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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.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Dark skies
    Dark Skies
    As day turns to night, Durham’s skies light up for incredible stargazing experiences.
  2. Walking in Durham
    Walking in Durham
    From a dramatic coast to breathtaking dales, Durham’s routes were made for walking.
  3. Durham Heritage Coast
    Durham Heritage Coast
    Explore the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands.
  4. North Pennines AONB
    North Pennines AONB
    Home to wonderful wildlife, stunning landscapes and spectacular natural wonders.
  5. Cycling in Durham
    Cycling in Durham
    From coastal routes to rural off-roading, and from challenging climbs to leisurely rides.
  6. Nature and Wildlife Calendar
    Nature and Wildlife Calendar
    Find out where and when you can see Durham’s wonderful flora and fauna.
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You are here > Home > Discover Durham's Great Outdoors

Discover Durham's Great Outdoors

From family fun to getting back to nature, and from leisurely strolls to taking on a challenge, everyone has their own reason to get outdoors, and Durham is waiting to be discovered. 

From rock climbing, to kayaking down the River Wear, across the county you'll find an amazing wealth of outdoor action and adventure activities all ages and abilities can enjoy. 

Walking and cycling in Durham 

Durham’s routes were made for walking, or riding! From a scenic stroll to a challenging trek, and from a gentle ride to attempting the highest A-road in England, pull on your boots or climb on your bike and head out into Durham’s great outdoors. 

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark is home to endless heather moors, winding rivers, dramatic waterfalls and colourful hay meadows. You’ll find wonderful wildlife and fascinating geology around every corner, and the Bowlees Visitor Centre is the perfect gateway to discovering this special place. The North Pennines AONB is also home to High Force, one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, and an experience not to be missed. 

Hamsterley Forest is a magnet for mountain bikers, with a specially designed skills loop and downhill trails that offer a thrill a minute for single track riders. Families can follow in the footsteps of the Gruffalo as they explore the themed trail, or enjoy adventure play and discover the forest’s network of over 30 miles of easy to follow routes by foot or by bike.  

Wildlife watching in Durham 

From forest creatures at Hamsterley to red and fallow deer at Raby Castle, and from rare plants and birds in the North Pennines to the Northern Brown Argus butterfly of the Durham Coast, nature reigns supreme across Durham. Check our nature calendar to see what you might spot during your visit. 

Stargazing in Durham 

When day turns to night, Durham’s dark skies put on quite the show. With some of the darkest skies in the country, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to more nationally recognised Dark Sky Discovery Sites than anywhere else in the UK. Don’t miss the annual North Pennines Stargazing Festival for events that let you experience our dark skies for yourself.

Great Places to refuel and refresh in Durham

When it’s time to refuel you’ll find great places to eat and drink with tempting local produce on the menu - look out for the Taste Durham mark, a sign of great food and service.

And for a great place to stay to discover Durham’s great outdoors, whether it’s a rural retreat, coastal hideaway or city-centre base, you’ll be spoilt for choice - including Seaham Hall on the heritage coast, or the Rose & Crown and Headlam Hall in the Durham Dales. 

Discover Durham's great outdoors for yourself on a short break. 

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this is featured

coached sports session Durham city Wharton park family fun

Wharton Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…

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Kids on big chair at Derwent

Derwent Waterside Park

Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the…

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Kids on big chair at Derwent

Derwent Waterside Park

Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the…

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High Force Waterfall

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

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Hardwick Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…

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Hamsterley Forest

Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…

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National Trust - Gibside

Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces. Escape along the…

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The Northern Saints Trails

The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…

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Bowlees Visitor Centre

Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…

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Auckland Castle Deer House and Park

Auckland Castle commands a prominent position overlooking the River Wear, surrounded by formal…

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Grassholme Observatory

Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…

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Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Wharton Park
  • 2Derwent Waterside Park
  • 3Derwent Waterside Park
  • 4High Force Waterfall
  • 5Hardwick Park
  • 6Hamsterley Forest
  • 7National Trust - Gibside
  • 8The Northern Saints Trails
  • 9Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • 10Auckland Castle Deer House and Park
  • 11Grassholme Observatory
  • 12Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
NextNext

Discover Durham’s great outdoors for...

  • men taking on a challenging bike ride in the durham dales

    A Challenge

    From cycling on the highest A-road in England to taking on the Northern Saints Trails, find your next challenge.

    Find Out More

  • Dog Friendly Durham

    Dog-Friendly Breaks

    Discover Durham’s great outdoors, filled with dog-friendly walks to enjoy with your four-legged friend.

    Find Out More

  • Family time in Durham

    Family Time

    Enjoy family time in Durham’s great outdoors with safe cycle routes, scenic strolls and wildlife watching.

    Find Out More

  • couple at high force waterfall

    Breathtaking Views

    Discover breathtaking views and stunning landscapes as you explore Durham’s great outdoors.

    Find Out More

  • couple enjoying a drink outside a countryside pub.

    A Reward

    Enjoy a scenic stroll followed by a hearty lunch, or a tempting treat to keep you fuelled.

    Find Out More

  • walkers lying in a hay meadow in County Durham.

    Switching Off

    Switch off and enjoy some tranquil time out in Durham’s great outdoors.

    Find Out More

  • red squirrel at Killhope

    Getting Back to Nature

    Explore Durham’s great outdoors on two feet or two wheels and discover wonderful wildlife along the way.

    Find Out More

this is our blog

  • Robson Green Weekend Escapes

    Robson Green and Melanie Hill sat at foot of High Force Waterfall credit: Robson Green Instagram

    Plan your own weekend escape with our guide to amazing attractions and experiences featured in Robson Green's Weekend Escapes on BBC 2.

  • The top things to do and days out in Durham

    mother and two children admiring view of High Force Waterfall

    There’s no shortage of incredible attractions and experiences to enjoy many #memorablemoments this year in Durham. 

  • Five Natural Wonders on the Durham Heritage Coast

    man and woman walking through sea caves at Blackhall Beach, County Durham

    Top five ways to experience and enjoy natural wonders along Durham's stunning coastline.

  • Seven ways you can get closer to nature along the Durham Heritage Coast.

    couple sat with back to camera looking out at North Sea on the Durham Heritage Coast.

    To celebrate the beginning of the year of the coast, we’ve picked seven ways you can get closer to nature and boost your wellbeing along the Durham Heritage Coast. 
     

  • Explore the Northern Saints Trails with Intrepid Escape

    View of Scott Tisson from behind as he walks the Northern Saints Trails with Newton Cap Viaduct in background.

    Join Scott as he uncovers many of North East England's hidden gems along the Northern Saints Trails.

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