Q: What is Durham best known for?
A: Durham is known for its cathedral, castle and rich history. It’s also home to the beautiful Durham Heritage Coast and rolling Durham Dales.
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Things to Do
Things to Do in Durham: Attractions, Activities and Experiences
What are the best things to do in Durham, England?
Durham, England offers a wide mix of attractions, from iconic landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site to family-friendly activities, museums and outdoor adventures. Whether you're planning a city break or exploring the wider county, you'll find historic sites, scenic walks and unique experiences for all ages.
What are the top attractions in Durham?
Explore some of the most popular Durham attractions:
- Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
- Crook Hall Gardens
- Dalton Park Outlet and Outdoors
- Durham Heritage Coast
- Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cathedral and Castle
- Durham University Attractions
- Hamsterley Forest
- Kynren: An Epic Tale of England
- Locomotion
- Raby Castle, Gardens and Deer Park
- The Auckland Project
- The Bowes Museum
- Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
What outdoor activities can you do in Durham?
Durham is ideal for nature and adventure:
- Walking routes in the Durham Dales
- Coastal walks along the Durham Heritage Coast
- Cycling trails and nature reserves
- Stargazing in the North Pennines National Landscape
What are the best family things to do in Durham?
- Interactive museums like Beamish Museum
- Outdoor adventure parks
- Seasonal family-friendly events
FAQs
Q: Are there free things to do in Durham?
A: Yes, including walks, beautiful parks and some attractions.
Q: Is Durham good for families?
A: Yes, with museums, parks and events for all ages.
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Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project
With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery…
Locomotion
Explore 200 years of railway history in the world’s first railway town at Locomotion, Europe’s…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave
Centuries ago Viking invaders and settlers left their mark in the local dialect words of the Durham…
Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections…
Durham Cathedral Tower
Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing…
The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop
No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition.…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Durham Cricket
Banks Homes Riverside Stadium is a world class sporting and events venue which regularly attracts…
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Killhope Lead Mining Museum is temporarily closed whilst restoration works continue. Killhope is a…
Blackhill and Consett Park
Blackhill and Consett Park is located in the Blackhill conservation area.

- 1Durham Cathedral
- 2Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 3Locomotion
- 4Pow Hill Country Park
- 5Hamsterley Forest
- 6Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave
- 7Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
- 8Durham Town Hall
- 9Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
- 10Durham Cathedral Tower
- 11The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop
- 12High Force Waterfall
- 13Wharton Park
- 14Durham Cricket
- 15Killhope Lead Mining Museum
- 16Blackhill and Consett Park



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