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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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The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
Legend tells of six rose coins that will bring fortune to those who find them, but they are hidden…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
The Auckland Project
Journey through a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith at The Auckland Project in…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time and become…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…

- 1The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 2Hamsterley Forest
- 3Durham Cathedral
- 4Adventure Valley
- 5Hardwick Park
- 6Durham Town Hall
- 7Gala Durham
- 8Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
- 9Wharton Park
- 10The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 11The Auckland Project
- 12Diggerland
- 13Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 14Raby Castle
- 15Museum of Archaeology
- 16The Northern Saints Trails
- 17Binchester Roman Fort
- 18DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
