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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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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…
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…
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…
Raby Castle
Medieval Raby Castle, home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626, includes a 200 acre deer park,…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
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 early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham…
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…
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 Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
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…
Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…

- 1Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 2Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 3Hardwick Park
- 4Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 5Raby Castle
- 6Binchester Roman Fort
- 7Hamsterley Forest
- 8High Force Waterfall
- 9Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 10Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
- 11Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 12Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 13Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed
- 14Durham Cathedral
- 15DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 16Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 171950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 18Wharton Park
