Celebrations & Special Occasions

Why not combine one of the busy itineraries with a more relaxing day out?

The vibrant Durham City has plenty of retail therapy on offer, while Dalton Park provides an excellent outlet shopping centre. If the more specialist shopping and seasonal farmers markets are your taste take time to visit Durham's market towns Stanhope, Middleton in Teesdale and Bishop Auckland. Barnard Castle has a specialist antique quarter as well as a traditional town centre to explore.

To experience something authentically Durham in taste, try one of the many farm shops selling local foods and produce or  sample some local dishes in Durham's award winning cafes and restaurants. Whatever type of cuisine your group enjoys you will be spoilt for choice! Click here for more details on TasteDurham.

For the ultimate relaxing visit, why not try a hotel with spa and leisure facilities, there's quite a few to choose from in Durham.

Retail Therapy Route

Route One
Durham City - Bishop Auckland - Barnard Castle - Cotherstone - Eggleston - Middleton in Teesdale - Stanhope - Crook - Durham City.
OR: From Stanhope - Seaham - Durham City

Coach Timings

• Durham City - Barnard Castle: 50 mins 
• Middleton in Teesdale - Stanhope: 45 mins 
• Stanhope - Durham City: 45 mins 
• Stanhope - Dalton Park : 70 mins 

Attractions - Suggested Length of Visit

• Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre & High Street: min. 2 hours 
• Middleton in Teesdale: allow 45 mins 
• Stanhope Durham Dales Centre: allow 1 hour including refreshment stop 
• Durham City: min. half a day - extend to 1 full day to cover all museums 
• Dalton Park Shopping Centre: 2 hours

Did You Know...

• The ultimate relaxing visit to Durham includes a hotel with spa and leisure facilities. Visit thisisdurham.com to find something to whet your appetite!
  
• Durham Cathedral has a book shop with a difference, housed in the Medieval Great Kitchen. You can find souvenirs, gifts and specialist guide books. 
  
• There are gift shops galore at Durham University's attractions. Find plants, toys, books, souvenirs and prints at the Botanic Garden and Oriental Museum gift shops. 
  
• FREE coach parking in Durham is another great reason for groups to shop in the City! The Prince Bishop Shopping Centre and Victorian Indoor Market are well worth a visit!
  
• Specialist antique shops on The Bank in Barnard Castle make a visit to the town a real treat for collectors. 
  
• You can find added value for groups with 60 stores and food outlets to explore and up to 50% off designer labels at Dalton Park Shopping Centre.  
  
• Tantalising local produce and creative menus are on offer to groups at cafes and restaurants that have the Taste Durham seal of approval.
  
• You can discover hidden gems around Durham with a Blue Badge Guide accompanying your group. It is a great way to tailor a commentary to your group's interest. 
  
• The newly refurbished shop at The Bowes Museum provides a wide range of gifts, books, homeware, jewellery, and many more unique items. 
  

• Killhope Lead Mining Museum's shop has an array of gifts, souvenirs, jewellery and books, suitable for all pockets. We provide ourselves that many gifts have been made by local crafts people, local suppliers using local resources or using recycled materials or are some way environmentally friendly.

  Finish off your day with a trip to Sunderland Empire check out whether its a top west end show, comedy act or musical extravaganza, guaranteed to entertain