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

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    This is Durham Blog

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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Number of results: 38

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  1. Aycliffe Nature Park

    Add Aycliffe Nature Park to your Itinerary

    Aycliffe Nature Park

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Newton Aycliffe

    Aycliffe Nature Park is located to the east of Newton Aycliffe, where a disused railway line crosses under the A167 and is accessed either via Groat Drive or from Travellers Green. The site of Aycliffe nature park is wholly owned by Great Aycliffe…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Aycliffe Nature Park
  2. External view of Holy Trinity Church, Wingate
Image of the grounds surrounding the church

    Add Holy Trinity, Wingate to your Itinerary

    Holy Trinity, Wingate

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Wingate

    Holy Trinity Church, Wingate was built in 1841, just 2 years after the first shaft was sunk for Wingate Grange Colliery in 1839.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Holy Trinity, Wingate
  3. Girl looking through a magnifying glass into a bug pot

    Add RSPB Saltholme to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 496 reviews496 reviews

    RSPB Saltholme

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Middlesbrough

    RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place if you’re new to birdwatching or want to get out in nature. Our family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre and hides which let you get up close to water rail, avocet and terns, plus a cafe, play area…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2023VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    More info for RSPB Saltholme
  4. Escomb Saxon Church

    Add Escomb Saxon Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 102 reviews102 reviews

    Escomb Saxon Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Bishop Auckland

    One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Escomb Saxon Church
  5. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews

    Broom House Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Near Witton Gilbert

    Fun Adventure Farm. Woodland trails and adventure activities for all the family. Farm butchery. Coffee shop.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Broom House Farm
  6. Durham Mining Museum

    Add Durham Mining Museum to your Itinerary

    Durham Mining Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Spennymoor

    Spennymoor Town Hall has it’s dedicated memorial to the works and lives lost during the mining period across County Durham. Events cover mining in the Northern part of England i.e. County Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Durham Mining Museum
  7. Singer/guitar player

    Add BACCANALIA to your Itinerary

    BACCANALIA

    Type

    Type:

    Festival & Events Organisers

    Bishop Auckland

    Baccanalia produces festivals and events in South Durham, offering premier experiences in social revelry and creative entertainment. We have loads going on from Cultural Festivals to Cabaret Nights with something for everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for BACCANALIA
  8. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Forest Adventure to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews

    Broom House Forest Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Attraction

    Near Witton Gilbert

    The Forest Adventure is an action packed family day out. Explore acres of green, leafy woodland, enjoy some fresh air whilst spending a few hours outdoors with family and friends.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Broom House Forest Adventure
  9. Terris Novalis Sculpture

    Add Terris Novalis Sculpture to your Itinerary

    Terris Novalis Sculpture

    Type

    Type:

    Public Art

    Consett

    This sculpture consists of two measuring instruments; a theodolite and an engineer's level, reproduced twenty times life size, standing approximately six metres tall. Made from stainless steel and supported on animal feet, this work is visible for…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Terris Novalis Sculpture
  10. Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

    Add Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

    Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre is small building of architectural beauty situated in Wheatley Hill cemetery. It houses a permanent exhibition of colliery village life.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre
  11. Cuddle the Alpacas at Hall Hill Farm

    Add Hall Hill Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 686 reviews686 reviews

    Hall Hill Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Lanchester

    Award-winning farm attraction set in attractive countryside, see and touch the animals at close quarters. Farm trailer ride, gift shop, tearoom, indoor softplay area picnic and play area.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous National Farm Attraction of the Year Award 2017National  Farm Attraction of the Year Award
    • Visit England VisitEngland Welcome Award 2024VisitEngland Welcome Award
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Hall Hill Farm
  12. In Our Image Sculpture by Joseph Hillier

    Add Sculpture: In Our Image to your Itinerary

    Sculpture: In Our Image

    Type

    Type:

    Public Art

    NEWTON AYCLIFFE

     Designed by artist Joseph Hillier, In Our Image is a landmark designed to represent the industrial heritage of the area.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Sculpture: In Our Image
  13. Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Add Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 125 reviews125 reviews

    Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Chilton Moor, Houghton le Spring

    Rainton Meadows was created by the restoration of the Rye Hill Opencast coal mine in 1996 by UK Coal in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust and the City of Sunderland.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
  14. Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre

    Add Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre to your Itinerary

    Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure / Swimming Pool

    Chester-le-Street

    25 Metre swimming pool, learner pool, swimming lessons and aqua fit. Sauna and steam room, exercise classes, adventure play area, Fitness suite and weights room. Please ring to check times as a session system is currently in operation.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre
  15. Girl looking through a magnifying glass into a bug pot

    Add RSPB Saltholme to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 496 reviews496 reviews

    RSPB Saltholme

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor and Wildlife Activity

    Middlesbrough

    RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place if you’re new to birdwatching or want to get out in nature. Our family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre and hides which let you get up close to water rail, avocet and terns, plus a cafe, play area…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2023VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    More info for RSPB Saltholme
  16. A child playing with bubbles at Hopetown Darlington.

    Add Hopetown Darlington to your Itinerary

    Hopetown Darlington

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Darlington

    Discover Darlington's story of engineering, ideas and invention.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VisitEngland Welcome Award 2024VisitEngland Welcome Award
    • Visit England VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2024VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Hopetown Darlington
  17. Crux Fitness

    Add Crux Fitness to your Itinerary

    Crux Fitness

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Retreat

    Stanley

    Crux Fitness provides bespoke personal training programs created to guarantee you reach your goals.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Crux Fitness
  18. An historic steam train on Tanfield Railway in County Durham.

    Add Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 493 reviews493 reviews

    Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Tanfield

    Oldest existing railway in the world, opened 1725. Steam-hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 61 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Please see website for dates and operating times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    More info for Tanfield Railway
  19. Manor Spa pool

    Add The Manor House Hotel Spa to your Itinerary

    The Manor House Hotel Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Bishop Auckland

    At The Manor Spa, we believe It's All About You, which is why our spa days and spa breaks are tailored to your needs. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa 2024Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa
    • Visit England Visitor Ready 2025Visitor Ready
    More info for The Manor House Hotel Spa
  20. The Retreat Spa Redworth Hall

    Add The Retreat at Redworth Hall to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 467 reviews467 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
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