Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • February Half Term Events
      • Free Events
      • Easter Events
    • 2026 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • A couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

  • Two people in the pool at Seaham Hall Hotel

    Discover Wellness in Durham

  • Easter events in Durham

    Easter Events

  • People walking at Seaham Hall spa surrounded by candles

    Romantic Getaways

  • Durham Cathedral and riverbanks in the snow

    Winter Breaks

  • Corporate
  • Groups & Travel Trade
  • Durham Story
  • Meet in Durham
  • Northern Saints
A German Flag
Menu
  • Top Attractions

  • Places To Stay

  • Things to Do

    Things to Do in Durham

  • Planning Your Trip

    Planning Your Trip

  • Inspire Me

Site Search Icon

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

My Account icon

Login to your account

  • Logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

Follow Us...

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • YouTube

    YouTube Icon

  • Instagram

    Instagram

  • Blog

    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham Dales > Things to do in the Durham Dales

Things to do in the Durham Dales

Seek out natural wonders while walking or cycling in this breathtaking area, discover fascinating museums and much more along the way.

Search Towns & Villages

Type:
Name / Keyword:

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
  • Accommodation

  • Things To Do

  • What's On

  • Food & Drink

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 43

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Stanhope Fossil Tree

    Add Stanhope Fossil Tree to your Itinerary

    Stanhope Fossil Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    The Stanhope tree was found in a sandstone quarry at Edmundbyers Cross, north of Stanhope, in 1915. Its discovery is recorded by this photograph in the Auckland and County Chronicle, dated 13 May 1915. The accompanying article also mentions another…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Stanhope Fossil Tree
  2. The Retreat Spa Redworth Hall

    Add The Retreat at Redworth Hall to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 466 reviews466 reviews

    The Retreat at Redworth Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Newton Aycliffe

    Set in the heart of County Durham, The Retreat at Redworth Hall Hotel has undergone an incredible refurbishment programme, designed to significantly enhance its facilities and promote an aura of relaxation.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Green Awards Green Tourism - Silver 2024Green Tourism - Silver
    More info for The Retreat at Redworth Hall
  3. Pow Hill Country Park

    Add Pow Hill Country Park to your Itinerary

    Pow Hill Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Edmundbyers

    A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Pow Hill Country Park
  4. Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Add Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 107 reviews107 reviews

    Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Witton-le-Wear

    One of our region’s most important wildlife sites, this wetland reserve, bordered by the River Wear, also contains mixed woodlands and species rich grasslands.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
  5. Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

    Add A Dales Journey in the Footsteps of John Wesley to your Itinerary

    A Dales Journey in the Footsteps of John Wesley

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Tour

    “A Dales Journey” is a 90 miles drive following the footsteps of John Wesley’s 1761 journey visiting five of the oldest Methodist chapels in the world.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for A Dales Journey in the Footsteps of John Wesley
  6. Sheep in a field

    Add Cowshill to Killhope – an extension of the Weardale Way to your Itinerary

    Cowshill to Killhope – an extension of the Weardale Way

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Bishop Auckland

    A linear 4 mile (6.5km) walk from Cowshill to Killhope Lead Mining Museum along the Mineral Valleys Footpath. This route is waymarked, signposted and covered by OS Explorer Map OL31.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Cowshill to Killhope – an extension of the Weardale Way
  7. Family cycling

    Add Cycling at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Cycling at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycling and Mountain Biking

    Bishop Auckland

    Hamsterley Forest is one of the Northeast’s premier mountain bike destinations, with over 2000 hectares of forest to explore on 33 miles of waymarked trails and countless more miles of seldom travelled forest road Hamsterley Forest has something for…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Cycling at Hamsterley Forest
  8. Two children playing on wooden sculpture.

    Add Magical Waterfall Woods - High Force to your Itinerary

    Magical Waterfall Woods - High Force

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail

    Forest in Teesdale

    A new exploratory trail has been introduced at this local natural landmark to encourage children to engage with nature and see the benefits of outdoor play.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Magical Waterfall Woods - High Force
  9. People walking in the woods

    Add Killhope Woodland Walks to your Itinerary

    Killhope Woodland Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Upper Weardale

    The woodland walks are part of a day out at Killhope – two wildlife hides, one accessible hide on the push chair friendly walk.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026
    More info for Killhope Woodland Walks
  10. Horse Riding: Blanchland Packhorse Trail - Horse

    Add Horse Riding: Blanchland Packhorse Trail - Horse to your Itinerary

    Horse Riding: Blanchland Packhorse Trail - Horse

    Type

    Type:

    Riding/Trekking Centre

    CONSETT

    This 21km circular horse riding route is 70% off-road and enjoys 1,027m of ascent. It starts at Baybridge, close to the village of Blanchland. You’ll follow the Carriers’ Way across Bulbeck Common, alive with the evocative calls of wading birds in…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Horse Riding: Blanchland Packhorse Trail - Horse
  11. Children and adults on mountain bikes - Forestry England/Crown copyright

    Add Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Hit the trails at Hamsterley Forest this Easter! Forestry England is delighted to announce the opening of a brand–new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycle trail at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  12. St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton

    Add St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton to your Itinerary

    St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Barnard Castle

    St. Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton is a place of Peace, Worship and Spirituality situated in the Heart of Teesdale.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton
  13. Forests for Wellbeing. Image of someone walking through a pleasant, sunlit forest.

    Add Forests for Wellbeing Trail - Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forests for Wellbeing Trail - Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail

    Hamsterley

    Experience the wellbeing benefits of nature at Hamsterley Forest.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Forests for Wellbeing Trail - Hamsterley Forest
  14. Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Add Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 333 reviews333 reviews

    Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Routes

    Newbiggin

    Centuries ago Viking invaders and settlers left their mark in the local dialect words of the Durham Dales. The Old Norse word “foss” referred to a waterfall and still it echoes down the ages in the modern word “force”. Close to Bowlees Visitor…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave
  15. Information on Blanchland Circular Walk

    Add Blanchland Circular Walk to your Itinerary

    Blanchland Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Blanchland

    You'll never forget this timeless stroll through one of England's oldest and most beautiful villages with its striking mixed woodland situated right on the River Derwent. It’s set in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Blanchland Circular Walk
  16. View of the golf course with a golfer in the distance. A sand bunker to the right and tree in the distance.

    Add Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel to your Itinerary

    Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Gainford

    Located in the Durham dales in the North East, and set over rolling pastureland around the Hall gardens this enjoyable and challenging course features an abundance of natural features including rig & fur, woodland, streams and ponds.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel
  17. Elements Sauna

    Add Elements Sauna to your Itinerary

    Elements Sauna

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Barnard Castle

    Discover Elements Sauna, your premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Our traditional Finnish wood fired public sauna provides a tranquil environment, promoting wellness and helping you unwind from daily stresses. Join us for special…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Elements Sauna
  18. Derwent Reservoir County Durham

    Add Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife to your Itinerary

    Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail

    Consett

    Derwent Reservoir is within the North Pennines National Landscape and, after Kielder, is the second largest reservoir in the region. There is a multi-user path from Pow Hill Country Park (south shore) to the dam at the eastern end of the reservoir…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Derwent Reservoir - Walks, Rides and Wildlife
  19. Wallace and Gromit characters. Copyright and TM Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Ltd 2024  All rights reserved

    Add Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies.

    Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest
  20. Weardale Museum and High House Chapel

    Add Weardale Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 37 reviews37 reviews

    Weardale Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Ireshopeburn

    Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the beautiful Weardale Tapestry, displays on mining,a mineral collection and the finds from St Botolph's Chapel, Frosterley.Also a display commemorating the lives…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Weardale Museum
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Win

  • Save

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2026 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Publications,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council