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

Things to do in the Vale of Durham

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  1. Grandad and Granddaughter looking at Locomotion

    Add Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1254 reviews1254 reviews

    Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Shildon

    Explore 200 years of railway history in the world’s first railway town at Locomotion, Europe’s largest undercover collection of heritage railway vehicles.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Tourism Event of the Year - Bronze 2014North East England Tourism Awards - Tourism Event of the Year - Bronze
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Locomotion
  2. Exterior seating of cafe

    Add Bishop Auckland Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market place. It offers regular art exhibitions, live music, theatre and films as well as a café and library with free internet access and local history…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  3. The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

    Add The Auckland Project -  No 42 Gallery and Shop to your Itinerary

    The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition. Here you can see some of the intriguing objects and archives that The Auckland Project holds, as well as hearing some of the fascinating oral…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop
  4. deer park auckland palace county durham

    Add Auckland Palace Deer House and Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7 reviews7 reviews

    Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Bishop Auckland

    A charming Gothic Revival 'eyecatcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Auckland Palace Deer House and Park
  5. Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery

    Add Spennymoor Town Council to your Itinerary

    Spennymoor Town Council

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Spennymoor

    The Gallery houses a permanent collection of art, including paintings by Norman Cornish, as well as being host to at least six exhibitions a year.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Spennymoor Town Council
  6. Auckland Palace exterior with lawn area to foreground

    Add The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 512 reviews512 reviews

    The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, at the heart of County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for The Auckland Project
  7. The Spa at Wynyard

    Add The Spa at Wynyard to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 195 reviews195 reviews

    The Spa at Wynyard

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Wynyard

    Melt away stress and ease worries in the soothing surroundings of our award-winning Spa.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa 2017Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa
    More info for The Spa at Wynyard
  8. Durham Cricket Club

    Add Hen and Stag Parties at Banks Homes Riverside to your Itinerary

    Hen and Stag Parties at Banks Homes Riverside

    Type

    Type:

    Stag & Hen Party

    Chester-le-Street

    Being one of the major sporting venues within the North East we offer special prices for groups to attend our action packed T20 fixtures.
    We have some fantastic contemporary functions rooms which lend themselves to any occasion.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Hen and Stag Parties at Banks Homes Riverside
  9. Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

    Add Chester-le-Street Riverside Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 131 reviews131 reviews

    Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

    Type

    Type:

    Municipal Park

    Chester-le-Street

    Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in the 1990s and now includes artist-designed ornamental gardens, an events arena, play area and a park centre with cafe and toilets.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    More info for Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
  10. The Gardens, Wynyard

    Add The Gardens, Wynyard to your Itinerary

    The Gardens, Wynyard

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Wynyard

    The Gardens at Wynyard Hall are fast becoming one of the North’s leading visitor attractions, offering a fabulous day out for couples, friends, families and groups alike.

    Dates

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

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for The Gardens, Wynyard
  11. External view of the Mining Art Gallery

    Add Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery explores working life in the coal mines through original artefacts and artworks by prominent mining artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project
  12. Two children dressed as Roman soldiers in their armour at Binchester Roman Fort.

    Add Binchester Roman Fort to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 128 reviews128 reviews

    Binchester Roman Fort

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to1 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Binchester Roman Fort
  13. Birdseye view of The Storied Lands.

    Add Kynren – The Storied Lands to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2393 reviews2393 reviews

    Kynren – The Storied Lands

    Type

    Type:

    Theme Park

    Bishop Auckland

    Discover an unforgettable day of live shows, immersive experiences and epic storytelling at Kynren – The Storied Lands, opening on 18 July 2026 in Bishop Auckland.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Kynren – The Storied Lands
  14. Hardwick Park at sunset

    Add Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 483 reviews483 reviews

    Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Sedgefield

    This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity - a remarkable place to visit. The park is open daily with events held throughout the year.…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for Hardwick Park
  15. Three children at Hardwick Park using App

    Add Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sedgefield

    Visitors to Hardwick Park in Sedgefield can enjoy new and exciting adventures with the launch of an interactive mobile app. The free Love Exploring mobile app features digital treasure hunts, suitable for all ages. In one of the most popular,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park
  16. Afternoon tea at Lumley Castle

    Add Afternoon Tea at Lumley Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 3860 reviews3860 reviews

    Afternoon Tea at Lumley Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Restaurant

    Chester-le-Street

    Enjoy one of our delicious Afternoon Teas in our splendid surroundings. Served daily in our Library Bar and Knights Restaurant.

    On busier occasions this may also be served in one of our grand state rooms and during the summer months, this can be…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Afternoon Tea at Lumley Castle
  17. External view of The Spanish Gallery

    Add The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  18. Exterior image of The Faith Museum at The Auckland Project.

    Add The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bishop Auckland

    Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain, inviting visitors to consider how people across history have…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
  19. Auckland Tower, blue skies

    Add Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Bishop Auckland

    Auckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting, and to pick up everything you’ll need for your day of exploration.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project
  20. Throne room at Auckland Palace

    Add Auckland Palace  - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Palace was once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, and was the place where they entertained, hunted and worshipped.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project
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