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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.
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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Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
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…
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…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…
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…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…
Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
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…

- 1Diggerland
- 2Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 3Grassholme Observatory
- 4Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
- 5Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 6Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 7Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 8Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
- 91950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 10Binchester Roman Fort
- 11Raby Castle
- 12Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
- 13High Force Waterfall
- 14Hardwick Park
- 15Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 16Durham Cathedral
- 17Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 18Adventure Valley
