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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 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.
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1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall.
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time and become…
Durham History Hunt
Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…
Durham Cathedral Museum
Explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
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 Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…

- 11950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 2Durham Town Hall
- 3Durham Cathedral
- 4The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 5Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 6Durham History Hunt
- 7Hardwick Park
- 8High Force Waterfall
- 9DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
- 10Durham Cathedral Museum
- 11Adventure Valley
- 12Raby Castle
- 13Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 14Durham Castle
- 15The Northern Saints Trails
- 16The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 17Grassholme Observatory
- 18Gala Durham
