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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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Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
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…
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
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…
Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
Refurbished in 2016, Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
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…
Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
**Closed until further notice** Living on the Hills - 10,000 years of Durham. This permanent…
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…
Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
The Park and Gardens provide lots of opportunity for fresh air, fun and exercise. Our Woodland…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
**Following the government announcement that the North East is in COVID-19 Tier 4 from 31st…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…

- 1Diggerland
- 2Gala Theatre Durham - To Open Jan 2021
- 3Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended
- 4DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
- 5Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
- 6Killhope (Museum to remain closed)
- 7Hamsterley Forest
- 8Hardwick Park
- 9Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 10Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
- 11Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project: to reopen June 2021
- 12Woodland Play Area: Raby Castle
- 13Adventure Valley
- 14Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021
- 151950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 16Grassholme Observatory
- 17Binchester Roman Fort
- 18High Force Waterfall
