THIS SUMMER’S GTW Club fam trip showcased The Auckland Project and Kynren, as well as Beamish Museum and The Bowes Museum, with an overnight stay at Park Head Hotel in Bishop Auckland. It then went on to tour the Locomotion railway museum and Lumley Castle on its whistle-stop tour.

The team at Visit County Durham were on hand to welcome GTW readers, and here they highlight even more of the county’s group friendly attractions a going on in this neck of the woods.
“It was wonderful to welcome members of the GTW Club, and a pleasure to showcase some of the fantastic attractions Durham has to offer group travellers,” say the team at Visit County Durham. “It’s an exciting time for the destination as it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Collective Destination category at the GTW Awards 2025, and the July fam trip only scratched the surface of what’s on offer across the county, with its award-winning museums, natural wonders, glorious gardens, historic houses and ancient castles.”

DURHAM CATHEDRAL
Starting in Durham City, the famous cathedral is a must-visit for any group. It has been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost a millennium. Built in 1093 to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert, the cathedral is renowned for its Romanesque architecture and spectacular location at the heart of the Durham World Heritage Site. Groups can enjoy either a guided tour of the cathedral, which lasts around one hour, or a free-flow visit with a self-guide leaflet available in 12 languages. Further focus tours and talks are also available for more specialist interests, such as stained glass windows, plus selected behind the scenes tours.

DURHAM CASTLE
A short walk away is Durham Castle, which, along with Durham Cathedral, forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Groups can experience more than 1,000 years of history on a tour and discover how it functions today as the home of Durham University’s University College.

PALACE GREEN LIBRARY
While in this area of the city, groups can also enjoy a visit to the Historic Libraries and Archives at Palace Green Library – a collection of buildings dating back to the 15th century.
It’s home to Durham University’s special collections, the Durham World Heritage Site Visitor Centre,
Cosin’s Library and Museum of Archaeology. Durham University’s Oriental Museum and the Botanic Garden are also popular with groups.

CROOK HALL
A short walk from the centre of the city is Crook Hall. A National Trust site, it’s a spectacular backdrop to the stunning 10-acre gardens, paddock and fields, alongside views over Durham City. Paths lead you through a series of interlinked gardens, each with their own character. Discover blooming borders, secluded walled gardens, an orchard and a tranquil moat pool.

USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE
Just four miles from Durham City is Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, an arts, heritage and
events venue. Established initially as a Catholic Seminary, founded in 1808 from the former English Catholic College at Douai in France, it was purpose built in its beautiful setting in the Durham countryside.
Each corner of Ushaw is a curiosity, waiting to wow. Visitors can lose themselves in the grounds, be amazed by beautiful buildings and marvel at centuries of art, history and heritage.

HOPETOWN DARLINGTON, LOCOMOTION & WEARDALE RAILWAY
At Hopetown Darlington you can discover more about the region’s role in the development of the
railways. Groups will receive a warm, personalised welcome in the historic Grade II* listed Goods Shed, the oldest surviving early railway Goods Shed in the UK, before beginning their group tour or self-guided visit to view the 30,000-strong railway heritage collection on permanent display. For rail enthusiasts, this
new attraction can be combined with a visit to Locomotion (pictured here) and Weardale Railway.

DURHAM DALES
No visit to Durham is complete without exploring the Durham Dales, a highlight of which is High Force
Waterfall, where water cascades more than 70 feet into the River Tees. Guided tours give groups the
chance to explore the surrounding nature trails. The famous landmark is also featured in a number of walking routes around the area, including on the Northern Saints Trails.

RABY CASTLE, PARK AND GARDENS
This is a timeless destination where you can immerse yourself in centuries of history, explore stunning
architecture, and embrace the beauty of the grounds and gardens.
A short drive from Raby Castle is Wynyard Hall, the perfect destination
for a leisurely day out, offering something for everyone with its beautiful gardens, relaxing cafe´ and
farm shop, set against the stunning backdrop of the 18th century Grade II listed country house.
When it’s time for some retail therapy, enjoy up to 70% off world famous brands at Dalton Park. It offers the perfect balance between bargain browsing, tasty food and drink, and the chance to get a breath of fresh air in the surrounding parkland.