Oriental Museum

You'll find this museum tucked away on the University of Durham campus, and it's genuinely worth the short trip from the city centre. The Oriental Museum holds one of Britain's most impressive collections of art and artefacts from across Asia - Egyptian mummies sit alongside Japanese prints, Chinese ceramics, and Indian sculptures. It's the sort of place where you can spend two hours properly absorbed or breeze through in forty minutes, depending on your pace.

The collection spans everything from ancient Egypt through to contemporary pieces, with particular strength in East Asian work. What strikes you most is how well-curated it feels - no overwhelming warehouse vibes, just thoughtful displays that let each piece breathe. Families with older kids tend to do well here; younger children might lose interest after the Egyptian section unless they're already keen on museums.

Admission is free, which is brilliant. Allow ninety minutes minimum if you're actually reading the labels, longer if you're the type to sit with a painting for a while. The campus location means it's a natural add-on to a Durham city break - you're looking at a fifteen-minute walk from the cathedral and riverside, or a quick bus ride from Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, just three miles south.

It's not flashy or designed for Instagram, which is rather the point. Go when it's quiet - weekday mornings beat weekends hollow. Proper gem for anyone travelling with adults who actually like museums.