The cathedral in Durham City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, but that’s not all Durham County has to offer. The beautiful outdoors offer opportunities for relaxing getaways or activities year-round, and the market towns and villages throughout the county are home to numerous hidden gems of heritage, dining, and shopping. Much of the country, however, could truly be called remote, and poorly connected by rail — so if you don’t drive or will be home alone with a young child all day, it’s worth considering the bus schedules in your area, or choosing a larger market town.
Barnard Castle is a historic market town set on the bank of the River Tees in County Durham, North East England. Famous for its medieval castle ruins, the area is known for its picturesque character, cobbled market squares, and impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture. The presence of the Bowes Museum, a nationally acclaimed art gallery housed in a striking French chateau-style building, boosts the town’s cultural appeal and draws visitors from across the region.
Bishop Auckland is a historic market town situated in County Durham, North East England, approximately 12 miles southwest of Durham city centre. Originating as a Saxon settlement, Bishop Auckland is renowned for its rich heritage, distinctive architecture, and the presence of Auckland Castle—once the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham. The town is positioned at the confluence of the River Wear and River Gaunless, offering picturesque scenery and a unique blend of urban and rural living.
Chester le Street is a historic market town nestled in County Durham, positioned conveniently between the cities of Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. Defined by its heritage and close-knit community, Chester le Street is known for its attractive blend of period architecture, modern development, and riverside charm. The town gets its name from its Roman fort heritage, with 'chester' deriving from the Latin for camp, and its main road historically forming a key route from Scotland to the south of England.
Consett is a town in County Durham, located approximately 14 miles southwest of Newcastle upon Tyne and 13 miles northwest of Durham City. Historically, Consett was renowned for its iron and steel industry, which shaped much of its landscape and character until the 1980s. Since then, the area has undergone significant regeneration, transforming from an industrial centre to a residential hub surrounded by scenic countryside.
Crook is a small market town nestled on the edge of the picturesque Wear Valley in County Durham, in the North East of England. Situated just nine miles southwest of Durham city, Crook offers a blend of rich history, rural scenery, and accessible amenities. It’s known for its legacy in coal mining, which shaped its character and community spirit in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Crook’s friendly feel and a mixture of Victorian terraces, post-war houses, and more recent developments attract a mix of residents.
Darlington is a large market town located in County Durham in the North East of England, famed for its deep historical ties to the birth of the railway. The town played a pivotal role in the world's railway heritage, being home to the first passenger railway, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, in 1825. Today, Darlington retains many reminders of its rail legacy, including beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and the Head of Steam museum, which celebrates the town’s pioneering transport past.
Durham is a historic city set in the heart of County Durham in North East England, celebrated for its stunning Norman cathedral and castle—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city's cobbled streets wind around the River Wear, creating a picturesque and atmospheric environment that blends centuries-old architecture with a lively modern culture. Durham is known for its compact layout, charming riverside walks, and green spaces, offering residents a sense of tranquillity amid rich heritage.
Ferryhill is a small town situated within the historic county of Durham in North East England. Traditionally a coal mining community, Ferryhill has evolved into a peaceful residential area with a strong sense of local pride and heritage. The town is nestled between the larger towns of Bishop Auckland and Durham, which makes it well-positioned for those seeking the tranquility of a smaller community while still having access to urban amenities.
Hartlepool is a coastal town located in the northeast of England, bordered by the North Sea and historically part of County Durham. The town is well known for its proud maritime heritage, centered around the award-winning Hartlepool Marina, and for its historic Headland area. Hartlepool has evolved over the years, combining its traditional character—a legacy of shipping, shipbuilding, and industry—with modern cultural developments.
Newton Aycliffe is situated in County Durham in North East England, approximately halfway between Darlington and Durham. As a planned post-war “new town,” Newton Aycliffe is rich in modern history and was among the UK's earliest new towns, officially designated in 1947. Its origins as a beacon of post-war reconstruction are still reflected in its thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods, established green corridors, and varied housing stock.
Peterlee is a distinct town located in eastern County Durham, close to the North Sea coast and approximately midway between Sunderland and Hartlepool. Established in the late 1940s as part of the wave of new towns built after World War II, Peterlee was conceived to provide modern housing and amenities for coal miners and their families. Its planned urban character features a mixture of residential estates, green corridors, and local amenities, giving the town a unique architectural feel compared to older neighbouring villages.
Seaham, a coastal town in County Durham, is best known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, and maritime history. Positioned on the North Sea coast, Seaham has evolved from its origins as a prominent coal mining town to a destination celebrated for its regenerated seafront and vibrant community life. The town’s landmark, the Seaham Harbour Marina, exemplifies this transformation—offering a lively mix of cafés, independent shops, and panoramic views across the bay.
Shildon is a historic town located in County Durham, in the North East of England. Renowned as the ‘Cradle of the Railways’, Shildon has a deep-rooted connection to the birth of the rail industry and is home to Locomotion, a prestigious National Railway Museum site. The town blends its rich industrial heritage with peaceful residential neighbourhoods and convenient access to lush County Durham countryside, making it appealing to a diverse population.
Spennymoor is a historic market town located in County Durham, nestled in the North East of England between Durham City and Bishop Auckland. The town’s evolution began with the coal mining boom of the 19th century, and Spennymoor still retains echoes of its industrial heritage alongside new residential developments. Thanks to its convenient location, Spennymoor appeals to a wide range of residents — from families and working professionals commuting to nearby cities, to retirees who appreciate the slower pace and sense of community.
Stanley is a former colliery town situated in County Durham, positioned on the north-west slopes above the River Wear and a short drive from the historic city of Durham. Traditionally known for its mining heritage, Stanley has developed a distinctive identity, with a close-knit community and a range of modern amenities. The town’s character is shaped by its industrial past, with reminders in the restored Victorian and Edwardian architecture found around the town centre.
Trimdon Station is a small village situated in County Durham, in the North East of England. Nestled between the historic city of Durham and the coastal town of Hartlepool, Trimdon Station maintains a rural character and a close-knit community feel. The village takes its name from the former railway station, which played a significant role in its development during the coal mining era.
Wingate is a village situated in County Durham, in the North East of England. Traditionally a mining settlement, Wingate is now a peaceful residential area that blends rural charm with close ties to larger urban centres. Located roughly 10 miles east of the historic city of Durham, and just a short distance from the North Sea coast, Wingate appeals to those looking for a balance of countryside living and commuter convenience.