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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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Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
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…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
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…
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…
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
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…
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…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…

- 1Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 2Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
- 3Adventure Valley
- 4Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
- 5High Force Waterfall
- 61950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 7Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 8Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 9DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 10Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 11Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 12Hamsterley Forest
- 13Hardwick Park
- 14Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 15Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 16Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 17Binchester Roman Fort
- 18Diggerland
