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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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Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…
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…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
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,…
Diggerland
Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…
Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
Positioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
Durham History Hunt
Find 26 stops each offering a unique perspective on times gone by. Discover the reason why Durham…
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…
Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…

- 1Wharton Park
- 2Adventure Valley
- 3Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 4Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 5Durham Castle
- 6Durham Online Escape Room - Quest of the Rose Coins
- 7Durham Cathedral
- 8The Northern Saints Trails
- 9The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 10Diggerland
- 11Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project
- 12Raby Castle
- 13Durham History Hunt
- 14Durham Town Hall
- 15Gala Durham
- 16Hardwick Park
- 17Museum of Archaeology
- 18DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
