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Things to Do
There's no shortage of things to do during your stay in Durham - a county full of surprises.
No visit to the county would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Durham Cathedral, which together with the adjacent Castle forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Durham City. And if you love history you can delve further into the county's fascinating past at exciting attractions in the Durham Dales, Durham Coast and the Vale of Durham including Beamish - The living Museum of the North, England's largest open air museum. Plus, don't miss the spectacular live open air night show Kynren, an epic tale of England, which takes place in Bishop Auckland throughout the summer.
Take some tranquil time out in the county's many green spaces, country parks and gardens, or get active as you explore the Durham Dales of Teesdale and Weardale, and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - packed with walking and cycling routes and dotted with hidden gems and historical treasure troves.
From a day at the races to international cricket, golfing holidays and indulgent spa breaks, you'll be spoilt for choice in Durham.
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High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
The splash pad is a state of the art play facility which is free to use and suitable for families…
Killhope - reopening Summer 2021
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until further notice
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
900-year-old Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland is once again open to visitors, following a…
Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…

- 1High Force Waterfall
- 2Binchester Roman Fort
- 3Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 4Killhope - reopening Summer 2021
- 5Durham Castle Tours - closed until further notice
- 6Raby Castle
- 7Durham Cathedral
- 8Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 9Hardwick Park
- 10Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
- 11Adventure Valley
- 12DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 13Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 14Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 15Diggerland
- 16Wharton Park
- 17Hamsterley Forest
- 18Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
