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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 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 Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
The Bowes Museum
See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…
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…
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…
Durham University Botanic Garden
Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
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…
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…
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Durham Cathedral Tours
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Locomotion
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…

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