Things to Do in Durham
Planning Your Trip
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Free Attractions
Number of results: 27
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Newbiggin
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling fields that boast some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines National…
Municipal Park
Durham City
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City. The historic park now offers a brand new heritage centre and cafe, play area for all ages, an amphitheatre and miniature car track, multi-use games…
Marina
Seaham
The multi award-winning Seaham Marina is County Durham's one and only marina. The marina provides facilities for 96 boats and is home to a fantastic selection of local businesses. From cafes serving delicious homemade cakes to physiotherapy and…
Municipal Park
Chester-le-Street
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in the 1990s and now includes artist-designed ornamental gardens, an events arena, play area and a park centre with cafe and toilets.
Abbey / Priory
Barnard Castle
Charming ruins of Premonstratensian Abbey and picnic area in a picturesque location on the River Tees.
Abbey / Priory
Durham City
The very extensive remains of a 13thC priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.
Gallery
Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market place. It offers regular art exhibitions, live music, theatre and films as well as a café and library with free internet access and local history…
Picnic Site
Stanley
Picnic site which is home to the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge.
Church / Chapel
Bishop Auckland
One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).
Castle / Fort
Barnard Castle
The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12thC tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.
Historic Site
Durham City
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard. Since the 14th Century…
Walking Route
Near Blackhall Colliery
The sight and sound of skylarks rising above the short Magnesian Limestone grassland is very noticeable in this area. The grass is kept purposely short to encourage them.
Natural Feature
Near Middleton-in Teesdale, Barnard Castle
Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Museum
Cowshill
*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed throughout the 2024 season.
Beach
Seaham
Seaham Beach is a pleasant stretch of rocky and sandy beach, with rocks pools a plenty. The dog-friendly beach stretches for approx. one mile along the town’s coastline, from the harbour wall to the north of the town.
Church / Chapel
Chester-le-Street
The cathedral church and shrine of St Cuthbert from AD883 to 995 with attached anchorage containing displays on Roman, Saxon and medieval times.
Museum
Durham City
Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past through the unique objects that are uncovered as the result of archaeological excavations, or are unearthed by chance by members of the public.
Walking Routes
The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds,…
Museum
Durham City
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum. The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.
Museum
Shildon
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s first railway town.
© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved
Registered Office: Visit County Durham, Room SF1C, 2nd Floor, Salvus House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS