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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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coached sports session Durham city Wharton park family fun

Wharton Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…

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Image of Palace Green Library's exterior on a sunny day.

Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library

Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections…

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The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition.…

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Pow Hill Country Park

A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.

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Killhope Lead Mining Museum

*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed.

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Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave

Centuries ago Viking invaders and settlers left their mark in the local dialect words of the Durham…

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High Force Waterfall

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

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Blackhill and Consett Park

Blackhill and Consett Park is located in the Blackhill conservation area.

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Locomotion

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

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Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library

Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past…

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Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project

With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery…

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Durham Town Hall

The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about the…

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Durham Cathedral Tower

Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing…

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Hamsterley Forest

Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…

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Durham Cricket

Banks Homes Riverside Stadium is a world class sporting and events venue which regularly attracts…

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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
  • 1Wharton Park
  • 2Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library
  • 3The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop
  • 4Pow Hill Country Park
  • 5Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  • 6Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave
  • 7High Force Waterfall
  • 8Blackhill and Consett Park
  • 9Locomotion
  • 10Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
  • 11Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 12Durham Town Hall
  • 13Durham Cathedral Tower
  • 14Hamsterley Forest
  • 15Durham Cricket
  • 16Durham Cathedral
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  • Things to Do with Your Dad in Durham for Father’s Day 2025

    family of four looking at view from Prebends Bridge, Durham City.

    Your ultimate guide to treating Dad in Durham

  • Full Steam Ahead: Discover Free, Family Fun at Locomotion in Shildon

    group of people enjoying train ride on historic vehicle at Locomotion museum.

    Whether visiting with family, friends, on your own or part of a group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer!

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  • Eight events not to miss at The Auckland Project

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    Get ready for a season of celebration, music, history, and hands-on family fun at The Auckland Project!

  • Something Spectacular Is Taking Flight at Kynren – The Storied Lands

    Andy Hallsworth, Assistant Curator, Birds & Training at Kynren - The Storied Lands, pictured with blue and yellow parrots on his arm.

    Following recent planning approval, development has now begun on The Storied Lands at Kynren - the UK’s first live-action historical theme park. 

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