Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • The Auckland Project
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
      • Regional Delivery Service
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • 2023 Unmissable Events
    • Family Events
      • Halloween
      • October Half Term Events
      • Bonfire Night
      • Free Events
      • Festive Fun
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Collage Restaurant and Grill
      • Eating Out at Ushaw
      • Headlam Hall Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Ozone at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Rose and Crown
      • Undercroft Restaurant
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Local Produce
      • Farmers Markets
      • Farm Shops
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
    • Inspire Me
      • Food Itineraries
      • Foodie Events
      • Tasty Tours
      • Tasty Places to Stay
  • Inspire Me
    • Don't Miss
      • Auckland Castle
      • Beamish Museum
      • Dalton Park
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren – an epic tale of England
      • North Pennines AONB
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • Year of the Coast
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Taste Durham
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
    • Durham Videos
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessibility
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Autumn breaks in Durham

    Autumn Breaks

  • Dark Skies Events Killhope

    Dark Skies

  • A couple walking around Durham Cathedral

    Historical Durham

  • What on the Durham Coast

    Year of the Coast 2023

  • Corporate
  • Groups & Travel Trade
  • Durham Place Of Light
  • Meet in Durham
  • Northern Saints
A German Flag
Menu
  • Top Attractions

  • Places To Stay

  • Things to Do

    Things to Do in Durham

  • Planning Your Trip

    Planning Your Trip

  • Inspire Me

Site Search Icon
My Account icon

Login to your account

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.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

Follow Us...

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • YouTube

    YouTube Icon

  • Pintrest

    Pinterest

  • Instagram

    Instagram

  • Blog

    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Free Attractions

Free Attractions

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
  • Accommodation

  • Things To Do

  • What's On

  • Food & Drink

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 27

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Broom House Forest Adventure Trail

    Add Broom House Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 355 reviews355 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 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 10:00 - 16:00

    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
  2. Exterior seating of cafe

    Add Bishop Auckland Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market place. It offers regular art exhibitions, live music, theatre and films as well as a café and library with free internet access and local history…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  3. Durham Coast

    Add Blackhall Heritage Coastal Footpath to your Itinerary

    Blackhall Heritage Coastal Footpath

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Near Blackhall Colliery

    The sight and sound of skylarks rising above the short Magnesian Limestone grassland is very noticeable in this area. The grass is kept purposely short to encourage them.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Blackhall Heritage Coastal Footpath
  4. Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

    Add North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to your Itinerary

    North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Routes

    The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of England. As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is also a UNESCO Global Geopark – an accolade awarded to areas across the world with…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2014Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    More info for North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  5. external image of Durham Town Hall

    Add Durham Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Durham Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard.  Since the 14th Century…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport

    Indicative Availability

    Book Durham Town Hall Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Durham Town Hall
  6. Children wearing hard hats in Killhope Lead Mine in dark truck full of rocks

    Add Killhope Lead Mining Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 311 reviews311 reviews

    Killhope Lead Mining Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Cowshill

    Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the family. Guided mine tours, working water wheel, original machinery, exhibitions, workshops, family events, performances, stunning scenery, shop and cafe.…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2023to31 Oct 2023Open 10:00 - 16:30

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2017Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Code of Practice 2017
    • Visit England Visitengland Hidden Gem 2016Visitengland Hidden Gem
    • Visit England Best Told Story 2021Best Told Story
    More info for Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  7. Romans on display in the Museum of Archaeology

    Add Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 45 reviews45 reviews

    Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past through the unique objects that are uncovered as the result of archaeological excavations, or are unearthed by chance by members of the public.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
  8. Entrance to Durham University Oriental Museum

    Add Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 369 reviews369 reviews

    Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum.  The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2015North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Durham University Oriental Museum
  9. View of Seaham Coast from above

    Add Seaham Beach to your Itinerary

    Seaham Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Seaham

    Seaham Beach is a pleasant stretch of rocky and sandy beach, with rocks pools a plenty. The dog-friendly beach stretches for approx. one mile along the town’s coastline, from the harbour wall to the north of the town.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Seaham Beach
  10. Castle Eden Denemouth Heritage Coastal Footpath

    Add Castle Eden Denemouth Heritage Coastal Footpath to your Itinerary

    Castle Eden Denemouth Heritage Coastal Footpath

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    South of Horden

    Castle Eden Dene is one of the most important natural areas in the North East. The Dene is a four mile long steep sided valley cut into the Magnesian Limestone. This area is a National Nature Reserve, valued amongst other things for its yew trees.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Castle Eden Denemouth Heritage Coastal Footpath
  11. Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church














 


   
Product Details

    Add Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews

    Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Chester-le-Street

    The cathedral church and shrine of St Cuthbert from AD883 to 995 with attached anchorage containing displays on Roman, Saxon and medieval times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church
  12. Crimdon beach on sunny day

    Crimdon Dene Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Crimdon

    With its sandy beaches, Crimdon has been a popular place for holiday makers for many years. From the 1920’s miners came to Crimdon for their annual summer holidays.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Crimdon Dene Beach
  13. Hardwick Park at sunset

    Add Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 469 reviews469 reviews

    Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Sedgefield

    This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich heritage, archaeological remains and ecological diversity - a remarkable place to visit. The park is open daily with events held throughout the year.…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Open 07:30 - 19:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    More info for Hardwick Park
  14. Tees Riverside and Hay Meadows Walk

    Add Low Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    Low Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    Near Middleton-in Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Low Force Waterfall
  15. Escomb Saxon Church

    Add Escomb Saxon Church to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews

    Escomb Saxon Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Bishop Auckland

    One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Escomb Saxon Church
  16. view of Durham Cathedral from River Wear

    Add Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7059 reviews7059 reviews

    Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Durham Cathedral
  17. Steam Engine at Locomotion

    Add Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1161 reviews1161 reviews

    Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Shildon

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

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Tourism Event of the Year - Bronze 2014North East England Tourism Awards - Tourism Event of the Year - Bronze
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Locomotion
  18. Bowes Castle

    Add Bowes Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 59 reviews59 reviews

    Bowes Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Barnard Castle

    The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12thC tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023
    More info for Bowes Castle
  19. The Witham lit up at night

    Add The Witham to your Itinerary

    The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Barnard Castle

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for The Witham
  20. coached sports session Durham city Wharton park family fun

    Add Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 82 reviews82 reviews

    Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Municipal Park

    Durham City

    This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City. The historic park now offers a brand new heritage centre and cafe, play area for all ages, an amphitheatre and miniature car track, multi-use games…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2023

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Wharton Park
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Win

  • Save

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • 2023 Unmissable Events,
  • Family Events,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Local Produce,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
  • Food Itineraries,
  • Special Offers,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Taste Durham,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessibility,
  • Publications,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, 2nd Floor, County Hall, Dryburn Road, Durham, DH1 5UL

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council