What’s on in Durham? A complete guide to autumn 2014 events

There's so much going in Durham over the next couple of months that this list could have easily been longer. With Halloween, Bonfire night and a whole lot more taking place throughout autumn, the town truly comes alive with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. 
So from terror and dread to baking bread, waiting for fireworks to ice skating around parks, here is a complete guide to some of the great events taking place in Durham in August 2014.
 

North Pennines Walking Festival
September 27 - October 5
Over in the North Pennines, keen walkers can head out on a wide range of routes and enjoy the incredible scenery that won't soon be forgotten. Anyone interested can download the full program of the different walks and events taking place throughout the festival from the North Pennines website. Some 400 walkers and 80 volunteers got involved last year - get your hiking boots on and join them this year!

Beamish Harvest Home and Harvest Festival
October 4 - October 5
As part of its month-long festival of North East agriculture, Beamish's 1940s farm becomes the location of this charming event in which locals can get involved in everything from corn dolly making to hymn signing. Travel back in time and sample some of the traditional recipes that will be being made over the weekend.

Vintage Vehicles Rally
October 5
Any car nuts out there? Get yourselves down to The National Railway Museum at Shildon on October 5. A fantastic collection of vintage vehicles will be on display from Ford, Volvo, MG, Vauxhall, Nissan, Volkswagen and more. One particular highlight this year will be the 1924 'Red Label' Tourer from Bentley.

Durham Book Festival
October 6 - October 20
Durham's bibliophiles are in for a treat in the fortnight following October 6 as the book festival comes to town. A plethora of award-winning authors are coming too; Carnegie Medal-winner Meg Rosoff introduces her sixth novel, 'Picture Me Gone', while the brilliant Terry Eagleton - author of more than 40 academic books - explores the life of Christ in his talk 'Was Jesus a Revolutionary?'. Some 70 writers will be at the festival in all, making it a must for all bookworms.

The Wind in the Willows - Family Fun Day at the Bowes Museum
October 18
Fans of Mole, Rat, Mr. Badger and of course Mr. Toad of Toad Hall will have a wonderful time exploring the Bowes Museum on October 18 as a special themed trail is created. At the end of the journey, you'll be able to create a mask and finger puppet of your favourite character - you could even dress up for the whole day if you wanted!

Durham Does Vintage
October 25
Vintage clothing and furniture is all the rage these days, but it can often be difficult to find the really good stuff. It's good news then that on October 25, for a small £2 entry fee, visitors can browse through countless rails of the finest vintage clothing hand-picked by expert stall holders. With tea rooms and workshops, it's not only a clothes shopping trip but a full vintage experience.

Halloween Ghost Walk
October 29 - October 30
Get ready for a spooky night spent strolling around the medieval streets of Durham. Just in time for Halloween, these traditional ghost walks last around an hour and a half, kicking off outside Clayport Library. Storytellers aim to scare with tales of headless horses and graveyard watchers, so the craven needn't attend. If you're brave enough, we'll see you on the other side...

Bonfire Evenings at Beamish Museum
November 1 and November 5

Can't get enough of Catherine Wheels and Mini-Rockets? You're in luck. Two fun-filled evenings of bonfires and fireworks take place at Beamish Museum, with one on Guy Fawkes Night. All the action takes place on the events field, so don't forget to wear appropriate footwear. The gates open at 6pm, with the bonfire at 7pm and fireworks kicking off at 7:30pm. 

Bread Baking Experience - Beamish
November 10
The smell of freshly baked bread is one of life's greatest gifts. If you fancy finding out how you can make your own at home, in a traditional way, head down to this fun event which takes place in Herron's Bakery within the 1900's town. You'll even be able to take home your delicious bread at the end of the day.
 

Ice Skating at Beamish Museum
November 15 - March 1
Get your skates on! An outdoor ice rink will be erected in Beamish's Edwardian Pit Village on November 15, where it will remain throughout winter. Nothing beats donning your scarf and gloves and gliding around the ice with your friends and family.