From landmark anniversaries and bold new openings to wild landscapes, festivals and feel-good escapes, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year to visit Durham. Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a family holiday or a longer staycation, here are 26 reasons to put Durham firmly on your travel list.

New for 2026 and Big Developments 

1. See ‘The Light’

A major new cultural attraction for Durham City, The Light will bring together art, science, history and creativity under one roof. Expect immersive exhibitions, hands-on experiences and a fresh reason to explore the city centre in 2026. Opening date TBC.

2. The Storied Lands – Kynren

Kynren’s epic storytelling expands with The Storied Lands, a daytime adventure park packed with live-action shows, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable encounters. A must for families, history lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Opening Summer 2026.

3. Durham Town Hall

One of Durham’s best kept secrets, the Town Hall has been a centre of life in this historic city for more than 650 years. Now open to the public again following refurbishment with interpretation, interactive information points, short films and audio guides bringing stories to life. Learn about how the Town Hall of today developed over the centuries from a timber structure built in 1356.

4. Redhills

The historic Durham Miners’ Association building is now reopen following major restoration work. This powerful heritage and cultural space offers visitors a deeper insight into the people, politics and pride that shaped the county.

Creative Durham: Culture and Festivals 

5. Durham Fringe Festival

Bold, playful and unexpected, Durham Fringe fills Durham City with theatre, comedy, dance and spoken word. Perfect for discovering emerging talent and seeing Durham from a creative new angle. Save the Date: 29 July – 2 August 2026.

6. Celebrate 20 Years of Durham Brass

Marking two decades of brass band excellence, Durham Brass continues to fill streets, parks and venues with stirring performances that celebrate the county’s musical heritage. 12 – 19 July 2026.

7. Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

Step into the world of Britain’s ultimate fashion icon in The Bowes Museum’s most ambitious Westwood exhibition yet. A multi-gallery exhibition featuring many pieces from rarely seen private collections. Opens 28 March – 6 September 2026.

Vivienne Westwood exhibition is just one of The Bowes Museum’s landmark 2026 exhibition programme. Don’t miss Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre (September 2026 – March 2027, featuring never-before-seen Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Pissarro and more. Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection (November 2026–April 2027). Celebrating beauty, craftsmanship and heritage through exquisite lace spanning four centuries.

8. Durham Jazz Festival

A highlight of the cultural calendar next year, Durham Jazz Festival brings national and local jazz musicians to atmospheric venues across Durham City, from intimate clubs to grand historic spaces. There’ll also be masterclass workshops for young and emerging musicians. Save the Date 23 to 25 October.  

9. Fabulous Food Festivals

From street food celebrations to artisan markets, Durham’s food festivals showcase the very best of local produce, flavours and creative cooking — perfect for hungry explorers. Don’t miss Bishop Auckland Food Festival 18 -19 April, and Seaham Food Festival 1 – 2 August. 

10. Christmas in Durham

Winter in Durham is pure magic. Festive markets, twinkling lights, seasonal events and cosy cafés make the county an irresistible destination in the run-up to Christmas. Don’t miss the annual Durham Christmas Festival 4 – 6 December, with over 200 market stalls to browse it was voted one the UK’s best festive markets in 2025.

Landmark Anniversaries 

11. 40th Anniversary of Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site

Four decades since its inscription, Durham Cathedral and Castle continue to awe visitors from around the world, and 2026 is the perfect time to celebrate this global icon. Durham was the first UK cultural heritage site to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986.

12. Fifty Years of Lumley Castle Hotel

Marking half a century as a luxury hotel, Lumley Castle blends medieval drama with modern comfort — ideal for a memorable stay with a serious sense of history. This Grade I listed building was transformed into a 73-bedroom hotel in 1976. Today visitors can enjoy luxurious overnight stays, delicious dining and an exciting programme of events throughout the year.

13. 25th Anniversary of Harry Potter

Fans can celebrate 25 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hit the big screen, revisiting Durham Cathedral’s magical filming locations. The secluded walkways of The Cloister doubled as the grand hallways of Hogwarts, The Cloister Garth is where Harry set Hedwig off for a flight around Hogwarts Castle, and The Chapter House was transformed into Professor McGonagall’s classroom.   

14. 25 Years of Seaham Hall Hotel

This much-loved luxury retreat celebrates 25 years of indulgent stays, award-winning dining and one of the finest spa experiences in the North East. Frequently named as one of the best hotels in the UK, in 2025 Seaham Hall even made the prestigious La Liste global ranking.

Heritage and History 

15. S&DR200 Festival

Commemorating 200 years of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, this landmark festival has been extended until May 2026, with new events and exhibitions celebrating the invention that changed the world — right here in Durham.

16. Beamish Museum – Bigger than ever before!

The open-air museum continues to grow, with new areas, stories and experiences, and plenty of reasons to return, even if you’ve visited before. Throughout 2026 the world-famous museum will celebrate some big anniversaries, including 50^th years since the Colliery Village was opened, as well as the 20^th anniversary of the Masonic Lodge opening and 15 years since the ever-popular Davy’s Fried Fish Shop opened.  

17. 140th Durham Miners’ Gala

One of Europe’s greatest free festivals, the Miners’ Gala (11 July 2026) remains a powerful celebration of community, heritage and solidarity, drawing crowds from far and wide every summer. Held on the second Saturday if July since 1871, with more than 200,000 people marching through the streets of historic Durham City.

Outdoors, Landscapes and Natural Wonders 

18. Roof of England Trail

Discover dramatic uplands, sweeping views and peaceful pathways on this new long-distance trail through the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. Take on the full 188-mile trail across multiple days or explore different sections of the route at your own pace.  

19. Wildlife Watching

From seabirds along the coast to red squirrels and deer inland, Durham offers brilliant wildlife encounters throughout the year.

20. Summer at the Seaside

Durham’s Heritage Coast delivers classic seaside fun, from sandy beaches and sea glass hunting, to clifftop walks and cooling dips on sunny summer days. There’s so much to discover along the 11-mile coastal footpath. 

21. Autumn Colours

In autumn, Durham’s woodlands, parklands and dales glow with rich reds, golds and oranges. Perfect for photography, walks and crisp-air escapes. From High Force Waterfall, to Hamsterley Forest and Raby Castle, you’ll find lots of incredible colourful outdoor spots you can visit on an autumn escape in Durham.

22. Dazzling Dark Skies

Throughout the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape you’ll find some of the darkest skies in the UK, making Durham the perfect place to enjoy a stargazing break. The winter months are peak stargazing season with the chance for crystal clear skies, but throughout the year you’ll find an amazing range of events and activities to enjoy. Head to Grassholme Observatory to get expert help when exploring the night sky, or time your visit right for the North Pennines Stargazing Festival - October 2026 dates TBC. Wrap up warm and look up for unforgettable night skies.

Relax, Explore and Indulge 

23. Wellness and Chill-Out Spots

Take a break and recharge in Durham. Relax at luxurious spas and wellness retreats, enjoy eco-friendly accommodation, or explore peaceful walking and cycling trails through the Durham Dales and Heritage Coast. For a refreshing twist, try paddleboarding, wild swimming, or gentle boat trips. With options for mindful relaxation, active wellness, and sustainable stays, Durham is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

24. Cricketing Action

Catch top-class cricket at the Banks Homes Riverside stadium, where international fixtures and county matches combine sport with spectacular riverside views. Don’t miss England Women’s team take on New Zealand on 10 May, and England’s Men v’s India in the ODI on 1 July.  

25. Set-Jetting

Durham has become a star in its own right, serving as the backdrop for many iconic movies and TV shows. In 2026, visitors can visit the real star of the show by exploring these cinematic hotspots and walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters.

26. Get a Real Taste of Durham

From award-winning restaurants to cosy pubs and independent cafés, Durham’s food scene serves up local flavour with a warm welcome. Indulge in fresh, locally sourced cuisine at eateries across the county. You’ll also find markets and businesses across the county where you can pick up delicious local produce to take home with you. 

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more inspiration.

To stay up to date with what’s happening in Durham, sign up to our monthly e-newsletter.