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
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…
Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
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…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
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…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
**Closed until further notice** Living on the Hills - 10,000 years of Durham. This permanent…
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…
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
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…

- 1Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 2Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 3Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 4Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 5Hardwick Park
- 6Binchester Roman Fort
- 7Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 8Raby Castle
- 9Durham Cathedral
- 101950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 11Grassholme Observatory
- 12Wharton Park
- 13Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
- 14Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 15Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 16Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
- 17Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 18DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
