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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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You are here > Home > Inspire Me > Short Break Ideas > Summer Breaks > Things To Do

Things To Do

A host of exciting attractions, activities and amazing things to do in Durham this summer.

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  1. Large indoor swimming pool illuminated.
Dark tiled floor around the pool and 3 green walls at the back in-between sections with wall lights.

    Add Headlam Spa to your Itinerary

    Headlam Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Headlam

    Designed to the highest standards for its members, hotel residents and day spa guests, Headlam Spa is a place to relax, exercise and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water in a comfortable and friendly environment that reflects the beauty of the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa 2017Good Spa Guide 4 Bubble Spa
    More info for Headlam Spa
  2. Sweet Sally Cinnamon 
 artisan confectionery maker

    Sweet Sally Cinnamon - artisan confectionery maker

    Type

    Type:

    Buy Online

    Waterhouses

    Fresh handmade cinder toffee, fudge, brittle, hot chocolate spoons and baking mixes are produced by Sweet Sally Cinnamon for supply to farm shops, gift shops.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Sweet Sally Cinnamon - artisan confectionery maker
  3. 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
  4. View of the golf course with a golfer in the distance. A sand bunker to the right and tree in the distance.

    Add Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel to your Itinerary

    Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Gainford

    Located in the Durham dales in the North East, and set over rolling pastureland around the Hall gardens this enjoyable and challenging course features an abundance of natural features including rig & fur, woodland, streams and ponds.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Golf at Headlam Hall Country Hotel
  5. Replica mine shaft overlooking the sea

    Add Easington Colliery Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Easington Colliery Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Near Easington Colliery

    The site of the former Easington Colliery has been designated as a local nature reserve and has good car parking facilities very close to the coastal footpath.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Easington Colliery Nature Reserve
  6. View of Seaham Coast from above

    Add Seaham Beach to your Itinerary

    Seaham Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Seaham

    Seaham Beach is a pleasant stretch of rocky and sandy beach, with rocks pools a plenty. The dog-friendly beach stretches for approx. one mile along the town’s coastline, from the harbour wall to the north of the town.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Seaham Beach
  7. Escomb Saxon Church

    Add Escomb Saxon Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 104 reviews104 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
  8. The Witham lit up at night

    Add The Witham to your Itinerary

    The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Barnard Castle

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for The Witham
  9. Play area at Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad

    Add Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 131 reviews131 reviews

    Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

    Chester-le-Street

    The splash pad is a state-of-the-art play facility which is free to use and suitable for families from toddlers to early teens. It is the only splash pad in County Durham and replaces the old paddling pool.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
  10. Deer in forest

    Add Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Peterlee

    Castle Eden Dene is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, such as roe deer and fox.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
  11. 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
  12. Rock formation and beach

    Add Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Blackhall Colliery

    This coastal site is as important for both its geology and wildlife. The cliffs and coastal area feature natural exposures of reef-limestone, set down 250 million years ago in the waters on the ancient Zechstein Sea, glacial boulder clays and beds…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve
  13. Beaurepaire Manor House

    Add Beaurepaire Manor House to your Itinerary

    Beaurepaire Manor House

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham

    Ruins of a medieval manor house used as a medieval country retreat for the Priors of Durham. Dates from mid 13th century. .

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Beaurepaire Manor House
  14. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 399 reviews399 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
  15. Jan Williams engaging a tour on Palace Green Durham

    Jan Williams - Durham Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Blue Badge Guide

    including Durham City and County Durham,

    Award-winning North East England Blue Badge for the independent traveller and groups. Special interests include “The Northern Saints Trail” in County Durham and guided walks of Durham City (accredited Durham Cathedral guide).

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Jan Williams - Durham Tours
  16. Old Durham Gardens

    Add Old Durham Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 17 reviews17 reviews

    Old Durham Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Durham

    Old Durham Gardens can be found less than a mile east of Durham City Centre. The gardens can be reached through a number of walks, including a very pleasant route through Pelaw Woods and provide a charming public space for everyone to enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Old Durham Gardens
  17. Christchurch Durham

    Add Christchurch Durham to your Itinerary

    Christchurch Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Durham City

    Christchurch Durham is an Anglican Evangelical Church in Durham, please see website for more details.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Christchurch Durham
  18. Apollo Pavilion Peterlee

    Add Apollo Pavilion to your Itinerary

    Apollo Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Public Art

    Peterlee

    An iconic example of 1960s public art and designed by Edwin John Victor Pasmore (d. 1998) during his time as consultant Director of urban design for Peterlee Development Corporation.   It was opened in 1969, the same year as the first manned mission…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Apollo Pavilion
  19. KAFFEEHAUS

    Add KAFFEEHAUS to your Itinerary

    KAFFEEHAUS

    Type

    Type:

    Food/Drink Producer

    Plawsworth Road, Sacriston

    At KAFFEEHAUS, coffee is more than a drink - it's our world.

    Situated in County Durham, we are a father-daughter founded coffee roastery and training centre dedicated to crafting memorable coffee experiences. We care deeply about our relationships…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for KAFFEEHAUS
  20. Dark Skies image

    The Rookhope Arch

    Type

    Type:

    Landmark

    A local landmark is the Rookhope Arch at Lintzgarth, a few hundred yards west up the valley; one of the few remaining parts of the 2 miles (3.2 km) Rookhope Chimney. This "horizontal" chimney (parallel to the ground, which actually rises steeply to…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for The Rookhope Arch
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