2-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Abernyte

Durham Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral and part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site. A substantial part of the building was completed between 1093 and 1133, and it is a significant example of Romanesque architecture. The nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault.

Tip: There is no parking at or near the cathedral, so use the Park and Ride or the Cathedral Bus into Durham. The tower is stairs only.

Beamish is a living, open-air museum on a 350-acre site in County Durham, telling the story of everyday life in the North East. Original, moved and replica buildings are staffed by costumed engagers, with live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Trams and buses carry you between the different areas.

Tip: Book your pass online before you visit for faster entry, and download the map to your phone or pick one up at the Entrance Building.

Brancepeth Castle is a Grade I listed castle in County Durham, about five miles south-west of Durham city. The first castle on the site was Norman, rebuilt by the Nevilles in the late 14th century. The present building is largely the work of the early 19th century, with later improvements by Anthony Salvin.

Tip: The castle is only open to visitors on certain days each year, so check its website and book a tour before you go.

Raby Castle is a Grade I listed medieval castle near Staindrop in County Durham, built by the Nevilles between about 1367 and 1390. It has nine towers, a Neville Gateway with grooves still visible from its portcullises, and a large art collection including works by old masters and portraits. It remains a private family home, and the grounds include 200 acres of deer park.

Tip: Pre-booking tickets online is recommended to get the best price.

Locomotion is a railway museum in Shildon, County Durham, part of the Science Museum Group. It sits beside the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, and houses locomotives from the National Collection, including Sans Pareil and the unique APT-E and Deltic units.

Tip: Pets aren't admitted, though working assistance dogs are welcome. Check the website for event days before you go.

Washington Old Hall is a stone manor house in the heart of Washington village, cared for by the National Trust. It includes parts of the medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, and the family took its surname from here. The ground floor shows a 17th-century home, with carved oak furniture and a collection of Delft ware.

Tip: Free parking is available on The Avenue, right beside the property.

Durham Castle is a Norman castle begun in 1072 on orders from William the Conqueror. It stands on a hill above the River Wear, opposite Durham Cathedral, and the two share World Heritage Site status. For centuries it was the seat of the prince-bishops of Durham, who held powers to raise an army, levy taxes and mint their own coins.

Lumley Castle is a Grade I listed, 14th-century quadrangular castle at Chester-le-Street, close to Durham. It stands on the banks of the Lumley Park Burn, a tributary of the River Wear. Sir Ralph Lumley converted his family manor house into a castle in 1389, and it remains a property of the Earl of Scarbrough.

Tip: Book a table in advance through the castle's website if you want to eat at the restaurant or have afternoon tea.