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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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  • Sightseeing and tours in Durham

    Sightseeing, Tours & Guides

    Find a range of guided and self-guided tours at locations across the county.

  • Entertainment in Durham

    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.

  • Activities in Durham

    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.

  • Attractions in Durham

    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.

  • Durham Deals

    Special Offers

    Take advantage of exclusive money-saving offers on accommodation, attractions and activities, eating out and shopping.

  • Shopping in Durham

    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.

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 and the brand new 11Arches Park.  

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

Auckland Castle chapel county durham

Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project

Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…

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1950s welfare hall beamish museum

1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish

Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall. 

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High Force Waterfall

High Force Waterfall

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

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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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Wharton Park

This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…

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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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Durham Cathedral Museum

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

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DLI Collection at Palace Green Library

Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…

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The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle

The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…

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Chester-le-Street Riverside Park

Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…

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Grassholme Observatory

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

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Museum of Archaeology

Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…

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Durham History Hunt

Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…

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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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Durham Cathedral Tower

Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…

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Raby Castle

Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…

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Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the…

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The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…

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PrevPrev
  • 1Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
  • 21950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
  • 3High Force Waterfall
  • 4Durham Town Hall
  • 5Wharton Park
  • 6Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 7Durham Cathedral Museum
  • 8DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
  • 9The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
  • 10Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
  • 11Grassholme Observatory
  • 12Museum of Archaeology
  • 13Durham History Hunt
  • 14Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  • 15Durham Cathedral Tower
  • 16Raby Castle
  • 17Killhope Lead Mining Museum
  • 18The Auckland Project
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  • 23 things to look forward to in 2023

    2023

    From incredible stays to amazing days out, let our guide to the top 23 things to do in Durham in 2023 inspire you! 
     

  • Five Fabulous Festive Trails

    little girl sat with deer light display at The Plotter's Forest, Raby Castle

    We’ve chosen five fabulous dazzling outdoor trails which guarantee fun for all the family during the day or as darkness falls this festive season. 

  • Five mysteries behind the majestic Silver Swan

    close up view of the silver swan automaton at The Bowes Museum

    As The Bowes Museum's Silver Swan celebrates its 250th year, we discover five fascinating mysteries that surround the incredible autommaton.

  • Memorable Moments at Locomotion

    dad and son looking at train at Locomotion museum

    From getting up close to historic rail vehicles to blowing off steam in the new outdoor play area.

  • Memorable Moments at The Bowes Museum

    family of four sat talking in front of paintings inside The Bowes Museum

    From strolling through magnificent picture galleries to appreciating the breathtaking sight of a French-style château in the heart of the Durham Dales.

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