Q: What is Durham best known for?
A: Durham is known for its cathedral, castle and rich history. It’s also home to the beautiful Durham Heritage Coast and rolling Durham Dales.
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Things to Do
Things to Do in Durham: Attractions, Activities and Experiences
What are the best things to do in Durham, England?
Durham, England offers a wide mix of attractions, from iconic landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site to family-friendly activities, museums and outdoor adventures. Whether you're planning a city break or exploring the wider county, you'll find historic sites, scenic walks and unique experiences for all ages.
What are the top attractions in Durham?
Explore some of the most popular Durham attractions:
- Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
- Crook Hall Gardens
- Dalton Park Outlet and Outdoors
- Durham Heritage Coast
- Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cathedral and Castle
- Durham University Attractions
- Hamsterley Forest
- Kynren: An Epic Tale of England
- Locomotion
- Raby Castle, Gardens and Deer Park
- The Auckland Project
- The Bowes Museum
- Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
What outdoor activities can you do in Durham?
Durham is ideal for nature and adventure:
- Walking routes in the Durham Dales
- Coastal walks along the Durham Heritage Coast
- Cycling trails and nature reserves
- Stargazing in the North Pennines National Landscape
What are the best family things to do in Durham?
- Interactive museums like Beamish Museum
- Outdoor adventure parks
- Seasonal family-friendly events
FAQs
Q: Are there free things to do in Durham?
A: Yes, including walks, beautiful parks and some attractions.
Q: Is Durham good for families?
A: Yes, with museums, parks and events for all ages.
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The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum explores…
Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market…
The Bowes Museum
There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 58,000 items in…
Pelaw Wood Nature Reserve
Pelaw Wood Nature Reserve is a beautiful woodland home to many varieties of wildlife, with public…
Spennymoor Town Council
The Gallery houses a permanent collection of art, including paintings by Norman Cornish, as well as…
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by the Pugin family.…
Redhills Durham Miners Hall
Redhills Durham Miners Hall is a vibrant hub of community activity, preserving the rich history of…
Durham Heritage Coast
Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged…
Bowlees Picnic Area
The picnic area is in a sheltered side valley of Teesdale. There are 4 waterfalls in the site and…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project
Auckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting,…
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
Providing a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park
Visitors to Hardwick Park in Sedgefield can enjoy new and exciting adventures with the launch of an…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Crook Hall Gardens
The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town…

- 1The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
- 2Bishop Auckland Town Hall
- 3The Bowes Museum
- 4Pelaw Wood Nature Reserve
- 5The Light
- 6Spennymoor Town Council
- 7Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 8Redhills Durham Miners Hall
- 9Durham Heritage Coast
- 10Bowlees Picnic Area
- 11Durham Castle
- 12Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project
- 13World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
- 14Hardwick Park
- 15Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park
- 16Durham Cathedral Museum
- 17Crook Hall Gardens



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