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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Attractions
    Amazing Attractions
    History-lovers can experience Durham’s amazing heritage at award-winning attractions across the county including Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore museums and galleries, castles and historic houses, take some time out in the county’s many green spaces and get ideas for great family days out too.
  2. Activities
    Find Your Ideal Activity
    Whether you’re looking for an indulgent spa break, a golfing holiday or you’d rather get outdoors and active during your stay, here are some ideas to get you started.
  3. Shopping
    Shopping
    Stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside top-name brands in Durham City, whilst market towns across the county are treasure troves of art, antiques and pottery.
  4. Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Find a range of guided and self-guided tours at locations across the county.
  5. Entertainment
    Let Us Entertain You
    From live cricket to stand-up comedy, a night at the theatre or a day at the races, let us entertain you during your visit.
  6. Weddings
    Weddings in Durham
    Getting married? Choose the perfect wedding venue in Durham, North East England. Find a host of historic, unique and unusual places to get married across the county.
  7. Special Offers
    Special Offers
    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.
  8. Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    From gardens and picnic spots to natural wonders and best views, find out what’s not to be missed on a visit to Durham.
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You are here > Home > Things to Do

Things to Do

There's no shortage of things to do during your stay in Durham - a county full of surprises.

No visit to the county would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Durham Cathedral, which together with the adjacent Castle forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City. And if you love history you can delve further into the county's fascinating past at exciting attractions in the Durham Dales, Durham Coast and the Vale of Durham including Beamish - The living Museum of the North, England's largest open air museum. Plus, don't miss the spectacular live open air night show Kynren, an Epic Tale of England, which takes place in Bishop Auckland every Saturday throughout the summer.

Take some tranquil time out in the county's many green spaces, country parks and gardens, or get active as you explore the Durham Dales  of Teesdale and Weardale, and the North Pennines National Landscape - packed with walking and cycling routes and dotted with hidden gems and historical treasure troves. 

From a day at the races to international cricket, golfing holidays and indulgent spa breaks, you'll be spoilt for choice in Durham.

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Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester Roman Fort

Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…

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Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

North Pennines National Landscape

The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning…

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A building and the sea at Seaham Harbour Marina

Seaham Harbour Marina

The multi award-winning Seaham Marina is County Durham's one and only marina. The marina provides…

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The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…

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Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Palace was once home to the Prince…

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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with…

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The Hole in Wand

Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park! Step into a world of wonder at The Hole…

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Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…

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Durham Cathedral Tours

Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…

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Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…

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Bowlees Visitor Centre

Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…

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Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve

This coastal site has impressive views to the north and south. On a clear day, you will be able to…

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Durham University Oriental Museum

Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

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Causey Arch and Picnic Area

Picnic site which is home to the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge.

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PrevPrev
  • 1Binchester Roman Fort
  • 2North Pennines National Landscape
  • 3Seaham Harbour Marina
  • 4The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 5Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project
  • 6Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 7The Hole in Wand
  • 8Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
  • 9Durham Cathedral Tours
  • 10Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 11Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • 12Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve
  • 13Durham University Oriental Museum
  • 14Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 15Causey Arch and Picnic Area
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  • Raily Fab Ways to Explore Durham

    bright red and green steam train on the historic Tanfield Railway.

    Full Steam Ahead: Discover Durham’s Best Railway Experiences

  • Next Stop: Amazing Days

    Collage of images showing Raby Castle, The Auckland Project, Locomotion Railway Museum and Beamish Museum.

    Your ultimate guide to the top days out in Durham, packed with history, adventure, and stunning landscapes.

  • 60 Years of Adventure: Must-See Sights Along The Pennine Way’s Northern Stretch

    Aerial view of Blackton, Hury and Balderhead Reservoirs in the Durham Dales.

    Join Emma from Northumberland Adventures, as she explores the northern stretch of the iconic Pennine Way.

  • Kynren – The Storied Lands

    Artist Impression of The Legend of the Wear Kynren - The Storied Lands.

    The creators of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England have unveiled their most ambitious and exciting project to date: a brand-new historical theme park, Kynren – The Storied Lands.

  • 25 Reasons to Visit Durham in 2025

    collage of images of things happening in Durham throughout 2025.

    From new openings, to incredible stays and amazing days out, let our guide to 25 unmissable things happening in Durham next year help inspire you!

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