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.
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
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…
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…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…
Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
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…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
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…
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…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
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…
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…

- 1Raby Castle
- 2Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
- 3High Force Waterfall
- 4Diggerland
- 5Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 6Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
- 7Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 8Wharton Park
- 9Durham Cathedral
- 10Grassholme Observatory
- 11Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 12Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 131950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 14Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 15Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 16Hamsterley Forest
- 17Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 18Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
