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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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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…
Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…
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…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
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…
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…
Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…

- 1Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 2Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
- 3Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 4Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 5Raby Castle
- 6Durham Cathedral
- 7Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 8Hardwick Park
- 9Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 10High Force Waterfall
- 11Wharton Park
- 121950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 13Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 14Binchester Roman Fort
- 15Hamsterley Forest
- 16DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 17Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 18Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
