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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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Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Durham University Oriental Museum
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
The Auckland Project
Journey through a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith at The Auckland Project in…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
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…
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…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…

- 1Raby Castle
- 2Wharton Park
- 3Durham University Oriental Museum
- 4Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 5Diggerland
- 6Durham Town Hall
- 7Durham Cathedral
- 8The Auckland Project
- 9Hardwick Park
- 10Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 11Durham Castle
- 12Adventure Valley
- 13Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 14Hamsterley Forest
- 15High Force Waterfall
- 16Grassholme Observatory
- 17The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 18Binchester Roman Fort
