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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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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Discover Durham's Great Outdoors > Getting back to nature > Wildlife activities and events

Wildlife activities and events

There's lots of wild and wonderful places to explore the county's natural beauty and wildlife.

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  1. Kids on big chair at Derwent

    Add Derwent Waterside Park to your Itinerary

    Derwent Waterside Park

    Type

    Type:

    Lake / Reservoir

    Edmunbyers

    Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the people you love. Beautiful walks for all to enjoy

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Derwent Waterside Park
  2. Grassholme Reservoir

    Add Grassholme Reservoir to your Itinerary

    Grassholme Reservoir

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor and Wildlife Activity

    Barnard Castle

    Grassholme Waterside Park is a place that captures your imagination and lets it run wild, for you to make your perfect day out.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Grassholme Reservoir
  3. An arch at night

    Add Stargazing in the North Pennines to your Itinerary

    Stargazing in the North Pennines

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Stargazing in the North Pennines
  4. Image of Palace Green Library's exterior on a sunny day.

    Add Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 374 reviews374 reviews

    Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
  5. Two children dressed as Roman soldiers in their armour at Binchester Roman Fort.

    Remove Binchester Roman Fort from your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 129 reviews129 reviews

    Binchester Roman Fort

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to1 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Binchester Roman Fort
  6. Durham Cathedral Tower

    Add Durham Cathedral Tower to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7257 reviews7257 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Tower

    Type

    Type:

    Tower

    Durham City

    Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing the cathedral’s Central Tower. Make a climb up the towers, the high point of your visit to Durham Cathedral.

    Visitors can conquer the 325 steps and…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Cathedral Tower
  7. A couple looking at exhibitions inside Durham Cathedral Museum

    Add Durham Cathedral Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7271 reviews7271 reviews

    Durham Cathedral Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Cathedral Museum
  8. Ushaw Historic House and grounds

    Add Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 242 reviews242 reviews

    Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Durham

    Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by the Pugin family. This amazing venue offers a wide variety of activities, events and exhibitions - something for all ages!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Green Tourism Awards - Bronze 2025Green Tourism Awards - Bronze
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  9. Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Add Bowlees Picnic Area to your Itinerary

    Bowlees Picnic Area

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Bowlees Picnic Area
  10. The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa

    Add The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 411 reviews411 reviews

    The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Spa and Relaxation

    Durham

    Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa is set within 350 acres of private grounds The bright and modern spa has a thermal suite with two saunas, two steam rooms and a caldarium. Embrace your inner mermaid and dip in and out of the five different pools.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa 2017Good Spa Guide 5 Bubble Spa
    More info for The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
  11. Durham University Botanic Garden

    Add Durham University Botanic Garden to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 450 reviews450 reviews

    Durham University Botanic Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Botanic Garden

    Durham City

    Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China, glasshouse rainforest and desert plants. Six Colin Wilbourne sculptures in landscaped garden.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham University Botanic Garden
  12. The Plotters Forest Outdoor Adventure Playground at Raby Castle

    Add The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1459 reviews1459 reviews

    The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Staindrop

    The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree Plantation at Raby Castle.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  13. Kids on big chair at Derwent

    Add Derwent Waterside Park to your Itinerary

    Derwent Waterside Park

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor and Wildlife Activity

    Edmunbyers

    Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the people you love.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Derwent Waterside Park
  14. Balderhead Reservoir Trout Fishery

    Add Balderhead Reservoir Wild Brown Trout Fishery to your Itinerary

    Balderhead Reservoir Wild Brown Trout Fishery

    Type

    Type:

    Fishery

    Baldersdale

    Balderhead Reservoir is one of the best wild brown trout fisheries in the country, offering fantastic scenery of the North Pennine Grouse Moors.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Mar 2026to30 Sept 2026
    More info for Balderhead Reservoir Wild Brown Trout Fishery
  15. Durham Heritage Coast

    Add Durham Heritage Coast to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 211 reviews211 reviews

    Durham Heritage Coast

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Seaham

    Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and magnificent flora and fauna.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Heritage Coast
  16. external image of Durham Town Hall

    Add Durham Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Durham Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard.  Since the 14th Century…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham Town Hall
  17. High Force Waterfall

    Add High Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1374 reviews1374 reviews

    High Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    Forest in Teesdale

    High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging into this gorge for thousands of years but the rocks it reveals are far more ancient – with origins dating back over 300 million yrs.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Nov 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for High Force Waterfall
  18. Aerial view of forest.

    Add Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 458 reviews458 reviews

    Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    More info for Hamsterley Forest
  19. Sharpley Springs Fishery

    Add Sharpley Springs Fly Fishery to your Itinerary

    Sharpley Springs Fly Fishery

    Type

    Type:

    Fishing

    Seaham

    Located in the beautiful Seaham countryside, our spring water fishery provides a scenic and tranquil location for anglers to enjoy fly fishing with a variety of blue, brown and rainbow trout stocked lakes.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Sharpley Springs Fly Fishery
  20. Raby Castle gardens with castle in background

    Add Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1459 reviews1459 reviews

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Staindrop

    Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Jan 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    1 Jan 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    • Green Awards Green Tourism - Silver 2024Green Tourism - Silver
    • Visit England VisitEngland Best Told Story 2024VisitEngland Best Told Story
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
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