1. A family outside of The Bowes Museum
    Kids travel on the bus for free during school holidays! A great way to enjoy budget-friendly family days out this summer.
  2. A family having a picnic at Auckland Palace
    Many attractions along the bus route offer up to 25% when arriving by bus. Simply show your bus ticket upon arrival to receive the discount.
  3. People walking at Low Force
    Staying in Durham City? From mighty waterfalls to grand castles, hop on the Durham Explorer bus and head out to explore the wilder side of Durham.
  4. A couple walking along the riverbanks in Durham
    Throughout the summer you can take advantage of the new bus service to explore amazing attractions outside of the city, including Beamish Museum and nearby Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

Durham Explorer Bus Service

Enjoy more amazing days out across the county with the new Durham Explorer bus service this summer. Three new bus services are launching this May to help visitors and residents explore more of the county. 

From 23 May to 31 August 2026, the Durham Explorer buses will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Each service will connect Durham City and locations across the county to a range of visitor destinations including Locomotion, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, The Auckland Project, Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, The Bowes Museum and High Force Waterfall, with many venues along the route also offering discounts to those who arrive by bus.

There are three services:

  • 873 The Durham Dales Explorer - Durham City, Raby Castle, Park and Gdrens, Barnard Castle, Bowes Museum, Low Force Waterfall and Bowlees Visitor Centre, High Force Waterfall. View timetable >
  • 874 The Time Traveller Line - Durham City, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Beamish Museum. View timetable > 
  • 875 The Tracks Through Line - Durham City, Bishop Auckland - The Auckland Project, Shildon - Locomotion. View timetable > 

It’s never been easier to explore Durham by bus whether you’re staying in the Durham Dales or Durham City!

Along the routes...

Raby Castle gardens with castle in background

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with…

Auckland Palace exterior with lawn area to foreground

The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…

The exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.

The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 58,000 items in…