Top 10 Outdoor Activities

Walking

The real beauty of Durham’s countryside is in the mix of walks available and the variety of landscapes to enjoy. From gentle strolls along footpaths in our city and towns, to more challenging routes in the Durham Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - our routes were made for walking!

Cycling

Durham has cycling to suit all ages and abilities. Head for Hamsterley Forest where colour coded routes help you decide which is best for you, whilst our quiet country roads offer easy cycling on gentle gradients, plus more challenging climbs and routes including the W2W (Walney to Wear) and C2C (Coast to Coast).

Water Sports

Durham boasts rivers, reservoirs and coast - so whether you enjoy fishing, sailing or canoeing, you're sure to find something to whet your appetite. Try the superb sailing on Derwent and Grassholme Reservoirs, join the water-skiers on Balderhead, or take a rowing boat out on the River Wear. 

Adventure Sports

For something a little out of the ordinary why not try Beamish Wild where the high ropes course will test your nerve. And if you are after an adrenalin fix, Supreme Adventure Sports, Fury and Weardale Off Road are just some of the places which offer a host of action-packed activities including quad biking, archery and clay pigeon shooting.

Golf

Looking to reduce your golf handicap? Some of our hotels, such as Headlam Hall and Ramside Hall, offer golf packages and tuition. And there are beautiful courses in lovely settings including one which has panoramic sea views of the Durham Heritage Coast.  

Nature and Wildlife

A haven for nature lovers - head to Hamsterley Forest to spot many species of birds. Teesdale and Weardale in the Durham Dales and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offer a rich mix of habitats attracting many species of flora and fauna - as does Durham's Heritage Coast. 

Countryside Events and Guided Walks 

If you would prefer someone guiding you on the trail then join one of the Countryside Ranger led walks organised by Durham County Council. An annual programme of events will help you to enjoy Durham's great outdoors.

Cricket

'Outdoor Activities' doesn’t mean you have to be the active one! Sit back and relax on a warm summer day and enjoy watching world famous cricketers play at Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street. 

A Day at the Races

Sedgefield Racecourse is an attractive and friendly course which provides a good day’s racing with plenty of excitement as you cheer your horse and rider on. And with meetings spread over ten months of the year you can always come back again.

Fishing

One day the biggest fish in the lake is going to swim by - and you will be there to catch it!  Try your hand at wild brown trout on Selset, Baldershead and Cow Green reservoirs in Teesdale in the Durham Dales. Remember to book ahead.