You are here > Home > Things to Do
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.
this is featured
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…
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…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
**Closed until further notice** Living on the Hills - 10,000 years of Durham. This permanent…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until further notice
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
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…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
900-year-old Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland is once again open to visitors, following a…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Killhope - reopening Summer 2021
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…

- 1DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 2Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 3Hamsterley Forest
- 4Adventure Valley
- 5Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
- 6Durham Cathedral
- 7Binchester Roman Fort
- 8Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 9Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 10Hardwick Park
- 11Grassholme Observatory
- 12Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
- 13High Force Waterfall
- 14Durham Castle Tours - closed until further notice
- 15Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 16Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 17Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 18Killhope - reopening Summer 2021
