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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham City > Things To Do in Durham City

Things To Do in Durham City

A visit to Durham City will be packed with things to see and do, including Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  1. A swimming pool

    Add Pace Health Club to your Itinerary

    Pace Health Club

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Durham City

    Located in the heart of Durham city centre, we aim to help you reach your goals in a modern and friendly environment.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Pace Health Club
  2. Image of an information board showing Durham Cathedral and text describing the World Heritage Site at Palace Green Library.

    Add World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 130 reviews130 reviews

    World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Durham City

    Providing a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre is the gateway to discovering what it is that makes Durham so significant, and what there is to see and do around the peninsula.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 2020TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
  3. Woman with child looking at App on a mobile phone, forest setting

    Add Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Visitors to Wharton Park in Durham City can enjoy new and exciting adventures with the launch of an interactive mobile app, a free app which can be downloaded for both Android and iPhone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park
  4. view of Durham Cathedral from River Wear

    Add Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7266 reviews7266 reviews

    Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Durham Cathedral
  5. A couple looking at exhibitions inside Durham Cathedral Museum

    Add Durham Cathedral Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7266 reviews7266 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Cathedral Museum
  6. Entrance to Durham University Oriental Museum

    Add Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 385 reviews385 reviews

    Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum.  The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2015North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham University Oriental Museum
  7. Feed the llamas at Adventure Valley

    Add Adventure Valley to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1002 reviews1002 reviews

    Adventure Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Theme Park

    Brasside, Durham

    Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family adventure park, with over 50 attractions, activities and shows.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Adventure Valley
  8. The Courtyard and Keep of Durham Castle,

    Add Durham Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1410 reviews1410 reviews

    Durham Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Durham City

    Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Durham Castle
  9. Women getting a spa treatment

    Add Nu Spa Durham: Radisson Blu Hotel to your Itinerary

    Nu Spa Durham: Radisson Blu Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Durham City

    In the centre of Durham, wellness lies at the heart of nu spa.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Nu Spa Durham: Radisson Blu Hotel
  10. Brancepeth Castle

    Add Brancepeth Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 42 reviews42 reviews

    Brancepeth Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Durham

    Brancepeth is one of the oldest castles in the North East. The building today is a combination of the Nevilles' medieval stronghold and the grand country house created for the wealthy Russell family in Regency times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Brancepeth Castle
  11. Photography Workshop with Gary Lintern

    Add Durham Cathedral Tours to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7266 reviews7266 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are available Monday to Saturday and last for approximately 1 hour. Tickets can be purchased from the Information Desk at the back of the Cathedral on the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Cathedral Tours
  12. Exterior image of The Story, Mount Oswald, from the lawn.

    Add The Story to your Itinerary

    The Story

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    South Road, Durham

    The Story offers a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people. Bringing together our diverse collections of records and objects for the first time, The Story charts thousands of years of everyday life in the county.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for The Story
  13. external image of Durham Town Hall

    Add Durham Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Durham Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard.  Since the 14th Century…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham Town Hall
  14. Durham University Botanic Garden

    Add Durham University Botanic Garden to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 449 reviews449 reviews

    Durham University Botanic Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Botanic Garden

    Durham City

    Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China, glasshouse rainforest and desert plants. Six Colin Wilbourne sculptures in landscaped garden.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham University Botanic Garden
  15. A group of people wearing life jackets paddling a dragon boat on a river, with an old stone arched bridge and riverside buildings in the background.

    Add Adventure Access Durham City to your Itinerary

    Adventure Access Durham City

    Type

    Type:

    Watersports Centre

    Old Elvet, Durham

    Adventure Access is an outdoor activities company that delivers water sports at two sites in County Durham. We are a community interest company that prides itself on making paddle sports accessible to everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Adventure Access Durham City
  16. Image of Palace Green Library's exterior on a sunny day.

    Add Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 374 reviews374 reviews

    Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
  17. Golf course at Ramside Hall Hotel

    Add Golf at Ramside Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Golf at Ramside Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Durham

    Ramside Hall is North East England’s most exciting risk and reward golf resort. Its two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Prince Bishops' and the Cathedral, provide drama, enjoyment and excitement from the first tee to the final green.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Golf at Ramside Hall Hotel
  18. Adventure Valley Golf course

    Add Adventure Valley Golf to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1002 reviews1002 reviews

    Adventure Valley Golf

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Sport Centre

    Durham

    Adventure Valley Golf – Durham’s only adventure golf course, boasting 18 fun packed holes. Suitable for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Adventure Valley Golf
  19. Durham Cathedral Tower

    Add Durham Cathedral Tower to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7266 reviews7266 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Tower

    Type

    Type:

    Tower

    Durham City

    Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing the cathedral’s Central Tower. Make a climb up the towers, the high point of your visit to Durham Cathedral.

    Visitors can conquer the 325 steps and…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Cathedral Tower
  20. Crook Hall Gardens

    Add Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1074 reviews1074 reviews

    Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    National Trust

    Durham City

    The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town house, reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning 10-acre gardens, paddock and fields,…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2026to28 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Crook Hall Gardens
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