News- Ten fascinating experiences to enjoy during Heritage Open Days 2024

Across the county, museums, heritage sites, ancient churches and historic gardens will be throwing their doors open for free or offering exclusive experiences as part of the annual celebration of history and culture.

This year, the festival runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September and will include events and activities taking place at our venues.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, our Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: "County Durham has a rich history, and this is an opportunity for us to learn more about its fascinating past and the many treasures that exist here. Heritage Open Days offer a chance to go behind the scenes at some of the county's oldest and most celebrated buildings, discover stories we've never heard before, view objects not normally on public display and meet the people who look after them.

"This includes many volunteers who give up their time throughout the year to help preserve and celebrate County Durham's heritage."

Ten highlights from this year's programme

1: Discover the past, present and future of County Durham at The Story

Located in the recently restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald House, The Story is home to five historic collections, including six miles of historic archives and ancient archaeological finds. To mark Heritage Open Days, the Durham County Council venue is staging a series of guided tours, including opportunities to go behind the scenes to view exciting objects within the stores. There will also be special collection displays and activities for families. Pre-booking is required for the tours. Visit: What's on at The Story

The Story, Mount Oswald, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TQ.

2: Meet former coal miners at Durham Mining Museum

Chat to former coal miners in this fascinating museum packed full of artefacts and history. Visitors can discover what it was like working down the pit in the coal seam experience and learn more about the 1984 Miners' Strike. Former miners will be at the museum between 10am and 2pm everyday from Friday 6 to Saturday 14 September, excluding Wednesdays and Sundays. Visit: Durham Mining Museum

Spennymoor Town Hall, High Street, Spennymoor, DL16 6DG.

3: Take a walk through railway history at Locomotion in Shildon

Learn about the world's first railway town and find out how early railways operated on this free, volunteer-led guided walk around the exteriors of Locomotion's historic buildings. Tours depart from the museum's main hall at 11am on Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 September. Pre-booking is not required, with places offered on a first come, first serve basis. Visit: Locomotion.

Locomotion, Dale Road, Shildon, DL4 2RE.

4: Follow in the footsteps of the Romans at Binchester Roman Fort

See the remains of the commanding officer's house at this fourth century fort. This includes the impressive bath building which contains one of the best examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain. Entry is free during the Heritage Open Days period. Visit: Binchester Roman Fort.

Binchester Roman Fort, Stobbs Hill Lane, Near Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DJ.

5: Get up close to unique Anglo Saxon features at St Andrew's Church

Built in 1155 in a picturesque location, St Andrew's Church in Dalton-le-Dale has Anglo Saxon origins and many unique features, including a sundial. Tours will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 7 September. No booking is required.

St Andrew's Church, St Cuthberts Terrace, Dalton le Dale, Seaham, SR7 8QT.

6: Admire thousands of objects spanning 500 years at The Bowes Museum

Enjoy free entry to The Bowes Museum on Saturday 7 September. From furniture and fashion to sculpture, ceramics, silver and metals - the museum is a celebration of creativity. Discover rarely seen and often overlooked works by northern artists Norman Cornish and L S Lowry in the museum's summer exhibition, Kith and Kinship, and watch the iconic Silver Swan in action. Visit: The Bowes Museum.

The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP.

7: Experience the delights of Old Durham Gardens

Explore these historic formal gardens that date back to the 17^th century. Admire the listed stone gazebo and walled garden, which is home to historically authentic fruit espaliers, period seating, flower borders, an orchard and roses. Friends of the Old Gardens will be present on Sunday 8 September between 2pm and 4pm to answer questions and talk about the ongoing plans for the garden and how to get involved. Visit: Old Durham Gardens.

Old Durham, Benthouse Lane, south of Sherburn Road (A181), Durham, DH1 2RY

8: Hop on board the historic Thorpe Light Railway

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and learn all about the history of this miniature railway, and the work of the Friends of Thorpe Light Railway to restore and operate it. Travelling by train, visitors will be able to get out at locations where the train does not normally stop to discover more about the building of the railway, the local wildlife and the locomotives in the engine shed. Tours will last about half an hour and will leave the station at approximately 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on Saturday 14 September subject to demand. No booking required. Visit: Thorpe Light Railway.

Thorpe Light Railway, Whorlton, DL12 9TW (nearest postcode).

9: See and hear the North East's only Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ

Examine the impressive workings of this truly magnificent machine and learn how it was originally used 100 years ago. Now fully restored, visitors can discover the magic of the theatre organ and how the master craftsmen that created it produced amazing sounds without electronic amplification or tone generation. Tours and demonstrations will take place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 14 September. No booking required. Visit: North East Theatre Organ Association

North East Theatre Organ Association, New Victoria Centre, High Street, Howden Le Wear, Crook, DL15 8EZ.

10: Discover atmospheric spaces and long-held traditions at Durham Town Hall

Grade II listed Durham Town Hall has been at the heart of civic life in Durham City since the 14^th century. Explore this hidden gem of a building which remains the official office of the Mayor of Durham and the Mayoral Bodyguard, a tradition that dates back to 1602. Guided tours will take place at 11am and 2pm on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September. No booking required. Visit: Durham Town Hall.

Durham Town Hall, Market Place, Durham City, DH1 3NJ.