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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 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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The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…
Locomotion
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest is an immersive outdoor playground located in a magical Christmas Tree…
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
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,…
The Bowes Museum
There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 50,000 items in…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Crook Hall Gardens
The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…

- 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
