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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Attractions
    Amazing Attractions
    History-lovers can experience Durham’s amazing heritage at award-winning attractions across the county including Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore museums and galleries, castles and historic houses, take some time out in the county’s many green spaces and get ideas for great family days out too.
  2. Activities
    Find Your Ideal Activity
    Whether you’re looking for an indulgent spa break, a golfing holiday or you’d rather get outdoors and active during your stay, here are some ideas to get you started.
  3. Shopping
    Shopping
    Stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside top-name brands in Durham City, whilst market towns across the county are treasure troves of art, antiques and pottery.
  4. Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
    Find a range of guided and self-guided tours at locations across the county.
  5. Entertainment
    Let Us Entertain You
    From live cricket to stand-up comedy, a night at the theatre or a day at the races, let us entertain you during your visit.
  6. Weddings
    Weddings in Durham
    Getting married? Choose the perfect wedding venue in Durham, North East England. Find a host of historic, unique and unusual places to get married across the county.
  7. Special Offers
    Special Offers
    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.
  8. Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    From gardens and picnic spots to natural wonders and best views, find out what’s not to be missed on a visit to Durham.
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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 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 Heritage Coast

Durham Heritage Coast

Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged…

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Bowlees

Bowlees Visitor Centre

Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…

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Ushaw Historic House and Gardens

Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…

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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…

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Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library

Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past…

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Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…

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Raby Castle

Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…

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Hamsterley Forest

Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…

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North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt…

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Durham Cathedral Tours

Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…

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The Bowes Museum

See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…

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Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

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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…

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High Force Waterfall

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

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Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…

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The Northern Saints Trails

The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…

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Durham Castle

Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…

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Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Durham Heritage Coast
  • 2Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • 3Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  • 4World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library
  • 5Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
  • 6Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
  • 7Raby Castle
  • 8Hamsterley Forest
  • 9North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • 10Durham Cathedral Tours
  • 11The Bowes Museum
  • 12Durham Cathedral
  • 13Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
  • 14High Force Waterfall
  • 15Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 16The Northern Saints Trails
  • 17Durham Castle
  • 18Locomotion
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  • The Faith Museum Opening October 2023

    External view of The Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland

    Save the date! The Auckland Project's Faith Museum opens this October. 

  • The A - Z of Summer Holiday Ideas and Days Out in Durham

    The Bowes Museum

    Check out our A-Z guide of things to do this summer in Durham.

  • A 'Wheeliefab' getaway in Durham

    Woman and man in wheelchair smiling at each other at Beamish Museum's 1900s Town.

    Join David and Penny from 'Wheeliefab Times' as they enjoy an action-packed fully-accessible staycation in Durham.  

  • Discover Durham's Proud Mining Heritage

    the streets of durham city filled with people during the annual Durham Miners Gala

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns this July to Durham City but did you know as well as "The Big Meeting" there's lots of ways across the county to celebrate our proud mining heritage.   

  • Five things not to miss at Durham’s World Heritage Day

    Durham World Heritage Day 2023 logo

    Top things not to miss at this year's Durham World Heritage Day celebrations.

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