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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 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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Locomotion
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…
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,…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
The Bowes Museum
There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 50,000 items in…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Durham Cathedral Tower
Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…

- 1Locomotion
- 2Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 3Raby Castle
- 4Hamsterley Forest
- 5High Force Waterfall
- 6Durham Cathedral Museum
- 7Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
- 8The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 9Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 10Durham Town Hall
- 11The Bowes Museum
- 12Diggerland
- 13Durham Castle
- 14Durham Cathedral Tower
- 15The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 16Gala Durham
- 17Grassholme Observatory
- 18The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
