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

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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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Hardwick Park at sunset

Hardwick Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…

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Diggerland Durham Spindizzy Ride

Diggerland

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

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Museum of Archaeology

Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…

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Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…

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Raby Castle

Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…

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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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The Northern Saints Trails

The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…

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The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time and become…

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Durham University Oriental Museum

Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…

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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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1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish

Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall. 

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Grassholme Observatory

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

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The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle

The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…

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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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Durham History Hunt

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

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Durham Cathedral Tours

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

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PrevPrev
  • 1Durham Town Hall
  • 2Hardwick Park
  • 3Diggerland
  • 4Museum of Archaeology
  • 5Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
  • 6Raby Castle
  • 7Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
  • 8The Northern Saints Trails
  • 9The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 10Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 11Durham University Oriental Museum
  • 12Hamsterley Forest
  • 131950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
  • 14Grassholme Observatory
  • 15The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
  • 16Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  • 17Durham History Hunt
  • 18Durham Cathedral Tours
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this is our blog

  • Discover The Plotter's Forest at Raby Castle

    artist impression of what Raby Castle forest adventure playground with child playing in treetop wooden towers.

    Adventure awaits this Easter at Raby Castle as The Plotter's Forest adventure playground is due to open. 

  • Family-friendly outdoor trails to explore this February half term

    two children running onto the terrace at Raby Castle

    Get ready for your next half-term adventure with our guide to family-friendly outdoor trails to explore in Durham.

  • Spain’s Field Farm opening at Beamish Museum after being moved stone by stone

    Spain’s Field Farm at Beamish Museum

    See what life was like for families living in upland farms during the 1950s at Beamish Museum's Spain's Field Farm.

  • Accessible Days Out: Beamish Museum

    Disabled blogger Kate Stanforth sat in wheelchair with black Labrador assistant dog in the 1900s town at Beamish Museum.

    Join disabled blogger Kate Stanforth as she spends the day exploring Beamish Museum.

  • 22 things to look forward to in Durham 2022

    2022 things to look forward to in 2022

    With the new year comes a fresh start, and Durham is ready and raring to go in 2022 with an incredible array of experiences for all to enjoy. 

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