Discover Wellness across the Culture County

Discover a wide range of wellness activities and events across Durham, from soothing yoga sessions and mindfulness workshops to invigorating outdoor fitness experiences. Discover some highlights of Durham’s fantastic wellness offering below.

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

For a fun, active way to get outdoors, pick up a paddle! Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking are great for exploring Durham’s waterways while giving your core a workout and helping you unwind.  Venues like Seaham Harbour Marina and the River Wear with Adventure Access offer calm, scenic surroundings making it easy to focus on your balance.

Durham City Run Festival

Durham City Run is set to celebrate its 10^th year in 2026, as once again the city is set to host 5K and 10K races across its historic streets! The festival will run from 16 to 18 July, with races taking place on 16 July and Paula’s Families on Track event on Saturday 18 July.

Elements Sauna at TCR Hub Barnard Castle

Discover Elements Sauna, a traditional Finnish wood-fired public sauna that offers a tranquil environment to promote wellbeing. While providing a space to unwind from daily stresses, from authentic sauna sessions to invigorating cold dips, every experience is designed to support relaxation, recovery, and overall wellness. Located on the beautiful grounds of the TCR Hub in Barnard Castle.

Mental Health Swims at Seaham Harbour

Mental Health Swims is an award-winning, mental health peer support community. Hosting free, safe and inclusive swim meet ups nationwide. Participants can swim, dip, paddle or toe-dip and can do what they are most comfortable with, firmly focused on dips, not distance and community, not competition. The regular dip at Seaham takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

Parkrun Durham

Durham has several Parkrun’s to discover. Walk, jog, run or just spectate at this free, fun, weekly 5k community event. From a coastal run along the Heritage Coastal Path in Easington to exploring the grounds of Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, there are many exciting Parkruns for you to discover across the county.

One-Day Walking Pilgrimage with Durham Cathedral

Each walk will follow a circular-route, departing from and returning to the Cathedral, exploring Durham and its beautiful surroundings. Along the way there will be reflections and insights, with opportunities to reflect together and quielty.  

Midsummer Flow Solstice Yoga at Raby Castle

Step into the golden warmth of the longest day of the year with a Summer Solstice Yoga Experience at Raby Castle. On Saturday 20 June, gather in the beautiful Riding School for a nourishing two-hour practice inspired by the energy of the solstice,  a time of light, expansion, and quiet celebration. Move through a thoughtfully guided yoga asana practice designed to awaken the body, build gentle heat, and invite a sense of openness and ease.

Experience the tranquillity of wellness in Durham and discover even more rejuvenating activities across the Culture County.