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. 

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. 

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.  

Medieval Raby Castle is set within 200 acres of picturesque parkland. Watch out for the resident deer, and see what other wildlife you can spot as you stroll through the park and 18th century Walled Gardens. Children will love the Woodland Adventure Playground, or hire a bike to explore the grounds and enjoy spectacular views. Raby Estate is also home to High Force, one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, and an experience not to be missed.

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.