Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Discover Durham's Great Outdoors > Switching off > See & do
Get off the beaten track and enjoy some tranquil time out.
Number of results: 33
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.



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

Walking Route
Near Blackhall Colliery
The sight and sound of skylarks rising above the short Magnesian Limestone grassland is very noticeable in this area. The grass is kept purposely short to encourage them.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Bishop Auckland
Hamsterley Forest is one of the Northeast’s premier mountain bike destinations, with over 2000 hectares of forest to explore on 33 miles of waymarked trails and countless more miles of seldom travelled forest road Hamsterley Forest has something for…
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.




Fishery
Blackton Reservoir is one of the best wild brown trout fisheries in the country, offering fantastic scenery of the North Pennine Grouse Moors.
Cycle Route
Stanley
The Beamish Loop is a 7 mile challenging cycle route off and on-road. It is marked on the Durham County Council North Durham Cycle Map as CDN6.
Fishery
Baldersdale
Cow Green Reservoir is one of the best wild brown trout fishery in the country offering fantastic scenery of the North Pennine grouse moors.
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 Route
Turn at Stonebridge roundabout onto B6302 to Ushaw Moor, Entrance is signed ½ mile on left
An 8.5 mile route on a former railway line from Broompark Picnic Site, just outside Durham City to Crook, running past Ushaw Moor, Deerness View and Stanley Crook. It forms part of the Walney to Wear (W2W) long distance cycling route.
Natural Feature
Near Middleton-in Teesdale, Barnard Castle
Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Spa and Relaxation
Headlam
Designed to the highest standards for its members, hotel residents and day spa guests, Headlam Spa is a place to relax, exercise and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water in a comfortable and friendly environment that reflects the beauty of the…

Walking Route
Durham
Located just to the south of the historic city of Durham this picturesque walk encircles two huge loops of the River Wear. The section of the route just past Shincliffe Hall follows paths that were extensively lobbied for by the Ramblers.
Walking Route
Turn at Stonebridge roundabout onto B6302 to Ushaw Moor, Entrance is signed 0.5 miles on the left
A 12 mile route from Broompark Picnic Site, just outside Durham City to Consett, running past Bearpark, Langley Park, Lanchester and Knitsley.
Spa and Relaxation
Seaham
Whether you are staying overnight or visiting for the day take a little time for you and luxuriate at the tranquil Serenity Spa, the perfect environment to relax and escape the complications of the modern world.




Fishery
Baldersdale
Selset Reservoir is one of the best wild brown trout fishery in the country offering fantastic scenery of the North Pennine grouse moors.
Cycle Route
Near Crook
An easy 11 mile route passing Auckland Palace and Binchester Roman Fort.
Spa and Relaxation
Durham City
In the centre of Durham, wellness lies at the heart of nu spa.
Fishery
Baldersdale
Hury Reservoir is an exclusive fly fishery offering fishing in beautiful surroundings. The fishery enjoys lots of open space and is well stocked with rainbow trout from its local fish farm.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Darlington
Spend time in nature and watch the seasons change in Raby Castle’s stunning Deer Park and Walled Gardens, which are open to visitors from 10am - 4pm every day.

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