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Attractions and Activities

Attractions and Activities

Durham has a host of exciting attractions and activities for a great day out, whether you want to get hands on with history, crave culture or looking for some family fun.

  1. Inside Cathedral Shop

    Cathedral Shop

    10% Off

    Students can enjoy 10% off in the gift shop.

  2. view of Durham Cathedral from River Wear

    Durham Cathedral

    10% Off

    Students can enjoy 10% off in the gift shop.

  3. Raby Castle gardens with castle in background

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Raby Castle Family Explorer Ticket

    A Family Explorer Ticket provides a whole day of fun for the family (2 Adults 2 Children) including entry into…

    The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground
    The Plotters’ Forest is a magical outdoor playground, situated in a Christmas tree plantation and is the perfect place for children and families to reap the benefits of outdoor play. Not only will you enjoy two hours of play, your ticket also includes the Down the Rabbit Hole Trail, search for the missing wonderland objects, ticking them off as you go and don’t forget to look out for the letters hidden in the trees to reveal the secret word.

    Raby Castle
    Join the castle team at 1pm for a Castle Family Explorer Tour, you may become a Raby soldier, explore the terrace or become a land agent and build a railway! Join a Castle Encounters session at 2pm Monday-Friday, you might look at family trees, learn about the conservation of artefacts and much more. We offer a Guided Tour of the castle daily at 2:30pm and currently have a brand-new exhibition ‘The Story of Raby & the Railways’ open daily.

    The Deer Park & Walled Gardens
    Let your little ones run wild in the vast Deer Park and Walled Gardens. Spot magnificent herds of Red and Fallow Deer, swans, ducks and a whole host of wildlife as you stroll through the rolling parkland. Join a Raby Gardener at 12pm for Gardener’s Walk & Talks and 3pm for a Bug Safari and see what you can find hiding in the shadows of the Walled Garden as you uncover the secret life of bugs.

    Adventure in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience
    This summer, we invite you to Adventure in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, open daily 10am-4pm. Enter the magical world of Alice’s Wonderland in an immersive light experience taking place in the Riding School, the perfect place to shelter from those summer showers or the midday sun. Wander through light tunnels, see the Mad Hatters Tea Party and spot the Queen of Hearts thrown.

    Save £16 with this exclusive offer.

    Please note: The time you select for your tickets is the entry time for The Plotters’ Forest, access to the rest of the site is freeflow between 10am-5pm.

    Take advantage of booking online, in advance to save £4 on your Family Explorer Ticket.

  4. Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa exterior fountain

    Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa

    Suite Sanctuary

    From £485

    Discover the benefits of being by the seaside.

    Stay with us on the coast and experience ‘blue health’ – The notion that being close to water, can benefit both your physical and mental health.

    Enjoy the freedom to relax at your own pace, whether that be a walk along the beach looking for sea glass or spending the afternoon at Serenity Spa. Included, is one 60-minute Top to Toe ritual treatment per person; allowing you switch off and drift away with our Temple Spa range or feel revitalised with our Ishga range.

    As part of your stay, you will also enjoy:

    • Breakfast served in The Dining Room or from the comfort of your suite
    • Full access to Serenity Spa throughout the duration of your stay.
    • A 60 minute ishga or Templespa Top to Toe ritual

    Arrival from 12pm, please note check in to your suite will be from 3pm.

    For Terms and Conditions and to book, please visit Seaham Hall

  5. The Elephant statue at Seaham Hall Spa

    Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

    Midweek Twilight Retreat by Novara

    Escape for an enchanting evening at our award-winning Serenity Spa, elevated by Novara Skin and Aesthetics for the ultimate night of indulgence.

    As part of your day, you will enjoy:

    • Seasonal welcome drink
    • Use of fluffy robes & slippers
    • 5hours access to multi-award winning spa facilities, including Outdoor Spa Garden 5 – 10pm
    • 30m HydraFacial Signature Treatment
    • Two Course Lunch in Ozone

    Treatment timings are 5.15pm, 6.00pm, 6.45pm.

    From £169

    For Terms & Conditions and to book, please visit the Seaham Hall website.

  6. Outside pool with seating

    Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

    The Reviver Full Day Spa Escape

    As we welcome a prosperous 2025, escape the relentlessness of every day life. Feel your best you every day with your energy levels restores, your mind and body renewed and your soul soothed!

    As part of your day, you will enjoy:

    • Seasonal welcome drink
    • Use of fluffy robes & slippers
    • 8hours access to multi-award winning spa facilities, including Outdoor Spa Garden 9am – 5pm
    • 60m Signature Top to Toe Ritual (30m revival Back Massage & 30m restorative Facial
    • Two Course Lunch in Ozone

    From £175

    For Terms & Conditions and to book, please visit the Seaham Hall website

  7. Seaham Hall Spa

    Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

    Radiance Renewal Spa Day By Novara

    Immerse yourself in a day of pure indulgence at our award-winning Serenity Spa, enhanced by a revitalising facial at Novara Skin and Aesthetics.

    As part of your day, you will enjoy:
    • Seasonal welcome drink
    • Use of fluffy robes & slippers
    • 8hours access to multi-award winning spa facilities, including Outdoor Spa Garden 9am – 10pm
    • 60m C Infusion Facial by DermaQuest
    • exclusive take-home C Infusion starter kit
    • Two Course Lunch in Ozone

    From £229

    For Terms & Conditions and to book, please visit Seaham Hall website

  8. Outside pool with seating

    Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall

    The Summer Saviour Full Day Spa Escape

    From £199
    Embrace the essence of summer with a soul-soothing escape to Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. Let the warmth of the season and the calm of nature restore your body and mind in our coastal sanctuary.

    As part of your day, you will enjoy:

    • Seasonal welcome drink

    • Use of fluffy robes & slippers

    • 8hours access to multi-award winning spa facilities 9am – 5pm

    • 60m Ritual (30m Uplifting Back Massage & 30m Easy Glowing Express Facial

    • Two Course Lunch in Ozone

    For more information and to book please visit the Seaham Hall website.

  9. A family walking through the gates of Auckland Palace

    The Auckland Project

    Blue Light Card Community Discount at The Auckland Project

    The Auckland Project is now supporting the Blue Light Card community as a special thank you to those who serve on the frontline.

    Blue Light Card holders, comprising more than five million frontline workers, including NHS staff, emergency services, social care workers, teachers and the armed forces, can now enjoy a 10% saving on a Bishop’s Key – The Auckland Project’s annual pass that unlocks five world-class attractions in Bishop Auckland, including the Auckland Palace, Auckland Gardens, the Mining Art Gallery, the UK’s first Spanish Art Gallery and the UK’s only Faith Museum.

    With prices starting from £30 for adults, £13.50 for children, and £45 for families, the Bishop’s Key enables visitors to return again and again to immerse themselves in the North East’s heritage, evocative exhibitions, seasonal gardens, and family-friendly events.

    Visitors can enhance their visit with the Bishop’s Key Plus, offering extra perks including early bird access to special events, 10% savings at Weardale Railway, and the site’s food and drink venues – including Bishop’s Kitchen and its recently expanded menu, El Castillo tapas restaurant, and The Oak Room Restaurant at Park Head Hotel.

    To claim the 10% discount, Blue Light members can simply visit Auckland Tower and show their valid card. The offer applies to Bishop’s Key purchases only and cannot be used alongside other promotions or savings.

    Residents in DL4, DL5, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16, and DL17 postcodes can enjoy a 20% saving on the Bishop’s Key, ensuring those closest to the project benefit most.

    Bishop’s Keys are available at The Auckland Project or from Auckland Tower.

     

  10. Golden retriever. Behind an old fashioned fire place. Candles on mantlepiece

    The Gardens, Wynyard

    Free Puppachino

    Joining us at the gardens? Treat your canine companions to a special treat with a free Puppachino for every dog Monday - Sunday !

    Wander through the breath-taking landscapes of Wynyard Gardens, as your furry friends explore the scents and sights that await them. To add a touch of joy to their adventure, we’re offering a complimentary Puppachino for every dog visiting our gardens!

    A Puppachino is a tailor-made, dog-friendly cup filled with a frothy, delicious blend of dog-safe ingredients. It’s the perfect way to pamper your pup and make their day extra special.

    Terms and Conditions:
    One free Puppachino per dog

  11. Green pacer train on the Weardale Railway

    The Weardale Railway - The Auckland Project

    10% Discount

    Customers who purchase a ticket from or to any Weardale Railway station will receive a 10% discount on The Auckland Project annual pass, which they can use at any of The Auckland Project attractions in Bishop Auckland, including Auckland Castle and Gardens, the Spanish Gallery and the Mining Art Gallery.  Please retain and show your ticket when purchasing the pass at these attractions.

  12. 25% off Diggerland Voucher

    Diggerland

    25% off at Diggerland Durham

    Present voucher on arrival.

    Not valid during July and August or with online bookings.

  13. Revive Spa

    Revive Spa at Hall Garth Hotel

    Use promo code VISITCOUNTYDURHAM2025 at checkout for 15% off all spa days in 2025.