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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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Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Durham Cathedral Tower
Durham Cathedral Towers Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding…
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…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
Gala Durham
The Gala Theatre is a superb arts venue in the heart of Durham City with 500 seat theatre, 2 cinema…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
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…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
Grassholme Observatory
Waterside Parks purpose built observatory, based at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle,…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall.
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries,…
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging…
Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…

- 1Durham Cathedral
- 2Durham Cathedral Tower
- 3Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 4Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
- 5Gala Durham
- 6Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 7Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
- 8The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 9Grassholme Observatory
- 10Durham Castle
- 11Wharton Park
- 12Killhope Lead Mining Museum
- 13Raby Castle
- 141950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 15The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 16High Force Waterfall
- 17Hamsterley Forest
- 18Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
