Things to Do in Durham
Planning Your Trip
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

You are here > Home > Inspire Me > Short Break Ideas > Summer Breaks > Things To Do
A host of exciting attractions, activities and amazing things to do in Durham this summer.
Number of results: 362
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walking Route
Pity Me
A pocket of green space surrounded on all sides by houses and businesses makes this a quiet haven in which people can walk and enjoy the fresh air. It is also a much needed area for local wildlife to take refuge from the surrounding urban area.
Religious Activity
Welcome to a breath-taking trail that transports you from the dawn of Christianity through to contemporary pilgrimage via Dark Ages battles that changed a region’s faith, abbeys that matched Rome for majesty and a stunning seminary that taught…
Walking
Bowes, Barnard Castle
A leisurely walk along lanes and across fields in the valley of the River Greta.
Cycle Route
Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland
Route CDW13 – 24 miles. On- and off-road sections with some challenging ups and downs over mixed terrain including single and double tracks. Superb views over Weardale but not advised in bad weather. See County Durham West Cycle Map.
Viewpoint
Barnard Castle
The Rivers Tees and Greta join together at a local beauty spot called “The Meeting of the Waters” not far from the elegant Rokeby Hall and Gardens in Teesdale. The Teesdale Way public footpath can be accessed on the south side of Abbey Bridge…
Walking Route
Near entrance to Beamish Museum, Stanley
Discover Beamish's Hidden Valley. A 3 mile walk exploring industrial and natural heritage.
Spa and Relaxation
Barnard Castle
The newly opened destination Garage Spa is set in an historic building, with all the luxury of a first class modern spa and situated in a beautiful area of Teesdale.


Walking Route
In its entirety, the Teesdale Way is a 92 mile route which follows the River Tees from its source at Dufton in Cumbria to the sea at South Gare in Teesside. In Durham the walk spans from Langdon Beck to Piercebridge.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Middlesbrough
RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place if you’re new to birdwatching or want to get out in nature. Our family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre and hides which let you get up close to water rail, avocet and terns, plus a cafe, play area…


Walking Route
Willington
A walk from Willington station to Hunwick Station. Distance 3.6 miles.
Nature Reserve
Hesleden
The reserve has exceptional natural exposures of magnesian limestone eroded to produce impressive outcrops with many caves and fissures. Hesleden Dene is best visited in spring for the woodland flora and autumn for the fungi and turning leaves.
Church / Chapel
Durham
Grade 2 listed Bethel chapel, which is now a Methodist Church dates back to 1853.
Church / Chapel
Durham
St John’s draws together people of all ages and backgrounds to follow Christ.
Walking Route
Shincliffe, Durham
A series of five walks taking visitors through delightful countryside with extensive views, rich wildlife and historical association.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Seaham
The East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre displays the historic lifeboat The George Elmy and gives and insight into the rich heritage of the area.
Cycle Route
Durham
The Limestone LinX walking and cycling network provides 11 miles of routes for you to use and enjoy in stunning countryside and local nature reserves.
Viewpoint
Durham
Far fewer people will have enjoyed an equally impressive view from South Street in the city centre. A short, steep climb up this lovely street is rewarded by an almost eye level view across the river gorge towards the magnificently proportioned west…
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.


Walking Route
Hawthorn Village
Hawthorn Dene is the second largest dene in the county with unspoilt semi-natural broadleaved woodland and species rich Magnesian limestone meadows. There is a pub in the village for refreshments at the start or end of the walk.
Walking
Bishop Auckland
Take your pick from three new walking trails across Auckland Palace Deer Park. From a short walk around the inner park to a 4.6 km trail spanning the wider parkland.
© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved
Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

