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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 National Landscape - 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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Exterior image of The Faith Museum at The Auckland Project.

The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project

Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…

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Image of a steam train at Locomotion.

Locomotion

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

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External view of The Spanish Gallery

The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…

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Diggerland

Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…

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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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The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle

The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree…

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Bowlees Visitor Centre

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

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Durham Town Hall

The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years.  Learn about 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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Gala Durham

The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…

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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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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

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The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in…

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Durham Cathedral Museum

Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…

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Crook Hall Gardens

The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town…

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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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Hamsterley Forest

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

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Grassholme Observatory

Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…

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PrevPrev
  • 1The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
  • 2Locomotion
  • 3The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
  • 4Diggerland
  • 5Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
  • 6The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
  • 7Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • 8Durham Town Hall
  • 9Durham Castle
  • 10Gala Durham
  • 11High Force Waterfall
  • 12Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 13The Bowes Museum
  • 14Durham Cathedral Museum
  • 15Crook Hall Gardens
  • 16Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  • 17Hamsterley Forest
  • 18Grassholme Observatory
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  • 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.  

  • 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. 

  • Eight exciting venues to discover across the culture county

    crowd cheering performaners on stage at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

    From town halls to theatres and historic houses, there’s lots of exciting venues to discover in Durham.

  • 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.

  • 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.   

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