The Atlas Obscura Guide To County Durham

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in County Durham, England

Updated July 31, 2019

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Unusual Attractions in County Durham

The abbey ruins.

County Durham, England

Egglestone Abbey

A little-known ruin with a convoluted history and a fascinating latrine drainage system.

High Force.

Forest-in-Teesdale, England

High Force and Low Force Waterfalls

These remarkable cascades are the jewels of Upper Tees.

“Terris Novalis.”

Consett, England

'Terris Novalis'

These giant sculptures are supported by a bizarre menagerie of feet.

The chimney in the middle of the woods.

Copley, England

Copley Chimney

This industrial chimney looks rather out of place, isolated in the middle of an attractive woodland.

Vane Tempest sculpture

Seaham, England

Vane Tempest Sculptures

Public art now takes pride of place on the site of one of County Durham's last deep coal mines.

Are we missing something unusual?

The two well-preserved ovens virtually intact.

Bishop Auckland, England

Inkerman Beehive Coke Ovens

Rare remnants of the brick-domed ovens birthed in the Durham coalfield during the Industrial Revolution.

3 miles from County Durham

Stanhope fossil tree

Stanhope, England

Stanhope Fossil Tree

This sandstone tree trunk is a relic from a long-past era when England had a more tropical climate.

5 miles from County Durham

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