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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.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Family Fun > Family Attractions & Activities

Family Attractions & Activities

Durham has plenty to offer your little ones, take a look at the list below.

this is featured

Image of a steam train at Locomotion.

Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

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Raby Castle gardens with castle in background

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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The exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.

The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in…

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The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…

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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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Weardale Museum

Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the beautiful…

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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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Diggerland

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

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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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North Pennines National Landscape

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

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Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Locomotion
  • 2Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 3The Bowes Museum
  • 4The Auckland Project
  • 5The Hole in Wand
  • 6Weardale Museum
  • 7Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 8Diggerland
  • 9Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 10North Pennines National Landscape
  • 11Durham Cathedral
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Number of results: 33

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  1. Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Add Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk to your Itinerary

    Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham

    This walk is currently closed for maintenance.​​​​​​

    ​​​​​​​​​​Come and enjoy a 3-mile circular route around the Ushaw estate, starting at the main house and taking in the old hilltop with wide-open views of Durham’s countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk
  2. Moor House Activity Centre

    Add Moor House Activity Centre to your Itinerary

    Moor House Activity Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Houghton-le-Spring

    We provide tailor made outdoor education solutions for everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Moor House Activity Centre
  3. Children in Hamsterley Forest searching for stick characters on The Stickman Man Trail. Credit Forestry England Crown Copyright

    Add The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Families can join a new forest adventure as the much-loved character Stick Man, based on the beautiful picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, returns to Forestry England Hamsterley.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2025to31 Jan 2026
    More info for The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  4. Durham Cathedral and Castle, rooftops of Durham City

    Add Durham Heritage Trail to your Itinerary

    Durham Heritage Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham City

    Around every corner in Durham City is something old and interesting. To see it all in one walk is not possible, but here is a start in getting to know the City’s rich history.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Durham Heritage Trail
  5. Girl looking through a magnifying glass into a bug pot

    Add RSPB Saltholme to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 494 reviews494 reviews

    RSPB Saltholme

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Middlesbrough

    RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place if you’re new to birdwatching or want to get out in nature. Our family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre and hides which let you get up close to water rail, avocet and terns, plus a cafe, play area…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
    From:
    1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2023VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    More info for RSPB Saltholme
  6. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2357 reviews2357 reviews

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Bishop Auckland

    Travel through 2,000 years of history in a single unforgettable evening! Watch as legends come to life – Vikings storm ashore, battles rage, and heroes rise beneath a sky ablaze with magic and fire.

    In 2025, celebrate the 200th anniversary of the…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025Open 20:30 -
    From:
    30 Aug 2025Open 20:15 -
    From:
    6 Sept 2025Open 20:00 -
    From:
    13 Sept 2025Open 19:45 -

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
  7. 25% off voucher for Diggerland Durham

    Add Diggerland to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 752 reviews752 reviews

    Diggerland

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Langley Park

    Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride and operate earth-moving machinery in a safe and family friendly environment. There's one right here in Durham and you can save money off pay on the…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Feb 2025to30 Oct 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Green Tourism Awards - Bronze 2025Green Tourism Awards - Bronze
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Diggerland
  8. Explore the North East the Active Way Poster

    Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Get out and about in beautiful Durham!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries
  9. 'Lily of Lumley' - Escape Rooms Durham at Lumley Castle

    Add Escape Rooms Durham - Lily of Lumley to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 464 reviews464 reviews

    Escape Rooms Durham - Lily of Lumley

    Type

    Type:

    Attraction

    Chester-le-Street

    Lumley Castle holds a secret. For centuries the halls and passageways have been said to be haunted by Lily Of Lumley. You and your team are here to investigate the haunting and solve the mystery. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Escape Rooms Durham - Lily of Lumley
  10. Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Add Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 201 reviews201 reviews

    Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Durham City

    The Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers cruises with spectacular views of historic Durham City, Cathedral, Castle and Bridges and evening cruises with a difference twelve months of the year.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025
    More info for Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats
  11. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews

    Broom House Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Near Witton Gilbert

    Fun Adventure Farm. Woodland trails and adventure activities for all the family. Farm butchery. Coffee shop.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Broom House Farm
  12. Wallace and Gromit characters. Copyright and TM Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Ltd 2024  All rights reserved

    Add Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies.

    Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest
  13. Dalton Moor School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing logo

    Add Dalton Moor Farm - School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing to your Itinerary

    Dalton Moor Farm - School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing

    Type

    Type:

    Art and Craft Activity

    Dalton le Dale, Seaham

    At Dalton Moor Farm, School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing, whether you want to learn how to forage for wild food, weave a willow basket, learn more about the farm on a guided farm tour, find your rhythm at a drum circle, howl at the full moon,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Dalton Moor Farm - School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing
  14. Hayley Crawshaw dancing whilst wild swimming in the Thames

    Little Blue Pootles - Guided Swim Hikes

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Adventure Activities

    and North East England,

    Tailor made guided wild swimming walks, instant book packaged taster sessions, and shorter wild swim experiences, in the North Pennines, and beyond.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Little Blue Pootles - Guided Swim Hikes
  15. Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast

    Add Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk to your Itinerary

    Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Hartlepool

    Blackhall Rocks is a Local Nature Reserve and picnic area within Durham Heritage Coast and is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified. Part Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk
  16. An historic steam train on Tanfield Railway in County Durham.

    Add Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 488 reviews488 reviews

    Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Tanfield

    Oldest existing railway in the world, opened 1725. Steam-hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 61 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Please see website for dates and operating times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    More info for Tanfield Railway
  17. Durham Cathedral view from riverbank with river and woodland

    Add The Durham City Seven Hills Trail to your Itinerary

    The Durham City Seven Hills Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham City

    This trail passes through the many varied landscapes that encircle the City, while offering encounters with the City’s rich history and heritage. There are beautiful historic woodlands, a famous battle site, the site of an iron age fort, a Victorian…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for The Durham City Seven Hills Trail
  18. Fishburn front street, Tree, village green, houses, road

    Add Fishburn & Bishop Middleham Circular Walk to your Itinerary

    Fishburn & Bishop Middleham Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Fishburn

    Experience this rare landscape and ancient species, and journey through the first stronghold of the Prince Bishops.  A Discover Brightwater walk suitable for children/families.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Fishburn & Bishop Middleham Circular Walk
  19. Children and adults on mountain bikes - Forestry England/Crown copyright

    Add Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Hit the trails at Hamsterley Forest this Easter! Forestry England is delighted to announce the opening of a brand–new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycle trail at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Apr 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  20. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Forest Adventure to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 390 reviews390 reviews

    Broom House Forest Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Attraction

    Near Witton Gilbert

    The Forest Adventure is an action packed family day out. Explore acres of green, leafy woodland, enjoy some fresh air whilst spending a few hours outdoors with family and friends.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Broom House Forest Adventure
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