Want to find out more about Ushaw and the people who lived and worked here?
Our new local history group will delve into archival material and census records to uncover the untold stories and undiscovered characters in Ushaw’s history.
All welcome, no previous knowledge or experience of historical research necessary.
Ushaw History Group takes place on the third Friday of each month at 11am-12pm.
Pre-booking required. Free with annual membership or day pass.
Come and discover Ushaw, enjoy stories of our rich history and heritage. Explore our breath-taking Pugin designed Chapels and beautiful function rooms with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Taking place at 13:30 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weekly.
Free with annual membership or day pass. Tours have a duration of approx. 1 – 2 hours (dependent on visitor interactivity).
Come and join us at Ushaw to help us look after our brand new community woodland!
Earlier this year, you helped us to plant 25,000 new trees across the Ushaw estate, over an area equivalent in size to around 21 football pitches. Now we need your help to look after them, removing the grass and weeds that grow inside their protective tubes.
Here’s your opportunity to be part of our future, as we want to involve the local community in woodland maintenance with the goal that people can learn about the establishment and care of a new woodland and be part of a sustainable future.
Sessions take place:
Saturday 19 October @ 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm
Sunday 20 October @ 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm
There are restricted sessions on both days at 9:30am for Scout and Guide groups only.
More sessions may be added in the future, subject to demand.
Additional information:
Please be aware, there are only 30 places per session.
All tree care volunteers will be entitled to free access to our House, Chapels and Gardens after the session.
Please dress appropriately for the outdoors, wear suitable footwear and bring a pair of gloves.
Children will need to be supervised by a responsible adult
Further information here.
Do you know a young person who loves to sew, or would like to learn to stitch?
Saturday Young Stitchers welcomes all abilities to hone their skills with the support of very experienced and skilled members of the ‘Take a Stitch 2 Durham’ group.
Taking place from 13:00-15:00 on:
Saturday, 19th October
Saturday, 16th November
Suitable for young people aged 7+.
Please be aware, all young people MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the activity.
Further information can be found here.
During Ushaw’s years as a seminary, Evening Prayer was said or sung in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel every day, and was very much part of life at Ushaw.
All are welcome to join us for the service.
On Sunday, 20th October at 4pm, please join us for Sung Vespers in the Chapel.
Please note that this is not a concert performance, but an opportunity to pray together the Evening Prayer of the Church for the 20th October.
All are welcome to join us for the service. No ticket is required.
More details can be found here.
Join us for Forest School fun in the beautiful grounds at Ushaw! Forest School is a child-led, imagination fuelling, creative activity taking place in natural woodland. Suitable for pre-school children and those who are home educated up to the age 11 years.
Taking place at 10:30–12:00 every Thursday from 19th September - 24th October 2024.
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Younger siblings (under 2s) can attend for no extra charge but activities will not be aimed at this age group.
Please complete the attendee questions prior to checkout, this only needs to be completed for your first Forest Explorers session.
Book 6 or more dates in one transaction and receive 20% off, using the code FORESTEXPLORERS20.
Further information can be found here.
Join our friendly and informal choir led by professional musician Bethany Elen Coyle.
Come along from 10:00 to enjoy tea/coffee, then get ready to sing songs from around the world from folk to rock, blues and jazz to classic pop. 10:30 start, no prior experience is required.
We are open to all who wish to create, enjoy and participate in a dementia-friendly, supportive and positive space to explore and share music!
For more information contact: dementiafriendlychoirs@gmail.com
Funded by Durham County Council, the event is free to attend (no pre-booking required).
However if you would like to support us, you can become an member by visiting here.
Come and be part of Ushaw’s Angel Wings and Winter Things Festive Trail!
This free workshop is run by established willow artist Jo Bolton who will guide you to make feathers which will go on to be part of her impressive installation for Christmas.
Enjoy an evening among kindred crafty sprits, and come back to see your work in our Angel Wings and Winter Things Festive Trail on show from Saturday, 23rd November - Sunday, 22nd December 2024.
Minimum age 12.
No experience needed, just come and have fun in Ushaw’s inviting evening lounge.
Further information here.
Session on Friday 18 October has been unfortunately cancelled.
Enjoy our fun filled music class for all under 5s and their grown ups. Sing, dance, shake, rattle and bang along with talented local musician Rachel Purcell.
Taking place every Friday from 13th September - 25th, October at 13:15- 14:00.
Suitable for all under 5s, an additional child under one years old can attend this class free of charge.
Book 6 or more dates in one transaction and receive 20% off, using the code SINGINGBUNNIES20.
Further details can be found here.
Ready for Autumn Adventures? This October Half-Term expect an abundance of family events planned here at Ushaw.
Dates during Half Term:
Monster Bash with Activate Theatre - Sunday, 27th October, 10:30-12:00 & 14:00-16:00
Led by Activate Theatre, come dressed up and ready to join in with games, dancing and surprises.
Booking required, you can do so here.
Leafy Lanterns - Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th October & Friday 1st November, 9:45-10:45
Observe the colours of autumn by making a decoupage leafy lantern before using a battery powered tea light to illuminate the dark evenings.
Booking required, you can do so here.
Autumn Printmaking - Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th October, 13:30pm – 14:30pm
Using polystyrene and craft foam, make your own stamps in the shapes of autumnal leaves, animals and acorns to decorate your wreath or garland.
Booking required, you can do so here.
Free Crafts - Wednesday, 30th October, 10:30-14:00
Participants can join in a range of owl and hedgehog themed paper crafts.
Included with Annual Membership or Day Pass, no pre-booking required.
DAILY, 10:00-16:00 - INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION.
Harvest Celebration - 10:00-16:00, daily from Saturday, 26th October - Sunday, 3rd November
See our floral display in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel, plus a station to collect non perishable food items for local food banks.
Lovely Leaves Garden Trail | 10am-4pm, daily from Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November
Around the Ushaw garden, there are all sorts of leaves. Discover more in the lovely leaves trail.
Included Annual Membership or Day Pass, no pre-booking required.
Lively Leaves Indoor Trail - 10:00-16:00, daily from Saturday, 26th October - Sunday, 3rd November
Follow a trail of leaves inside the House, to discover our leaf rubbing stations, hidden throughout. How many shapes can you collect?
Included Annual Membership or Day Pass, no pre-booking required. More information can be found here.
Boundless Books meet the first Friday of every month to share a love for books. It is a lovely, friendly and welcoming group. All are welcome. Refreshments are available nearby and free library copies of books are provided (limited number).
Whether you are looking to return to regular reading habits, for motivation to get out of the house or want to meet fellow bookworms, we are here for you. Start your weekend early with book club and follow it up with a stroll in the gardens or explore the historic property which has a charming preloved book shop within it.
If anybody cannot manage this because of health reasons please get in touch as there may be other ways to take part, we are a friendly bunch of booklovers.
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” - Mark Twain
Drop-in, no pre-booking required. Event is free with membership or day pass. Further information can be found here.
Ushaw has long been noted for its historic collections of books and archives. Join our Librarian to view some of the treasures in our collections, and some of the many unusual and unexpected items to be found here.
The event will include an opportunity to see the magnificent Big Library, designed by Joseph Hansom and then time to get a closer look at some of the most special items that are not normally available for public viewing.
Library Tours take place at 11am – 12:30pm on the following date - Saturday, 2nd November 2024.
Ticket prices are:
Ushaw Member: £15
Non Member: £25 (ticket also includes admission to our House, Chapels & Gardens)
Tickets may be available on the day at our Visitor Centre (subject to availability).
The Library is not easily accessible, with lots of stairs. Viewing of the books and manuscripts will take place in a separate room with seating.
Inspired to take up the needle and try stitching this year?
Come along to Social Stitching to meet creative friends, hone your craft and learn new skills.
All welcome whatever your stitching experience! Participants are encouraged to bring their own stitching projects.
Social Stitching takes place on the second Friday of the month at 11:00-12:00.
Drop-in, no pre-booking required. Further details can be found here.
Angels of the North: the History of Angels in Ushaw’s collections is a showcase of history of angels in art and theology by using artefacts and archives in our collections.
On display from Saturday, 9th November - Sunday, 26th January. Entry included with Day Pass or Annual Membership.
Not an Ushaw Member? Purchase your membership now!
Come and get involved at Ushaw, through our volunteer and community events programme!
Are you interested in museums, heritage and historic objects?
See what a Museum curator does behind the scenes and learn to become a collections care volunteer. This will involve heritage cleaning training, handling training and learning research skills.
Join our collections care workshops supported by Association of Independent Museums Connected Communities Fund and in partnership with Durham Community Action, Age UK County Durham, and Newcastle University.
DATE: Thursday, 14th November 2024 - 13:00.
Further details can be found here.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Saturday 15 November 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets now to discover the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Ushaw. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Book you tickets here.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Friday 15 November 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets to discover the music of Adele, performing all of the hits including ‘Hello’, ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Someone Like You’. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Buy your tickets here.
We’re excited to welcome you to Ushaw for a two-day celebration of beautiful handcrafted gift inspiration between 10:00-16:00 on Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 November!
Discover stunning gift inspiration and prepare to be spoilt for choice with a plethora of over 50 of the region’s top quality handmade crafters and local artisans.
Entry included with Day Pass or Annual Membership, no pre-booking required.
Further information here.
Join us for our programme of Christmas Carols, taking place in St Cuthbert’s Chapel, enjoy an evening of traditional and much loved carols - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Ticketed events, please book here.
Spend quality time as a family crafting a unique festive wreath for your door this festive season!
Under the guidance of our team, learn the art of crafting a unique wreath using a selection of natural materials from our gardens which we will forage together before going inside to create the wreath, whilst having hot festive drinks and listening to Christmas music.
Festive refreshments will be provided during the session.
Please note that you do not have to bring children to attend. An adult couple, or family will find the workshop equally as engaging.
Ticket information:
One wreath can be made per booking
Non Member ticket does not include entry to our Historic House, Chapels, Gardens and Cafe. However, please show your ticket upon arrival to get entry to get 2 for 1 entry to Ushaw.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Timeslots can be exchanged once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Further information can be found here.
Create your own personalised family Christmas greeting to share with your loved ones using stop motion animation. Expect angels, presents, reindeer and anything else you choose to include.
Recommended for children aged 4+, children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Ticket information:
All materials and expert instruction included
Accompanying adults require Day Pass or Annual Membership
Tickets are non-refundable
Timeslots can be exchanged once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Further details can be found here.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Friday 29 November 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets to discover the music of Queen performing all of the hits including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Will Rock You‘ and ‘I Want To Break Free’. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Book your tickets here.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw, therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Friday, 29th November 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets to discover the music of Taylor Swift performing all of the hits including ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together‘, ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Book your tickets now.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Join us and get in the festive feeling under the expert guidance of established willow artist Jo Bolton, whose work can be seen in our new trail Angel Wings and Winter Things.
Workshop 1 – 9:30-12:30
Learn how to craft your own Christmas angel to adorn your tree
Workshop 2 – 13:30–15:00
Learn how to craft your own Christmas star to hang in your home this festive season
All materials and guidance provided, just bring yourself. All willow responsibly sourced and locally grown.
Please be aware:
Minimum age for sessions is 12 years old
Non Member ticket does not include entry to our Historic House, Chapels, Gardens and Cafe. However, please show your ticket upon arrival to get entry to get 2 for 1 entry to Ushaw.
Tickets are non-refundable
Timeslots can be exchanged once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Further information can be found here.
Ho Ho Ho, come and meet Santa in the Parlour, decorated with Christmas cheer. Visit Ushaw on select dates during the festive period for an experience beyond belief.
On Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th December, join us for Father Christmas: Meet and Greet
Santa’s elves have been working hard to make a personalised mug for each child who visits him. Enjoy a hot chocolate, or hot juice while you chat to Santa. He has been checking the list twice to make sure he knows your child’s wish. Take festive photos in our beautiful setting to mark the occasion. These sessions are 10 minute bookable timelsots.
On Monday, 2nd, Wednesday, 4th and Tuesday, 10th December, join us for Preschool Father Christmas
In the relaxed environment of Ushaw, with toys and crafts for free play, your little ones will be able to get into the Christmas spirit. The experience will start with Santa coming to read a jolly story to the group, before moving to his seat in the Parlour where each child will have a chance to visit him for an individual chat and hot drink in a personalised mug that you can take away with you as a memento. No need to line up as there will be free play toys and crafts throughout the session.
Takes place:
Monday, 2nd December - 10:00-11:30 & 13:00-14:30 (aimed at pre-schoolers/home-educated families)
Wednesday, 4th December - 10:00-11:30 & 13:00-14:30 (aimed at pre-schoolers/home-educated families)
Saturday, 7th December - 10:00-12:00 & 13:00-15:00 (aimed at all ages of children)
Sunday, 8th December - 10:00-12:00 & 13:00-15:00 (aimed at all ages of children)
Tuesday, 10th December - 10:00-11:30 & 13:00-14:30 (aimed at pre-schoolers/home-educated families)
Ticket Information
Tickets will be on sale until Tuesday, 12th November to allow the elves time to personalise your gifts
Ticket includes 1 child and 1 accompanying adult
Baby siblings (under 1s) do not require a ticket, but will not receive a gift from Father Christmas
If you would like your baby to receive a gift then you will need to purchase an additional ticket for them
Accompanying adults require Day Pass or Annual Membership
Tickets are non-refundable
Timeslots can be exchanged once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Full details can be found here.
This winter, Ushaw is delighted to welcome back the talented young musicians of Durham Music Youth Orchestra and Choir in a magical performance and screening of The Snowman. A BAFTA winning classic, featuring the song Walking in the Air, The Snowman is a cinematic gem of Raymond Briggs’ story with music by Howard Blake.
What better way to get into the festive spirit by enjoying this heart-warming tale in the glorious settings of Ushaw’s Theatre. Each performance is designed with the younger audience member in mind so its a perfect Christmas experience for all the family.
We have three performances on Saturday 7 December taking place at:
12:00-12:30
13:30-14:00
15:00-15:30
“I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day… and it was on that day I made the Snowman.”
Ticket information
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another timeslot once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Please click here to book your tickets.
Tuesday, 10th December 2024 - 18:30
What better way to sing in the festive season than with Christmas Carols at Ushaw?
Taking place in St Cuthbert’s Chapel, enjoy an evening of traditional and much loved Christmas carols, with seasonal readings.
Sing your heart out, then sip mulled wine and indulge in a festive mince pie - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Ticket information:
Festive refreshments are included with your ticket
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another carol concert once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Book your place here.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Friday, 13th December 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets to discover the music of Pink Floyd performing all of the hits including ‘Here Comes The Sun, ‘Hey Jude’ and ‘Eleanor Rigby’. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Book your tickets here.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw, therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Book your stay at Ushaw as we have comfortable, private en-suite rooms available.
Experience live classical music like never before at Ushaw on Friday 13 December 2024.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring location of Ushaw.
Get your tickets to discover the music of Ed Sheeran performing all of the hits including ‘Lego House‘, ‘Shape of You’ and ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. These performances will take you on a melodic journey by candlelight.
Having already welcomed more than 3 million attendees in more than 100 cities around the world, we’re delighted to be the designated venue for Candlelight in Durham.
Book your tickets here.
Candlelight Durham is organised by Candlelight Experience but takes place here at Ushaw.
Tickets are not sold by Ushaw therefore Ushaw eGift Cards cannot be used for this event.
Book your stay at Ushaw as we have comfortable, private en-suite rooms available.
Saturday, 14th December
Play elf games, learn songs and dances in preparation for everyone’s favourite Christmas visitor. Show off your skills to Santa to get your elf certificate and enjoy a party tea with our friends from the North Pole.
Sessions take place at either 10:30–12:00 or 13:30-15:00 on Saturday, 14th December 2024.
Suitable for children aged 5 and over. Aged 8 and over can attend without an accompanying adult.
Ticket information
Accompanying adults require Day Pass or Annual Membership
Tickets are non-refundable
Timeslots can be exchanged once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Further information can be found here.
Monday, 16th December 2024 - 18:30
What better way to sing in the festive season than with Christmas Carols at Ushaw?
Taking place in St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Bearpark & Esh Colliery Brass Band will play a program of traditional christmas music and carols, with the opportunity to join in with singing carols.
Sing your heart out, then sip mulled wine and indulge in a festive mince pie - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Ticket information
Festive refreshments are included with your ticket
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another carol concert once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Book your tickets now!
What better way to sing in the festive season than with Christmas Carols at Ushaw!
We are delighted to welcome the stunning vocal arrangements of the North East’s biggest choir. The incredible sound of Rock Choir will be filling the breath-taking surroundings of St Cuthbert’s Chapel.
Sing your heart out, then sip mulled wine and indulge in a festive mince pie - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Rock Choir is described as being the UK’s original, and the world’s largest contemporary choir. It holds three Guinness World Records - ‘biggest hit act in the UK’, ‘largest musical act to release an album’ and ‘largest song and dance routine held at multiple locations’.
Ticket information:
Festive refreshments included with your ticket
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another carol concert once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Book your places now!
Wednesday, 18th December 2024 - 18:30
What better way to sing in the festive season than with Christmas Carols at Ushaw!
In this performance, the Diocesan Choir of Hexham & Newcastle stands ready to deliver a powerful and soul-stirring performance.
Sing your heart out, then sip mulled wine and indulge in a festive mince pie - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Ticket information
Festive refreshments included with ticket
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another carol concert once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this
Book your tickets here.
Thursday, 19th December 2024 - 18:30
What better way to sing in the festive season than with Christmas Carols at Ushaw?
Taking place in St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band will play a program of traditional Christmas music and carols, with the opportunity to join in with singing carols.
Sing your heart out, then sip mulled wine and indulge in a festive mince pie - a fantastic festive treat for all the family.
Ticket information:
Festive refreshments included with ticket
Tickets are non-refundable
Tickets can be exchanged to another carol concert once purchased, but please be aware there is a £3 administration charge per booking for this. Please contact tickets@ushaw.org to arrange this.
Book your tickets here.
