1. On track
    On track
    Experience incredible feats of engineering up close as you discover highlights from the national collection of rail vehicles at Locomotion.
  2. Off the beaten track
    Off the beaten track
    Take a walk (or ride) on the wild side in Durham’s great outdoors, and soak up the scenery of the breathtaking dales and dramatic coastline.
  3. A place of power
    A place of power
    At Auckland Castle follow in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops, once the most powerful men in England, who called the castle their home.
  4. Power of nature
    Power of nature
    Hear the roar of the water long before it comes into view, as you witness the power of nature in all its glory in the Durham Dales.
  5. Travel back in time
    Travel back in time
    Take a tram ride into the past at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of times gone by.
  6. See light years ahead
    See light years ahead
    Feast your eyes on up to 2,000 stars, as the open moors and pitch black skies of the county make it the ideal spot for stargazing.
  7. Destination with a difference
    Destination with a difference
    Coming soon, the first destination of its kind in the North – stunning gardens, stylish shopping and food as fresh as it gets.
  8. Royal feast
    Royal feast
    From hearty pub lunches to fine dining experiences, and from local produce to seasonal dishes, you’ll find it all on the menu in Durham.

You are here > Home > Do Durham Differently

Image of a steam train at Locomotion.

Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

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People drinking at the bar

McColl's Brewery

Established back in 2016 by Daniel and Gemma McColl, McColl's Brewery was created to bring their…

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The Plotters Forest Outdoor Adventure Playground at Raby Castle

The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle

The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree…

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View more things to see and do in Durham

Exterior image of the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham at night.

Radisson Blu Hotel Durham

A stylish, contemporary hotel located in the city centre of Durham with Collage Restaurant, Bar and…

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Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa exterior fountain

Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa

A chic and innovative 5 star hotel and award winning spa overlooking the sea. Set in 37 acres of…

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View from The Arbeia Lodge Hot Tub

Vindomora Country Lodges

8 Real Wood 4 & 5 Star Lodges all with private, covered Hot Tubs, nestled in a quiet, tranquil…

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View more places to stay in Durham

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Reasons to do Durham The word differently this winter...

  1. The Iris in the Faith Museum Bishop Auckland
    Faith Museum
    Be one of the first to visit this unique museum, and discover stories of faith in Britain spanning 6,000 years.
    1. 7 Oct 202331 Dec 2023
  2. Family walking through tunnel of lights
    AGLOW at Auckland Castle
    With some of the largest installations in the country, AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular light trails in the North East.
    1. 22 Nov 202331 Dec 2023
  3. Three people satin hairdressers chairs
    1950s Town - Beamish Museum
    Take a step back in time to the 1950s at Beamish Museum, as you explore the police houses, ice cream parlour and hairdresser.
    1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
    2. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
  4. Raby Experiences
    Raby Experiences
    From afternoon tea with a waterfall walk, to a winter getaway with delicicious dining.
  5. The Flying Scotsman in the snow
    Flying Scotsman Centenary Festival - Locomotion
    Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience with the world's most famous steam engine.
    1. 16 Dec 20237 Jan 2024
  6. Two people stood on top of the Cathedral Tower
    Durham Cathedral Tower
    Climbing the central tower is certain to be a 'high point' of your visit. Take on the 325 steps to be rewarded with incredible views.
    1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
  7. Ushaw Historic House & Gardens
    Gardens of Ushaw
    Experience the changing colours of the glorious gardens and parkland that surround Ushaw's historic house and chapels.
    1. 1 Apr 202322 Dec 2023
  8. Green coloured Vivienne Westwood shoes.
    Vivienne Westwood
    A snapshot of Vivienne Westwood’s career through the eyes of Peter Smithson, an avid collector for over 25 years.
    1. 22 Jul 20234 Feb 2024
  9. A couple walking at Hamsterley Forest
    Wellbeing Trail
    Escape the hustle and bustle and experience the wellbeing benefits of nature as you explore the Wellbeing Trail at Hamsterley Forest.
    1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
  10. People eating cheese at Teesdale Cheese
    A Taste of Durham
    Get a taste of Durham and discover local producers and seasonal produce at farmshops and farmers markets across the county.
  11. Deer at Raby Castle
    Wildlife Watching
    Explore the Durham Nature and Wildlife Calendar to discover what you may encounter as you head off into Durham's great outdoors this winter.
  12. couple walking on the Durham Heritage Coast
    Coastal Footpath
    Blow away the cobwebs as you discover the 11 mile walking route from Seaham to Crimdon, with dramatic views along the way.
    1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
  13. A couple walking around Durham Cathedral
    Northern Saints Trails
    Walk in the footsteps of the Northern Saints, discovering incredible scenery, attractions and food and drink along the way.
    1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
  14. Two kids dressed up as Harry Potter at Durham Cathedral
    Durham on Screen
    From Hollywood blockbusters to Oscar-winning movies, discover incredible film locations across the county.
  15. Cinderella - Gala Durham
    'Oh yes you will' have a fantastic festive time at the annual Gala pantomime, in this retelling of one of the greatest stories ever told.
    1. 23 Nov 20236 Jan 2024
  16. In the Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival
    Durham Christmas Festival
    Get into the seasonal spirit with three days of festive fun, markets and entertainment at the annual Durham Christmas Festival.
    1. 1 Dec 20233 Dec 2023

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  • Must Visit Beaches in Durham

    couple walking with their white dog on the beach at Seaham, County Durham.

    All along the Durham Heritage Coast you'll find an incredible array of captivating beaches that are waiting to be discovered.

  • Robson Green Weekend Escapes

    Robson Green and Melanie Hill sat at foot of High Force Waterfall credit: Robson Green Instagram

    Plan your own weekend escape with our guide to amazing attractions and experiences featured in Robson Green's Weekend Escapes on BBC 2.