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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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Hardwick Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction is an 18th Century parkland featuring beautiful views, rich…
Raby Castle
Welcome to Raby Castle and Deer Park. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a…
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…
Wharton Park
This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City.…
Binchester Roman Fort
Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved…
Durham Town Hall
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the…
DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with…
Adventure Valley
Discover a world of family adventures at Adventure Valley, the North East’s biggest family…
1950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
Experience the excitement and community spirit of the 1950's with our new welfare hall.
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin…
The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle offers a thrilling mix of challenge, discovery and intrigue for…
Durham Cathedral
Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…
Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology and history…
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…
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in…
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th…
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening…

- 1Hardwick Park
- 2Raby Castle
- 3The Auckland Project
- 4Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
- 5Wharton Park
- 6Binchester Roman Fort
- 7Durham Town Hall
- 8DLI Collection at Palace Green Library
- 9Adventure Valley
- 101950's Welfare Hall at Beamish
- 11Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
- 12The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle
- 13Durham Cathedral
- 14Museum of Archaeology
- 15Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Splash Pad
- 16Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
- 17The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project
- 18Durham Castle
