I have visited many stately homes and gardens, but I have never visited anywhere quite like Ushaw before – it is unique.
Ushaw has historic houses, chapels and gardens, but Ushaw is also the beating heart of the local community in Durham. It describes itself like this, “Part heritage attraction, part events venue, part museum, part b&b, part creative hub, part workspace – there’s something for everyone at Ushaw.”
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Ushaw has always been about community – Ushaw’s roots lie in the political and religious unrest of the Reformation – established as a Catholic seminary in the nineteenth century. The house was built on wild and distant land, behind its walls, because it was originally to be a discreet and semi-secretive establishment at a distance from prying eyes. It was built as a Roman Catholic Seminary for the training of Catholic priests.
Today it continues to be a community hub with local clubs using it as a meeting place, individuals hiring function rooms, local businesses running sessions (there’s lots for children, just check out the website!), there is even a forest school which meets onsite.
Ushaw has many special events throughout the year (almost daily throughout the summer holidays) and several times a month throughout the rest of the year. Many are included in the admission ticket/ annual pass.
The day that we went to Ushaw there was a 1940s event on – we had a brilliant time.
The event was well organized with live music, demonstrations of the firearms, wartime food for sale, and reenactors from the local living history group.
My husband and I enjoyed lounging in the sunshine, listening to 1940s music, while our eldest child learnt all about artillery and out younger two played football on the field – bliss!
Special events coming up over the next 4 weeks include Rock Choir, a classic car show, a flower festival and Durham Brick show. If you get an annual pass then that’s really good value for money in your first month of membership alone!
Facilities
Family-friendly facilities include a café, an adventure playground, a second hand book store, and a play room with toys. There were 2 trails for children to follow, one in the garden and one in the houses.
There was also a fun interactive exhibition called “humanimals” which had quirky art installations. Our children enjoyed making the exhibits move by pressing buttons, pulling levels and riding bicycles.
Even the ornate chapel was child friendly – on one hand serene, with the organist playing music while we were there, on the other hand fun, with the member of staff pointing out lions and funny faces in the wooden carvings.
Even the ornamental gardens has fun interactive elements like a willow tunnel which gets smaller and smaller, fairy doors, animal statues, stepping stones and a tree with a face.
Ushaw was a fun and charming experience and we’re sure to be back soon – the upcoming brick show has certainly caught our son’s eye!
The details
Day Pass
Includes entry to House, Chapels, Gardens, Cafe & Exhibitons
• Adult £10
• Child £6 (aged 5-16)
• Under 5 Free
Annual Membership
Unlimited Ushaw entry for 12 months, plus many free events!
• Adult £24
• Child £15 (aged 5-16)
• Family £49 (2 adults + children)
• Local Individual £12
• Local Family £24.50
All DH7 postcodes & Durham University staff / students
