Ideas For Family Fun
Special Offers
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Hands-on History
Visit Durham and step back in time at our award-winning attractions. Beamish Museum vividly recreates life in the early 1800s and 1900s and at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum you can descend a real mine. Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon houses over 70 vehicles from the national collection, whilst Binchester Roman Fort allows you to expore impressive excavated remains.
Great Outdoors
Get on your bike and enjoy a breath of fresh air at Hamsterley Forest, or visit the Bowlees Visitor Centre which hosts nature-inspired family events and exhibitions all year round. Relax and refuel in their cafe before taking the pleasant woodland walk down to High Force Waterfall to see mother nature at her best, or head to the Vale of Durham for the ropes activity course at Beamish Wild - just a few ways to get active in Durham's great outdoors.
Meet the Animals
Durham has a number of attractions, including Hall Hill Farm, Adventure Valley and Broom House Farm, where children can experience farm life and get close to lots of furry friends. At Walworth Castle you can watch the birds of prey at the falconry centre.
Railway
Enjoy a trip on the heritage Tanfield Railway, a 3-mile steam railway and the oldest existing railway in the world, and discover Durham's industrial past.
Ancient Castles
If your children love tales of times gone by, head to Raby Castle in the Durham Dales where 700 knights gathered in the magnificent Baron's Hall to plot their unsuccessful Catholic Rising of the North against Elizabeth I. Discover the ruins of Barnard Castle, or enjoy a guided tour of Durham Castle in the heart of Durham City, commissioned by King William the Conqueror and now home of University College. Discover Auckland Castle, steeped in history and surrounded by the Bishop’s Deer Park, withi
What's On
With a packed calendar of events there is certain to be something happening to keep you entertained - no matter when you choose to visit.
Seaside Fun
Durham's Heritage Coast offers lots of opportunities for some seaside fun, from sandy beaches and cliff top walks, to ice cream parlours and picnic spots.
Glorious Gardens
Durham is home to many glorious gardens and country parks. Head to Medieval Crook Hall and explore its themed gardens, or take in the tranquil surroundings of Durham University Botanic Garden. Enjoy a stroll at Whitworth Hall Country Park and see the resident deer, or head to Hardwick Park to enjoy the lakeside setting.
Cultural Treasures
Children of all ages will love the Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum - a 240-year-old musical automaton which plays every day to fascinated onlookers. Discover the Egyptian cat's coffin at Durham University Oriental Museum, or revisit the famous scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at Durham Cathedral.