Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

Durham Museum and Heritage Centre is situated in an historic Listed building that was once the parish church of the North Bailey. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and still has some really impressive woodwork from that time, so be sure to take a look. The museum has a garden, which used to be the churchyard and contains two sculptures by a well known local artist, which are definitely worth checking out. There are displays full of fascinating objects that depict the origins of the city and how it grew over time and illustrate industries, lost trades and the life of the people. There is a great model of the city during medieval times, a Crime and Punishment section with a Victorian prison cell, and some beautiful backlit stained glass windows to wonder at. You can compare a model of Durham' marketplace in the 1830s with a photograph of it after it was rebuilt in Victorian times and spot the differences. Don't miss the ‘death chair' in the schools section or the chance to have a go at some brass rubbing with the kids!