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Build your own intineraries

Use this tool to save details of accommodation, events, places to eat and things to see & do in Durham.

To add an item to ‘My Shortlist’, click the relevant

Add to Excursion

List All My Saved Itineraries

You are here: Inspire Me > Durham's Top 10s > Ideas for Family Fun

Top 10 Ideas for Family Fun

Bishop Auckland Castle Durham
From ancient castles to fun in the fresh air - you'll be spoilt for choice for family days out on a trip to Durham.
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The Bowes Museum

Durham Deals

Entertaining the kids can be costly, so check out Durham Deals - exclusive money-saving offers on attractions, activities, accommodation, restaurants and shops.
Beamish

Hands-on History

Visit Durham and step back in time at our award-winning attractions. Beamish Museum vividly recreates life in the early 1800s and 1900s and at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum you can descend a real mine. Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon houses over 70 vehicles from the national collection, whilst Binchester Roman Fort allows you to expore impressive excavated remains.

Great Outdoors

Get on your bike and enjoy a breath of fresh air at Hamsterley Forest, take the woodland walk down to High Force Waterfall to see mother nature at her best, or head to the Vale of Durham for the ropes activity course at Beamish Wild - just a few ways to get active in Durham's great outdoors.
Hall Hill Farm

Meet the Animals

Durham has a number of attractions, including Hall Hill Farm, Tweddle Children's Animal Farm, Adventure Valley and Broom House Farm, where children can experience farm life and get close to lots of furry friends.
Raby Castle

Ancient Castles

If your children love tales of times gone by, head to Raby Castle in the Durham Dales where 700 knights gathered in the magnificent Baron's Hall to plot their unsuccessful Catholic Rising of the North against Elizabeth I. Discover the ruins of Barnard Castle, or enjoy a guided tour of Durham Castle in the heart of Durham City, commissioned by King William the Conqueror and now home of University College. Discover Auckland Castle, steeped in history and surrounded by the Bishop’s Deer Park, within 800 acres of picturesque parkland.

Railway

Enjoy a trip on the heritage Tanfield Railway, a 3-mile steam railway and the oldest existing railway in the world.
University Botanic Garden

Glorious Gardens

Durham is home to many glorious gardens and country parks. Head to Medieval Crook Hall and explore its themed gardens, or take in the tranquil surroundings of Durham University's Botanic Garden. Enjoy a stroll at Whitworth Hall Country Park and see the resident deer, or head to Hardwick Park to enjoy the lakeside setting.
Durham's Heritage Coast

Seaside Fun

Durham's Heritage Coast offers lots of opportunities for some seaside fun, from sandy beaches and cliff top walks, to ice cream parlours and picnic spots.
What's on in Durham

What's On

With a packed calendar of events there is certain to be something happening to keep you entertained - no matter when you choose to visit.
Durham Cathedral

Cultural Treasures

Children of all ages will love the Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum - a 230-year-old musical automaton which plays every day to fascinated onlookers. Discover the Egyptian cat's coffin at Durham University's Oriental Museum, or explore the hidden gems housed within The Treasures of St Cuthbert at Durham Cathedral.