Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • Summer Holidays
      • Free Events
    • 2025 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Ozone at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Don't Miss
      • Auckland Palace
      • Beamish Museum
      • Dalton Park
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren – an epic tale of England
      • North Pennines National Landscape
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
    • Durham Videos
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Two people walking in front of Raby Castle and lake

    Historical Durham

  • Kids dressed up as Harry Potter in the cloisters

    Durham On Screen

  • Seaham summer beach holiday fun

    Summer Breaks

  • Fireworks at Kynren

    Summer Holidays

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

You are here > Home > What's On > Family Events > Free Events

Free Events

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 51

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers Market Logo with illustration of a tractor and carrot.

    Add Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers Market to your Itinerary

    Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Farmers Market

    Middleton-in-Teesdale

    March to December, traditional Farmers Market in an all-weather, undercover auction mart. Free Entry. Free Parking. Dog Friendly. 40+ Fabulous Foodie Traders every month.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Mar 2025to20 Dec 2025
    More info for Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers Market
  2. C. Ady Davis, St James' Church at Hamsterley

    Add Heritage Open Days - St James’ Church, Hamsterley to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days - St James’ Church, Hamsterley

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Hamsterley

    St James' Church, Hamsterley. An opportunity to see one of County Durham's Grade 1 listed churches.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Heritage Open Days - St James’ Church, Hamsterley
  3. Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer, presenting talks about the Magna Carta

    Add Magna Carta Uncovered with Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer to your Itinerary

    Magna Carta Uncovered with Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Durham

    Join us for a series of free talks on the history and legacy of Magna Carta.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2025Open 18:30 -
    From:
    2 Oct 2025Open 18:30 -
    More info for Magna Carta Uncovered with Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer
  4. Child holding a crayon, sitting with other children at Little Dragons.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2025to17 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  5. A colourful teapot with peacock feathers painted onto it.

    Add Be You at The Bowes - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Be You at The Bowes - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Barnard Castle

    Be You at The Bowes is a LGBTQIA+ co-production working group is the first of its kind at the Museum, teaming up with regional partners and working as a community to learn from one another and grow together. The group will investigate…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Aug 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    2 Sept 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    16 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    30 Sept 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    14 Oct 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    28 Oct 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    11 Nov 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    25 Nov 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    9 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Be You at The Bowes - The Bowes Museum
  6. 'We Were At The Sharp End Us' Copyright Narbi Price. Painting of a green field against a black and white landscape.

    Add GOING BACK BROCKENS: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners’ Strike to your Itinerary

    GOING BACK BROCKENS: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners’ Strike

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Bishop Auckland

    Opening on Friday 13 June at The Warehouse in Newgate Centre, Bishop Auckland, GOING BACK BROCKENS: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners’ Strike, is a three-part exhibition across County Durham that sees North East artist Narbi Price and writer…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2025
    More info for GOING BACK BROCKENS: Monuments and Rhetoric After the Miners’ Strike
  7. Table staged for a wedding at South Causey Inn

    Add Wedding Fayres & Open Evenings at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Wedding Fayres & Open Evenings at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Wedding Fairs and Events

    Stanley

    South Causey Inn in County Durham offers a unique and picturesque setting, with four distinct venues to choose from. Whether you prefer a small, intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, South Causey Inn can tailor your wedding to your specific…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2025Open 16:00 - 20:00
    More info for Wedding Fayres & Open Evenings at South Causey Inn
  8. A selection of images of children painting and enjoying craft activities

    Add Wildlife Watch - Rainton Meadows to your Itinerary

    Wildlife Watch - Rainton Meadows

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Houghton le Spring

    If your child cares about nature, loves exploring wild places, learning all about wildlife and making new friends, then Watch is for you!

    Dates

    From:
    31 Aug 2025Open 13:30 - 15:30
    More info for Wildlife Watch - Rainton Meadows
  9. View of Crimdon Beach and dunes on a sunny day.

    Add Crimdon Beach Clean to your Itinerary

    Crimdon Beach Clean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event

    Coast Road,

    Join us for a beach clean at Crimdon and help keep our coast litter free! 

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Crimdon Beach Clean
  10. Aerial view of Blackhall Rocks

    Add Blackhall Rocks Beach Clean to your Itinerary

    Blackhall Rocks Beach Clean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event

    Blackhall Colliery

    Join us for a beach clean at Blackhall Rocks Beach and help keep our coast litter free! 

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Blackhall Rocks Beach Clean
  11. A family walking in front of the gateway of Durham Castle

    Add Heritage Open Days - Durham Castle: Self-Guided Day to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days - Durham Castle: Self-Guided Day

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Palace Green, Durham City

    A free self-guided visit to Durham Castle to enjoy the historic and beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2025
    More info for Heritage Open Days - Durham Castle: Self-Guided Day
  12. Durham Cathedral from the The College by W D Footitt

    Add Heritage Open Days - Durham Cathedral - The Legacy of W.G. Footitt, Architectural Draughtsman of Durham to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days - Durham Cathedral - The Legacy of W.G. Footitt, Architectural Draughtsman of Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Durham City

    ​​​​​​A new talk by Dr Michael Johnson, Assistant Professor in Design History at Northumbria University, looking at the life and work of Durham Cathedral Draughtsman, W.G. Footitt.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2025Open 11:00 -
    More info for Heritage Open Days - Durham Cathedral - The Legacy of W.G. Footitt, Architectural Draughtsman of Durham
  13. HOD

    Add Heritage Open Days: St Andrew's Church to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days: St Andrew's Church

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Seaham

    St Andrews Church has some unique features dating back to Anglo-Saxon origins. It is situated in an ancient village which has a diverse history starting with a reference by the Venerable Bede.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Heritage Open Days: St Andrew's Church
  14. School pupils 1898

    Add Heritage Open Days: Cotherstone Old Chapel Project to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days: Cotherstone Old Chapel Project

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Barnard Castle

    Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now community owned/run shop, café and heritage centre. Special display of material showing the history and refurbishment of the building. Guided walk leaflet. Refreshments.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Heritage Open Days: Cotherstone Old Chapel Project
  15. A Chinese plate.

    Add Family Activities: The Power of Positivity - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: The Power of Positivity - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Explore our community exhibition and a special Chinese plate, then make your own plate of positivity decorate with things that inspire you.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: The Power of Positivity - Durham University Oriental Museum
  16. Close up of an insect on a blade of grass.

    Add Things with Wings Guided Walk - Rainton Meadows to your Itinerary

    Things with Wings Guided Walk - Rainton Meadows

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Houghton le Spring

    Join Durham Wildlife Trust for a guided walk around Rainton Meadows to survey the wide range of 'things with wings' this summer.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 12:30
    More info for Things with Wings Guided Walk - Rainton Meadows
  17. Heritage Open Days Logo

    Add Heritage Open Days: North End Allotments and Flass Vale Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days: North End Allotments and Flass Vale Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Durham City

    North End Allotments - enjoy a cup of tea and cake, wander around the beautiful allotments, and take home jam/chutney and allotment produce. Something for all the family. Combine it with a walk through Flass Vale.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00
    More info for Heritage Open Days: North End Allotments and Flass Vale Nature Reserve
  18. Child colouring in mandala pattern.

    Add Family Activities: Mandala Making - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Mandala Making - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Paint your own colourful Indian-style mandala onto fabric.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Mandala Making - Durham University Oriental Museum
  19. Ancient Egyptian cat coffin.

    Add Family Activities: Good Cat, Bad Cat - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Good Cat, Bad Cat - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    Learn about the Ancient Egyptian gods Sekmet and Bastet and make a colourful lion spinner.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Good Cat, Bad Cat - Durham University Oriental Museum
  20. 2 children (aged 14 - 18) partaking in conservation work at Rainton Meadows.

    Add Conservation Rangers at Rainton Meadows to your Itinerary

    Conservation Rangers at Rainton Meadows

    Type

    Type:

    Nature

    Houghton le Spring

    A group for 14 - 18 year olds who wish to learn some practical conservation skills, improve ecological knowledge, and enjoy the outdoors.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Conservation Rangers at Rainton Meadows
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2025 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Publications,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council