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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 and the brand new 11Arches Park.
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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Durham History Hunt
Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the…
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 Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
Legend tells of six rose coins that will bring fortune to those who find them, but they are hidden…
Durham Cathedral Tower
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Gala Durham
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
Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall.
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
The Auckland Project
Journey through a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith at The Auckland Project in…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…

- 1Durham History Hunt
- 2Durham Castle
- 3Killhope Lead Mining Museum
- 4Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 5Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
- 6Durham Cathedral Tower
- 7Hamsterley Forest
- 8Durham Cathedral Museum
- 9Durham Cathedral
- 10Adventure Valley
- 11Diggerland
- 12Gala Durham
- 131950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 14The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 15The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 16The Auckland Project
- 17Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 18Museum of Archaeology
