28 Things to Do in Durham - If You Dare!

Something’s stirring in North East England. The long-awaited sequel to 28 Days Later - 28 Years Later has stalks its way into cinemas (20 June 2025), bringing haunting locations, abandoned streets, and eerie English countryside back into the spotlight. And where better to film scenes of apocalyptic beauty than right here in the North East?

Parts of 28 Years Later were filmed in Durham and the wider North East region, showcasing our rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and timeless villages in all their atmospheric glory.

So in honour of the film, here are 28 things to do in Durham that will let you embrace your inner survivor, explore our wilder side, and (just in case) prepare for anything...

1. Explore the ruins of Finchale Priory

Hidden in woodland by the River Wear, this centuries-old monastery feels like something from a post-apocalyptic movie set. Wander the eerie remains of this 13th-century monastery hidden in woodland near Durham City. Peaceful by day, spooky by dusk.

2. Walk the moors of the Durham Dales and North Pennines

Bleak. Beautiful. Quiet. The North Pennines National Landscape and Durham Dales are Durham’s own “safe zone” with  wide open space where you’re more likely to see a sheep than a soul.

Endless skies and rolling heather moorland make this one of England’s last true wildernesses. Bring sturdy boots and a sense of awe.

3. Take a survival foraging course

Learn how to live off the land with expert-led foraging experiences in Hamsterley Forest or at Dalton Moor Farm on the Durham Heritage Coast. Learn to forage safely for mushrooms, berries and edible greens with expert guides. A true survival skill that’s also a tasty day out.

4. Visit the abandoned relics of industrial Durham

From old mining sites to forgotten rail lines, Durham’s heritage has its own ghostly beauty.
Trace the region’s industrial past along old train tracks and mining routes where nature is quietly reclaiming it all.

5. Roam the woodlands of Hamsterley Forest

A perfect place to escape whether you’re hiding from zombies or just city stress. With over 2,000 hectares of pine, oak and beech woodland, it's easy to vanish into the trees. Great for walkers, mountain bikers or escape artists.

6. Discover secret caves and waterfalls

Low Force and High Force are stunning waterfalls perfect for dramatic photos. Thunderous natural landmarks surrounded by ancient forest and rocky gorges. Don’t miss Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force, tucked behind Bowlees Visitor Centre. It's like stepping into a secret world carved by water and time.

7. Try wild swimming 

The ultimate test of nerve and an invigorating way to connect with nature. Refresh your senses by taking a dip at one of Durham’s scenic spots. Take the plunge in secret rivers and along Durham’s rugged coast. From the River Wear to sheltered sea coves, it’s cold, wild, and absolutely thrilling. Not for the faint-hearted.

Always prioritise safety, check water conditions, swim with a buddy, and wear a wetsuit if the water is chilly. Joining a local swimming group or guided session is a great way to build confidence and stay safe.

8. Go off-grid

Whether you're into total escape with no electricity or prefer hot tubs under the stars, Durham’s glamping scene has it all. Think shepherd’s huts, yurts, treehouses and eco-cabins — wild, but comfy.

Sleep under the stars with zero light pollution and nothing but the sound of owls. 

9. Cycle the quiet railway paths

Bring your bike and pedal your way along the old tracks of the Durham Railway Paths network, all beautifully remote. Old tracks have been transformed into tranquil cycling routes that weave through forests, fields and valleys with very few other humans in sight.

10. Follow the Weardale Way

This long-distance walking route takes you deep into Durham’s wild heartland. Pack layers and snacks, there’s a lot to discover along the way.

Stretching 77 miles from the North Sea at Sunderland to the high moors of Killhope in the Durham Dales, the Weardale Way is Durham’s ultimate long-distance trail. Following the meandering River Wear, it traverses ancient woodlands, rugged dales, and historic towns, offering a journey through the "Land of the Prince Bishops."

Whether you're honing your navigation skills, seeking solitude, or simply embracing the wild beauty of Durham, the Weardale Way is perfect for those inspired by the survival themes of 28 Years Later.

11. Take shelter in Raby Castle

If you need somewhere to hole up, this 14th-century fortress will do nicely. One of England’s finest medieval castles, with towering walls, wild roaming deer, and a newly restored Walled Garden. Don’t miss The Plotters’ Forest, a magical woodland playground for young explorers.

12. Learn bushcraft in the wilds of Durham

Master the basics of survival, from fire-lighting, shelter-building and wild cooking: it’s all good prep (and fun too). It’s a great way to get back-to-nature that’s also surprisingly satisfying. All helpful things you’d want to know in the apocalypse. Top picks include Andy's Outings and The Hub at Barnard Castle.  

13. Watch the sunrise from a hilltop

Head to the top of Bollihope Burn in the Durham Dales or head to the Durham Heritage Coast to see the first light spread across the county. Quiet, dramatic, and strangely hopeful, you'll feel like the last person on earth (in the best possible way).

14. Wildlife Watching

The Durham Dales and North Pennines are home to incredible wildlife, including  Red Squirrels. These elusive natives can be found in on the banks of Derwent Reservoir and other spots in the far north of the Durham Dales.

As you explore keep an eye out for roe deer, otters, barn owls, curlews and rare butterflies too.

15. Find tranquillity at Durham Cathedral

Towering over the city, Durham Cathedral is an oasis of calm and cinematic grandeur. You’ll recognise it from Harry Potter and Avengers Endgame. In medieval times, this UNESCO World Heritage site is where fugitives found sanctuary here by grasping the Sanctuary Ring on the north door. 

16. Experience stargazing in England’s darkest skies

Far from city lights, Durham’s dark skies come alive with stars, planets and maybe even meteor showers. The night skies are spectacular in the Durham Dales, home to many official Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Bring a telescope or join a guided stargazing event, including Grassholme Observatory where you can search the night sky for distant galaxies. 

17. Lose yourself in beautiful gardens

Swap chaos for calm at Crook Hall Gardens, with hidden corners and a mini maze, or wander the historic grandeur of Ushaw, Historic House, Chapels and Gardens with stunning formal gardens, Gothic chapels and peaceful woodlands. 

18. Follow a ghost walk in Durham City

Learn about real-life eerie tales and haunted places with Durham's Ghost Whisperer. Discover the haunted history of the city with chilling tales and hidden alleyways. The past never truly stays dead...

19. Visit Beamish the Living Museum of the North

Step into a fully immersive historic world. With reconstructed villages, farms and streets, it’s a fascinating look at life in the past and how communities endure. It’s easy to imagine how society can rebuild after the apocalypse as you explore the vast open-air museum.

20. Enjoy a 'last meal' in a country pub

Savour slow food and hearty meals in a quiet village across the county. Tuck into hearty food in cosy country pubs and inns like, The Rose and Crown at Romaldkirk or The Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland. Zombies don’t do Sunday roasts. 

21. Storm the ruins of Barnard Castle

With dramatic views and ruined walls, this riverside fortress has serious cinematic appeal, and a great defensive position with plenty of lookout spots across the Tees Gorge. Don’t miss the elegant Bowes Museum nearby, home to art, fashion and the famous Silver Swan automaton.

22. Take a steam train ride on the Weardale Railway

Chug through spectacular landscapes on a heritage line. You’ll pass remote villages, wooded valleys and timeless countryside, no zombies, just fresh air. It’s slower than a getaway vehicle, but ten times more scenic. Slow travel at its most atmospheric.

23. Learn survival skills through outdoor adventure

Whether it’s rock climbing with Weardale Adventures, kayaking along the River Wear, or paddleboarding with Adventure Access at Seaham Marina, Durham offers more than just a thrill, it’s training for the end of days.

You could even try archery (a handy skill when the supermarket shelves are empty and stealth matters). These outdoor pursuits aren’t just fun, they might just prepare you for anything.

24. Wild-style camp across the county

Tents, stars and total quiet, this is the closest you’ll come to off-grid without heading into the wilderness. Take your pick from riverside pitches, forest sites, or fully serviced spots. From total wilderness to family-friendly, there’s a tent spot for you.

25. Roam the Durham Heritage Coast

From windswept cliffs and secluded beaches to Castle Eden Dene, one of England’s last surviving ancient woodlands, this coast is a wild, magical place where nature reigns. Discover  hidden coves and windswept beaches that stretch along this underrated coastal gem. Solitude guaranteed.

26. Visit Locomotion in Shildon

This museum of rail history is full of stories of movement, escape and engineering - just what you need in an outbreak. Explore the power of trains, escape and innovation in this National Railway Museum outpost and imagine your getaway strategy.

27. Discover resilience and rebirth at The Auckland Project

In a world rebuilding itself, The Auckland Project is a real-life story of revival. Once home to powerful Prince Bishops, Auckland Palace now stands as a symbol of regeneration, surrounded by beautifully restored gardens, the Mining Art Gallery, the Spanish Gallery, and the powerful new Faith Museum. It’s a place where history, hope, and human spirit are on full display, and a reminder that even after chaos, culture can thrive again.

28. Make peace with the apocalypse over coffee in Durham’s indie cafés

Finally, reflect on life, survival, and whether you’d actually make it through a zombie outbreak over a flat white.

Recharge in one of the county’s many cosy coffee shops. Try Vennels in Durham City, The Dunes Cafe, or Coghlans at Barringham, all ideal for people-watching with a pastry.

Ready to Embrace Your Inner Survivor?

Durham is more than just a filming location, it’s an epic, dramatic and beautifully wild destination in its own right.

Whether you’re drawn to its cinematic landscapes, historic ruins or the joy of a simple walk in the woods, you’ll find something unforgettable here.

Before the world ends (again), why not plan your visit?