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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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The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
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…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Durham Cathedral Tower
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
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…
Durham History Hunt
Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…
Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…

- 1The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 2Grassholme Observatory
- 3Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 4Durham Castle
- 5Hardwick Park
- 6Adventure Valley
- 7Binchester Roman Fort
- 8High Force Waterfall
- 9Durham Cathedral Tower
- 10Gala Durham
- 11The Northern Saints Trails
- 12DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
- 13Durham Cathedral Museum
- 14Durham Town Hall
- 15Wharton Park
- 16Durham University Oriental Museum
- 17Durham History Hunt
- 18Museum of Archaeology
