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 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - 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.
this is featured
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt…
The Bowes Museum
See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Durham Heritage Coast
Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
The splash pad is a state-of-the-art play facility which is free to use and suitable for families…
Durham University Botanic Garden
Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
Providing a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre…
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…
Locomotion
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…
Durham Cathedral Tours
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

- 1Durham Castle
- 2North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- 3The Bowes Museum
- 4Hamsterley Forest
- 5Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 6The Northern Saints Trails
- 7Raby Castle
- 8Durham Heritage Coast
- 9Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 10Durham University Botanic Garden
- 11Bowlees Visitor Centre
- 12World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
- 13Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
- 14Locomotion
- 15High Force Waterfall
- 16The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
- 17Durham Cathedral Tours
- 18Durham Cathedral
