Autumn Breaks

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Durham.

The heather moors and colourful hay meadows of the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark take on a rich russet glow during the autumn months.

There’s so much to explore in Durham’s great outdoors. Wrap up warm and take a stroll along the dramatic cliff tops of the Durham Heritage Coast, or enjoy the crisp autumn sunshine as you crunch through the fallen leaves on a walk at Hamsterley Forest or along Durham City’s river banks.

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in Durham’s dark skies come alive as stargazing season begins. The North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark is home to 16 official dark sky discovery sites, more than anywhere else in the UK – 10 of which are in Durham. You couldn’t pick a better destination for a stargazing break, especially this October as the annual North Pennines Stargazing Festival returns for the third time 23 October – 3 November.    

There’s a host of amazing events taking place as 2019 draws to a close. Celebrate the region’s rural heritage at Beamish Museum’s Great North Festival of Agriculture – a month long collection of events (starting 30th August). Discover hidden treasures, never before seen spaces & new experiences as the county celebrates 25 years of Heritage Open Days 13 – 22 September. 

Discover hidden treasures, never before seen spaces & new experiences as the county celebrates 25 years of Heritage Open Days 13 – 22 September. And it's full steam ahead for Locomotion’s 15th birthday celebrations at the annual Autumn Steam Gala.  

There’s lots of family-friendly events happening during October half term to keep the kids entertained. And the county is home to many spooky events around Halloween including the infamous Terror in the Trees at Beamish Hall. Be amazed by spectacular firework displays that take place early November too.

Find out more about things to see and do, and get more inspiration for a short break here.