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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.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Attractions
    Amazing Attractions
    History-lovers can experience Durham’s amazing heritage at award-winning attractions across the county including Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore museums and galleries, castles and historic houses, take some time out in the county’s many green spaces and get ideas for great family days out too.
  2. Activities
    Find Your Ideal Activity
    Whether you’re looking for an indulgent spa break, a golfing holiday or you’d rather get outdoors and active during your stay, here are some ideas to get you started.
  3. Shopping
    Shopping
    Stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside top-name brands in Durham City, whilst market towns across the county are treasure troves of art, antiques and pottery.
  4. Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Find a range of guided and self-guided tours at locations across the county.
  5. Entertainment
    Let Us Entertain You
    From live cricket to stand-up comedy, a night at the theatre or a day at the races, let us entertain you during your visit.
  6. Weddings
    Weddings in Durham
    Getting married? Choose the perfect wedding venue in Durham, North East England. Find a host of historic, unique and unusual places to get married across the county.
  7. Special Offers
    Special Offers
    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.
  8. Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    From gardens and picnic spots to natural wonders and best views, find out what’s not to be missed on a visit to Durham.
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  • Sightseeing and tours in Durham

    Sightseeing, Tours & Guides

    Find a range of guided and self-guided tours at locations across the county.

  • Entertainment in Durham

    Let Us Entertain You

    From live cricket to stand-up comedy, a night at the theatre or a day at the races, let us entertain you during your visit.

  • Activities in Durham

    Find Your Ideal Activity

    Whether you’re looking for an indulgent spa break, a golfing holiday or you’d rather get outdoors and active during your stay, here are some ideas to get you started.

  • Attractions in Durham

    Amazing Attractions

    History-lovers can experience Durham’s amazing heritage at award-winning attractions across the county including Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Explore museums and galleries, castles and historic houses, take some time out in the county’s many green spaces and get ideas for great family days out too.

  • Durham Deals

    Special Offers

    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.

  • Shopping in Durham

    Shopping

    Stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside top-name brands in Durham City, whilst market towns across the county are treasure troves of art, antiques and pottery.

You are here > Home > Things to Do

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 and the brand new 11Arches Park.  

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.

this is featured

Photography Workshop with Gary Lintern

Durham Cathedral Tours

Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…

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Family walking up to Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

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external image of Durham Town Hall

Durham Town Hall

The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the…

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Gala Durham

The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…

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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…

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Durham Castle

Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…

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Adventure Valley

Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…

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Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…

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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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Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…

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DLI Collection at Palace Green Library

Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…

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Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the…

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Durham History Hunt

Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…

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Binchester Roman Fort

Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…

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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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Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins

Legend tells of six rose coins that will bring fortune to those who find them, but they are hidden…

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Grassholme Observatory

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

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Diggerland

Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Durham Cathedral Tours
  • 2Durham Cathedral
  • 3Durham Town Hall
  • 4Gala Durham
  • 5Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
  • 6Durham Castle
  • 7Adventure Valley
  • 8Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  • 9High Force Waterfall
  • 10Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
  • 11DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
  • 12Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  • 13Durham History Hunt
  • 14Binchester Roman Fort
  • 15Hamsterley Forest
  • 16Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
  • 17Grassholme Observatory
  • 18Diggerland
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this is our blog

  • Seven experiences in Durham to banish tourism fatigue

    children running and playing at The Plotter's Forest adventure playground

    Durham is unlike anywhere else in the UK! Durham offers a rich and diverse range of unique experiences that are sure to make your trip one to remember.

  • How to explore Durham more sustainably

    a family cycling through Hamsterley Forest with their dog

    Going green has never been more important and with so many beautiful areas to explore in Durham, you'll find that it’s also extremely enjoyable. 

  • Discover Durham's Proud Mining Heritage

    the streets of durham city filled with people during the annual Durham Miners Gala

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns this July to Durham City but did you know as well as "The Big Meeting" there's lots of ways across the county to celebrate our proud mining heritage.   

  • Accessible Days Out: Durham City

    Kate Stanforth sat in her wheelchair outside Durham Cathedral with her service dog.

    Join disabled blogger Kate Stanforth as she spends the day exploring historic Durham City.

  • Seventy Years of the Railways

    Deltic train engine

    Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee at Locomotion's new exhibition - Seventy Years of the Railways.

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