We are free to visit and open to everyone, providing a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
The Battle of Britain in North-East England with artist Denis Harry Fox
Thursday 17 September | 18:00-19:30 | £5 per ticket
A talk by Denis Harry Fox, whose Battle of Britain paintings have been exhibited at major venues around the country. Through his illustrated presentation and exhibition, Denis explores the events leading up to, during and after the Battle of Britain.
Small Stories
Every Thursday morning | Term time only
Take the chance to explore our romantic settings for weddings, ceremonies and the renewing of vows.
Remembering the Battle of Britain at The Story
Multiple dates in September | Free | Drop in
In the UK, Battle of Britain Day is marked each year on 15 September. Learn about how County Durham played a vital supporting role in 1940 through key fighter stations, local anti-aircraft units, and regional civilian defence.
Heritage Open Day 2026
Sunday 13 September 2026 | Some events are bookable
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. This year The Story is celebrating by hosting exciting tours and activities.
People in the Pages touring exhibition
Bringing The Story to local libraries, our People in the Pages exhibition takes you on a fascinating journey through Durham’s church registers, spotlighting stories from towns and villages around the county.
Book Bus team at The Story
Each Tuesday take the opportunity to explore the Book Bus and speak to our friendly library staff about the range of library services on offer.
A Debt Beyond Words
A powerful new exhibition exploring how conflict has shaped the people and places of County Durham.
May 2026-January 2027
Wellbeing Walk
Tuesdays | Meet at 10:00 | Approximately 1 hour
Move walking – Free weekly wellbeing walks for all abilities to help develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Afterwards, stay for some social time in our Café.
What’s the Story | Episode 6 – All things spring!
What’s The Story is a brand new podcast produced and presented by The Story’s team of young Volunteers. The team will explore the history of Durham from ghosts to gifts, mining to mysteries and much more.
Spotlight Talks
Fridays and Saturdays | 11:00 and 14:00 | Free | Drop in
Find out more about our collections and exhibitions in a free to join, bitesize Spotlight Talk. In these informal talks, The Story Team will share their insights into a story or theme in the exhibition using objects on display. If the times don’t work for you then don’t worry, you can always get the same information from speaking to our amazing team of staff and volunteers.
DLI Friends drop in
Last Thursday of each month | 10:00 – 14:00 | Free | Drop in
The DLI Friends are volunteering at The Story on the last Thursday of every month. Drop in between 10:00-14:00 and have a chat with this extremely knowledgeable, passionate and friendly group. You may want to find out more about your local regiment, or your family who were in the DLI. The DLI Friends is a charity run for, and by, people who support and work with the DLI Collection. For more visit: https://dlifriends.com/
Archaeology Records
Durham County Council Archaeology Section completed a major HER enhancement project in March 2025. Explore the records using the link below.
Exhibitions
Our exhibition space is free to visit and shares stories of County Durham’s varied and exciting past throughout its history.
Access our Archives
Access to all collections is in purpose-built facilities on the first floor of the new building, with interactive screens and 16 computer terminals for accessing digital content, a secure research area (the ‘collections room’) for viewing collection items from the strong rooms and a separate reception area for enquiries relating to historic civil registration. On demand access to the Historic Environment Record (HER), the collections database and popular records such as church registers and newspapers will be available digitally in our ‘Search and Discover’ space.
While many collection items will be available ‘on demand’ some, including larger objects, will require several days’ notice.
Teacher Advisory Group
Our Teacher Advisory Group provides invaluable guidance and helps answer questions on how we can continually improve our offer at The Story to best suit local schools. Run in partnership with Durham University Museums and Special Collections, it also gives teachers the chance to network with like-minded colleagues from across the county, helps to shape our developing offer and you will be the first to hear of any opportunities to take part in pilot workshops or funded projects. Please get in touch with our learning team if you’d like to come along by emailing learning@thestorydurham.org