Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > This is Durham... my Great Outdoors > Adventure activities
Across the county you'll find an amazing wealth of outdoor action and adventure activities all ages and abilities can enjoy.
Your friends and family can create lasting memories as you explore the county's most amazing outdoor settings together. From exhilarating bike rides, rock climbing and kayaking down the River Wear. To a treetop adventure on the high ropes, trekking through the Durham Dales with a friendly alpaca in tow and even going on a Gruffalo hunt!
What adventure will you choose?
Number of results: 34
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Picnic Site
Newbiggin
The picnic area is in a sheltered side valley of Teesdale. There are 4 waterfalls in the site and more falls alongside a footpath to Gibson's Cave.
Cookery School
Beamish
Beamish offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the Museum in a completely different way whilst having fun and learning new skills. Learn how to make freshly baked goodies which you can take home to impress your family and friends.
Activity Centre
Wolsingham
Carrs Farm offers a retreat from your action packed days in a 17th century converted barn. From Paintball, Zorbing, Archery, clay pigeon to white water rafting and rock climbing. Carrs Farm is suitable to all individual requirements.
Tower
Durham City
Durham Cathedral Towers
Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing the cathedral’s Central Towers. Make a climb up the towers, the high point of your visit to Durham Cathedral.
Visitors can…
Walking Route
Near Middleton in Teesdale
This 5 mile circular walk takes you through the stunning landscape of Upper Teesdale, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it includes Low and High Force waterfalls - the most spectacular natural features in the Durham Dales.
Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
Hurworth-on-Tees
Welcome to the whimsical world of Mischmasch, inspired by much-loved children’s author Lewis Carroll who grew up in nearby Croft. Every adventure requires a first step, so come on in and discover the wonderland of curiosities.
Walking Route
Newbiggin
A leisurely circular walk through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rich flora, rare bird life, ancient juniper woodland and fascinating geology. Including impressive Wynch Bridge, Low Force gentle waterfalls.
Theme Park
Brasside, Durham
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family adventure park, with over 50 attractions, activities and shows.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Stanhope
Some of the darkest skies in England are found in the North Pennines. Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development and the views of the night sky are second to none.
Beach
Seaham
Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and magnificent flora and fauna.
Cycle Route
Bishop Auckland
Blue Trail - Moderate, suitable for intermediate cyclists/ mountain bikers with basic off road riding skills.
Guided Tour
Barnard Castle
Come for a walk with us and enjoy some stunning Teesdale scenery and make friends with one of our alpacas.
Walking Route
Sedgefield
A 1 mile historical circuit walk, a 1.4 mile circular cycle route and a 0.5 mile horse-riding route around the scenic Hardwick Park Country Park.
Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
Staindrop
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland Adventure Playground will keep children entertained and bikes are available for the whole family to hire, so that you can explore the wider Park. Walking…
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Sedgefield
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity - a remarkable place to visit. The park is open daily with events held throughout the year.…
Walking
Hamsterley Forest
Gruffalo Orienteering - fun family map reading challenge
Try our fun, navigational challenge at Hamsterley Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
If you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk…
Walking
Stanhope
The North Pennines has a vast rights of way network, including the Pennine Way National Trail, numerous circular walks and large areas of open access land making it a great place to go for a walk.
Forest
Redford, Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs through the forest giving access to picnic sites along the way.
Municipal Park
Durham City
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City. The historic park now offers a brand new heritage centre and cafe, play area for all ages, an amphitheatre and miniature car track, multi-use games…
Walking
Hamsterley Forest
When you walk around Hamsterley Forest you are walking through a former agricultural and shooting estate. Three walks start from the notice board in the Bedburn car park opposite the cycle hire and two further walks start along the valley from Grove…
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