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
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
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…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
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 Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
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…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
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…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
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…
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…
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…

- 1Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 2Hardwick Park
- 3DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 4Grassholme Observatory
- 5Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 6Durham Cathedral
- 7Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 8Wharton Park
- 9Diggerland
- 10Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 11Hamsterley Forest
- 12Binchester Roman Fort
- 131950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 14Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 15Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 16Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
- 17Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 18Raby Castle
