Washington (England)

His teeth were famously rotten, and quinsy eventually did for him, but "heartburn" was the original family name of George Washington (1732–1799), first President of the United States. In the late 12th century William Bayard of Hartburn in County Durham took tenancy of the bishop's lands here, so he ditched his "de Hertburne" moniker for "de Wessyngton" — Hwæsa or Wassa may have been its original Saxon owner. The family held it until 1613 then sold it back to the bishopric and moved to the Midlands. John Washington (1633–1677) of Hertfordshire was a descendant who traded in tobacco: he was setting out on a return voyage from Virginia when his laden ship ran aground in the Potomac. It was repaired and sailed on, but John took the hint and stayed. He married and his first child Lawrence was the paternal grandfather of the future president. The Old Hall remained a residence until the 19th century then fell derelict. It was about to be demolished in 1936 but a campaign saved it, and in 1957 the National Trust took it on. So what you see now is a mostly 17th-century mansion.

Early coal mines were simple "bell pits", but they could only work shallow seams. The Durham seams lay deeper and from the 18th-century shafts were sunk to reach them, driving technical innovation to keep them drained and ventilated. William Russell sank a series of shafts A-I: Pit F was sunk in 1777 and productive until 1796, when an explosion caused it to flood. However it reopened in 1820 and was later sunk deeper to reach the Hutton Seam at 660 feet then in 1954 the Busty Seam at 927 feet. The simplex steam winding engine was built in 1888, serving another pit then relocating here in 1903. The pit closed in 1968 and re-opened as a museum in 1976, but its hours have always been erratic.

is a wetland along the banks of the River Wear. See otters, native birds and flamingos (in summer).

This has 20 bowling lanes, arcade games, a bar and US-style fast food.

It's more like a pub/cafe with community arts events, including theatre, music, crafts, and that chilling word "wellness".