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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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Image of the 1900s Town Street at Beamish Museum, people waiting to board the tram.

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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Photography Workshop with Gary Lintern

Durham Cathedral Tours

Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…

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Entrance to Durham University Oriental Museum

Durham University Oriental Museum

Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…

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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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Bowlees Visitor Centre

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

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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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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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Causey Arch and Picnic Area

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

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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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Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project

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

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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 Botanic Garden

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

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

  • 60 Years of Adventure: Must-See Sights Along The Pennine Way’s Northern Stretch

    Aerial view of Blackton, Hury and Balderhead Reservoirs in the Durham Dales.

    Join Emma from Northumberland Adventures, as she explores the northern stretch of the iconic Pennine Way.

  • Eight events not to miss at The Auckland Project

    group of woman with arms around each other with backs to camera, looking at a stage where performers are singing at Auckland Palace summer concert series.

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

  • Raily Fab Ways to Explore Durham

    bright red and green steam train on the historic Tanfield Railway.

    Full Steam Ahead: Discover Durham’s Best Railway Experiences

  • Next Stop: Amazing Days

    Collage of images showing Raby Castle, The Auckland Project, Locomotion Railway Museum and Beamish Museum.

    Your ultimate guide to the top days out in Durham, packed with history, adventure, and stunning landscapes.

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