Welcome to Durham

Durham City, home to the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, sits at the heart of an extraordinary county where breathtaking countryside and dramatic coastline are dotted with cultural treasures.

Escape to the peace and tranquillity of the Durham Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to relax and unwind or get outdoors and active. Or experience the rugged beauty of High Force waterfall and the Durham Heritage Coast.

Step back in time and discover Durham’s fascinating history and heritage at award-winning attractions including Beamish Museum and Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon. And if you crave culture, you can’t get much better than the incredible collections and contemporary exhibitions at The Bowes Museum.

Durham has a packed year-round calendar of events to enjoy too, with tickets for the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition going on sale in March, and Durham also plays host to The Ashes in 2013 at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.

Take a short break in Durham and discover the cobbled streets of the city, where stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside big name brands, whilst our lovely market towns offer their own unique shopping experiences. Take some time out in a cosy pub next to the open fire, or blow the cobwebs away on a walk through the changing landscape.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Durham will continue to delight with hidden gems around every corner.

Durham is yours to discover.