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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 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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North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling…
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…
Durham University Botanic Garden
Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…
Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
Much of Durham’s history lies beneath our feet. Sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the past…
Durham Cathedral Tours
Discover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are…
Durham Heritage Coast
Experience the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
The Northern Saints Trails
The Northern Saints Trails, based on ancient pilgrim routes, position the North East as the…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
Locomotion
At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
The Bowes Museum
See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive French-style public…

- 1North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- 2Durham Cathedral
- 3Bowlees Visitor Centre
- 4Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 5Durham Castle
- 6Durham University Botanic Garden
- 7Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
- 8Durham Cathedral Tours
- 9Durham Heritage Coast
- 10Raby Castle
- 11The Northern Saints Trails
- 12Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
- 13Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 14Locomotion
- 15High Force Waterfall
- 16The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project
- 17Hamsterley Forest
- 18The Bowes Museum
