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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 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.
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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
900-year-old Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland is once again open to visitors, following a…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
**Closed until further notice** Living on the Hills - 10,000 years of Durham. This permanent…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…

- 1Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 2Hamsterley Forest
- 3Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
- 4Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 5DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 6High Force Waterfall
- 7Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 8Binchester Roman Fort
- 9Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 101950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 11Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 12Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 13Durham Cathedral
- 14Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
- 15Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 16Hardwick Park
- 17Wharton Park
- 18Adventure Valley
