Durham Museum and Heritage Centre, Durham

Housed in the former church of Saint Mary-le-Bow on North Bailey-steps from Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle-the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre told the story of the city from medieval times to the 20th century. The Grade I-listed building itself is part of the appeal: a 17th-century reconstruction that incorporates a 15th-century roof, early-Georgian woodwork, and a later west tower, all stitched into the winding streets of the peninsula. It’s a fitting setting for a museum devoted to a place where faith, learning, and civic life have long intertwined.

Inside, displays once charted every day Durham-its guilds and trades (from organ to carpet-making), domestic life, and the bustle around the river bridges and markets. Visitors particularly enjoyed models of the medieval and Victorian city and a brass-rubbing centre, making it a handy primer before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site outside. Run largely by knowledgeable volunteers, the museum offered a concise, friendly introduction to local history without overwhelming first-time visitors.

Do note that the museum closed in late 2024 due to the rising costs of maintaining the historic building, and the Bow Trust has been working to rehome parts of the collection. You can still admire Saint Mary-le-Bow’s exterior on your way to nearby highlights: the Cathedral Museum on Palace Green, the Museum of Archaeology, and guided tours of Durham Castle all deepen the story the museum once told. Check the latest status before you go, and use the walk to enjoy one of England’s most dramatic cathedral cities.