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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. Weddings
    Weddings in Durham
    Getting married? Choose the perfect wedding venue in Durham, North East England. Find a host of historic, unique and unusual places to get married across the county.
  7. Special Offers
    Special Offers
    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.
  8. Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    From gardens and picnic spots to natural wonders and best views, find out what’s not to be missed on a visit to Durham.
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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 every Saturday 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 National Landscape - 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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Bowlees

Bowlees Visitor Centre

Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…

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Young girl playing indoor mini-golf with help from two adults under colorful lighting.

The Hole in Wand

Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park! Step into a world of wonder at The Hole…

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Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

Binchester Roman Fort

Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…

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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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The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…

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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 to the 1820s,…

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Derwent Waterside Park

Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the…

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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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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

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

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Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve

This coastal site has impressive views to the north and south. On a clear day, you will be able to…

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Seaham Harbour Marina

The multi award-winning Seaham Marina is County Durham's one and only marina. The marina provides…

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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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Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Palace was once home to the Prince…

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Causey Arch and Picnic Area

Picnic site which is home to the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge.

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Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…

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North Pennines National Landscape

The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • 2The Hole in Wand
  • 3Binchester Roman Fort
  • 4Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
  • 5The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 6Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 7Derwent Waterside Park
  • 8Durham University Oriental Museum
  • 9Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 10Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve
  • 11Seaham Harbour Marina
  • 12Durham Cathedral Tours
  • 13Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project
  • 14Causey Arch and Picnic Area
  • 15Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 16North Pennines National Landscape
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  • Station to Celebration: Durham’s Summer of Steam and Stories

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    Full Steam Ahead: Railway Heritage Fun in Durham – Things to Do in Durham This Summer for Train Lovers.

  • Discover Durham's Proud Mining Heritage

    the streets of durham city filled with people during the annual Durham Miners Gala

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns this July to Durham City but did you know as well as "The Big Meeting" there's lots of ways across the county to celebrate our proud mining heritage.   

  • Durham Days Out with the Kids: 12 Amazing Outdoor Adventures

    Family stood in front of High Force Waterfall in the Durham Dales.

    Looking for fresh air, family fun, and wild adventures in Durham this summer? We’ve rounded up 12 amazing outdoor days out for kids that will have your little ones climbing, splashing, discovering and smiling from ear to ear.

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    Your ultimate guide to treating Dad in Durham

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