Father's Day in Durham

We all know Dads can be some of the most difficult people to buy for, so this Father’s Day why not treat your Dad to a day out in Durham?

To help you make it a memorable day, check out our top things to do with Dad in Durham, from cultural attractions and exciting events, to getting active outdoors and delicious delights, there’s so many ways to spoil your Dad this weekend in Durham.

Beamish Reliability Run 

The 48th Beamish Safety and Reliability Run returns to Beamish: The Living Museum of the North this Sunday Sunday, 17th June, with cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles registered before 1956 taking part. Beginning and finishing at Beamish, the run will follow a 150-mile route around County Durham and North Yorkshire. There will also be a static display of classic cars throughout the day for visitors to enjoy in between the start and finish of the race.

Treat him to a Man-Tea at Crook Hall 

Show your Dad just how special he is this Father’s Day by treating him to a tasty Father’s Day Afternoon Tea also known as a MAN-Tea Tea at Crook Hall and Gardens in Durham City. 

Get behind the wheel of a real digger at Diggerland

Diggerland is The Ultimate Adventure Theme Park Experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery.

Enjoy a 25% discount off standard pay on the day admission prices with This is Durham’s exclusive discount voucher. 

Explore the Great Outdoors

If your Dad is the adventurous type and sees himself as the next Bear Grylls why not but his outdoor skills to the test and explore the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB or the stunning Heritage Coast. 
Brush up your bush craft skills at Hamsterly Forest, get an adrenalin kick on Hamstley’s famous mountain bike trails, put his map reading skills to the test on a countryside hike or explore the rocky shoreline of Durham’s Heritage Coast and see what creatures you can discover. 

A farmer for the day?

Dads go free this Sunday at Hall Hill Farm (when accompanied by a paying child). 
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of the Durham Dales, explore the outdoor world of farming, enjoy a tractor or donkey ride, feed the lambs, meet the animal residents or even play a game of crazy golf. 

Blacksmith Workshop at Killhope 

What better way to bond with your Dad than by learning a new skill together? Try your hand at the age-old craftsmanship the Blacksmith and make your own fire poker to take home at Killhope: The North of England Lead Mining Museum. 

Classics in the Park at Raby Castle

If he’s a bit of a car enthusiast, then Raby Castle is the place to take him on Sunday. The 26th Classics in the Park returns to Raby Castle, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.  

See classic cars, bikes, steam engines, buses, trucks, vans and tractors in a dramatic new setting with outstanding views overlooking the Castle, lake and walled garden plus a packed programme of activities and displays the whole family can enjoy. (photo credit: Mark Woodward Classic Events) 

Tanfield Trainspotting

The biggest event in the railway's calendar 'Legends of Industry Gala' returns to Tanfield Railway 16th and 17th June for it’s 12th year! The Legends of Industry Gala will feature all of Tanfield’s home fleet operating locomotives plus displays, model railways, guest locomotives including Dunston Power. 

The Bevins Boys – War’s forgotten Workforce

Discover the deep, dark art of the Bevin Boys who powered wartime Britain at The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland. 

The Bevin Boys went unrecognised until 2007 when a national campaign saw them finally acknowledged for the vital role they played in the war effort.

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Bevin Boys scheme, this exhibition celebrates the artworks created by Bevin Boys, including Tom McGuinness and Ted Holloway.