Illustrated scene for Ushaw Library

Ushaw Library

In Wall Nook, Durham

Address

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Durham, DH7 9RH

Directions

Open in Google Maps

Website

ushaw.org

Phone

+441913738500

Upcoming events at Ushaw Library

Ushaw Library is a visitor attraction in Wall Nook. Near Here currently lists at least 17 upcoming events, including The Wedding Walk – 150 Years of Wedding Dresses Repeating Event Event Summary: The wedding dress fashion show is a..., The Wedding Walk - 150 Years of Wedding Dresses and Treasures of Ushaw: A Library Experience.

via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
The Wedding Walk - 150 Years of Wedding Dresses
Community
Around £12

The Wedding Walk - 150 Years of Wedding Dresses

On Friday 26 June & 24 July, join us for an unforgettable evening, which will bring to life astounding examples of wedding dress design from the past century, in the stunning surroundings of Ushaw Historic House. The wedding dress fashion show is a special, exclusive event to compliment our wedding dress exhibition providing the opportunity to view additional gowns, not displayed in the exhibition. Models will demonstrate a series of gowns. This catwalk-style event will be accompanied by collector and designer Kevin Thornhill’s lively commentary. Event information: – Doors will open at 5pm to discover 150 Years of Wedding Dresses exhibition. – You’ll also have the opportunity to relax with a drink in the Francis Thompson Bar. Please note, drinks are not permitted in the chapels. – The fashion show will begin at 7.15pm and will run for approximately 90 minutes.

Fri 24 JulUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated

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Treasures of Ushaw: A Library Experience
Community
Around £20

Treasures of Ushaw: A Library Experience

Explore Ushaw’s literary heritage in this captivating 90-minute experience. Enjoy special access to the magnificent Big Library, a breathtaking space designed by Joseph Hansom, followed by a curated viewing of up to 20 fascinating books and archival treasures. You’ll discover pieces rarely seen by the public, each with its own story to tell. This is a unique opportunity to explore Ushaw’s hidden treasures, ask questions, and savour the atmosphere — ideal for anyone with a passion for history, architecture, or the written word. Please note: due to the historic nature of the building, the Big Library is reached via 40 wide, shallow steps. We are actively working to improve accessibility and appreciate your understanding.

Sat 25 JulUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated

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via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
The Conversation Room
Community

The Conversation Room

Step into Ushaw and experience Th e Conversation Room – a programme of inspiring and thought-provoking sessions designed to spark curiosity, invite reflection, and ignite meaningful discussion. Bringing together voices from a wide range of fields, these gatherings explore architecture, history, religion, wellbeing, and more – all within the beautifully atmospheric setting of the Francis Thompson Room at Ushaw. Each session is hosted by a guest contributor and encourages open minds and thoughtful exchange. Confirmed talks take place at 6:30pm on the following dates: 5 August – St Hild: The Beacon in the Bay – and Women in the Early Northumbrian Church This engaging installment by Professor Michelle Brown will explore the remarkable life and legacy of Hild of Whitby, known as St Hild, whose leadership at Whitby helped shape the spiritual and intellectual landscape of early medieval Northumbria. Through her story, we will uncover the vital role played by women in the early Northumbrian Church, examining faith, scholarship, and authority in a formative period of English Christianity. 12 August – The Conversation Room – Life at Ushaw: A Student’s Story (1961–71) Step inside Ushaw Historic House for a fascinating glimpse into student life during a time of change. Brendan Hodgson reflects on his ten years at Ushaw (1961–71), sharing personal memories of study, community, and daily life, from the classroom to the playing fields and beyond.

Wed 5 AugUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
Discover Big Library
Community

Discover Big Library

Experience the Big Library on the first Friday of every month (July-Dec 2026) as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of one of Britain’s most extraordinary historic libraries. This introductory experience invites you to explore the magnificent space at your own pace and discover some of the treasures that have shaped the Big Library’s remarkable legacy over the past 175 years. The Library is home to more than 50,000 volumes, including unique early manuscripts and rare first editions. Highlights on display include a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species , The Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), an early edition of Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica , and an illuminated manuscript The Esh Missal . Alongside these iconic works, you can also discover up to six changing books or manuscripts – refreshed monthly to reveal new stories from the collection. This visit is designed as an introduction to the Big Library. For those seeking a deeper, curator-led experience featuring up to 20 fascinating books and archival highlights, a 90-minute Library Experience is also available here. Pre-booking is essential. Please arrive promptly at the start of your slot to enjoy the full experience, access is limited to your allocated 30 minute time slot. Accessibility notice: Ushaw’s Big Library is accessed via 40 wide, shallow steps. We are actively working to improve accessibility across all areas and appreciate your understanding.

Fri 7 AugUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
Alba Nova
Live Music
Around £15

Alba Nova

A night of live music from Spanish guitarist Jonathan Ross Parkin comes your way on Saturday 8 August. Set for release in 2026, Alba Nova marks the highly anticipated debut recording of British multi-award-winning guitarist Jonathan Ross Parkin, introducing his artistry to a global audience. Translating as “New Dawn” in Catalan, this bold project presents sixteen world-premiere recordings and highlights collaborations with four of Spain’s leading contemporary guitar composers: Marco Smaili, Maria Camahort, Javier Salvador, and Pablo Grau. Alba Nova weaves fresh innovation with some of the guitar’s most cherished repertoire, creating a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Paired with Jonathan’s engaging style, his love for audience interaction, and his ability to share his passion, listeners are sure to be captivated throughout the performance.

Sat 8 AugUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
Alba Nova
Live Music
Around £15

Alba Nova

Join us for an evening of exceptional classical guitar with acclaimed British guitarist Jonathan Ross Parkin. The programme brings together music by some of Spain’s leading contemporary composers alongside celebrated works from the classical guitar repertoire. Jonathan Ross Parkin has established himself as a sensitive and highly versatile musician, performing at prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall, Kings Place, The Barbican, Palau les Arts (Valencia), and L’Auditori (Barcelona). His expressive and virtuosic playing has earned success in more than fifteen major international competitions. Currently based in Valencia, Jonathan recorded his debut album, Alba Nova, with JSM Records in 2025. He combines an international performing career with teaching at the Escuela Superior de Música Alto Rendimiento (ESMAR) and serving as Artistic Director of the Jornades Socarrades de Guitarra in Xàtiva, Spain. First Half 7PM – 7:45 PM Añoranza al porvenir – Pablo Grau (1993-) Alborada – Maria Camahort (1987-) Mountains & Sonja! – Marco Smaili (1967-) Escenas sobre el castillo de Mula & Poema de Eternidad – Javier Salvador (1979-) Second Half 8:15PM – 9PM Danza del molinero – Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) Corazón sin canción & Entre la Luna y el Sol – Enrique Cofiner (1909-1996) Junto al Generalife – Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) Capricho Catalan & Sevilla – Issac Albéniz (1860-1909) Gran Jota – Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)

Sat 8 Aug16:00Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
Rock Choir
Likely freeLive Music

Rock Choir

On Sunday 16 August, the stunning vocal arrangements of the North East’s biggest choir, Rock Choir take to our Rose Garden. Rock Choir, 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’. Timings for the day are: Performance 1:30pm – 2.15pm 15 minute break Performance 2.30pm – 3pm Entry included with admission and membership. Don’t miss out on this sensational performance – mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon of musical magic with Rock Choir at Ushaw Historic House! This event is set to take place in our stunning rose garden. We will move to an indoor location if the unpredictable British Summer effects our plans.

Sun 16 Aug14:30Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
Ushaw Flower Festival
Festivals & EventsLive Music

Ushaw Flower Festival

Ushaw’s fantastic Flower Festival returns on Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 September 2026 Experience the sound of the North East reimagined in flowers. Discover breathtaking floral displays inspired by our region’s rich musical heritage, filling the spectacular buildings of Ushaw with colour, creativity and charm. The North East has a rich and long history of music; what comes to mind? Traditional Geordie songs such as Blaydon Races, famous bands such as Prefab Sprout, The Animals or Maximo Park, musicians such as Bryan Ferry, Chris Rea or Sam Fender, classical and folk artists and composers such as Kathryn Tickell or Will Todd, venues past including Redcar Jazz Club or the Lampglass Cellar in Ashington, current venues such as The Glasshouse or the Live Lounge, Sunderland, DJs such as DJ Sasha, the heritage of our choirs and brass bands such as Felling Male Voice choir or the EveryReady Band, or songs about the North east such as The Great Northern River by the Unthanks or Durham Town by Roger Whittaker. Our fabulous flower arrangers and florists bring to you what came to their minds when they thought of Music of the North East. Filling the dramatic architecture of Ushaw, their displays will take you on a journey of our rich musical heritage, whilst at the same time making you wonder at their talent and smile at their humour.

Thu 10 SeptUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated
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Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.

Visiting Ushaw Library

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