emin and Ron Mueck.Castle. We found this a unique and thought provoking exhibition.
Afterwards enjoy some time outdoors and relax in over 150 acres of historic parkland. Take a stroll in the 17th-century walled garden and see the fruits and vegetables, which are used with the projects cafes and restaurants, growing in abundance.
Kynren – a journey through time
Experience a show like no other in the outdoor theatre in the heart of the Bishop Auckland countryside. From the amazing actors to the spectacular lighting and sound effects – I can only describe Kynren as a fully immersive and unforgettable journey through time and history that everyone must experience. I learned so much in 90 minutes about our past, how it created our present and how it will shape our future. A yearly spectacular, Kynren guides its audiences through the past 2000 years of significant historical events that have shaped our country. This is most definitely the start of a summer tradition that I will look forward to for many years to come and enjoy with family and friends.
Kynren starts on Saturday July 29th until Saturday September 9th, tickets can be booked via the website or this link Book Tickets here.
Review and images by Maria Davison @girlaboutdurham
Some images courtesy of the attractions
