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You are here > Home > What's On > Summer Highlights

Summer Highlights

From festivals and fetes to vintage vehicles and open air theatre, enjoy a packed summer of fun in Durham with events to enthral and excite the whole family.

Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer in Durham with our curated guide to seasonal highlights. Discover a plethora of events, from lively festivals and outdoor performances to family-friendly activities and cultural showcases. Immerse yourself in the richness of summer arts, enjoy open-air concerts, and savor culinary delights at seasonal workshops. Whether it's nature excursions or festive celebrations, Durham's summer highlights offer a diverse array of experiences for all. Stay connected with the latest happenings and make the most of your summer in Durham, where every moment becomes a highlight.

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  1. The Milky Way Galaxy

    Add Astronomy and Stargazing - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Astronomy and Stargazing - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    nr Mickleton

    ​​​​​The event will begin with a personal welcome from our astronomer, Gary Fildes. Gary is a very experienced science communicator and astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory, where he was Director and CEO for over 11 years.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2025Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    7 Nov 2025to9 Nov 2025Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    28 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    5 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 20:00 - 23:00
    More info for Astronomy and Stargazing - Grassholme Observatory
  2. Dance Anthems Disco Party poster with discoball background.

    Add Dance Anthems Party Night - Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa to your Itinerary

    Dance Anthems Party Night - Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of dance anthems and floor-filling beats. Our resident DJ will keep the energy high with non-stop tracks, while you enjoy a delicious two-course dinner. Join us throughout November, December, and even January to…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2025to29 Nov 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    4 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    7 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    10 Dec 2025to11 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    14 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    27 Dec 2025to28 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    10 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 00:00
    More info for Dance Anthems Party Night - Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa
  3. Illustration of a Masquerade Ball

    Add Eve Valentine's Masquerade Ball - Manor House Hotel & Spa, West Auckland to your Itinerary

    Eve Valentine's Masquerade Ball - Manor House Hotel & Spa, West Auckland

    Type

    Type:

    Valentines Day

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    Step into a night of mystery and thrill at our Eve Valentine's Masquerade Ball, co-hosted by the one and only Dean Midas! This exclusive event is inspired by the chilling, award-winning short slasher films shot in the same building by Dean Midas…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 00:00
    More info for Eve Valentine's Masquerade Ball - Manor House Hotel & Spa, West Auckland
  4. Poster promoting Christmas Cabaret Night at the Pavilion, illustrations of a Santa hat, snowflakes and Christmas trees.

    Add Christmas Cabaret Night - Peterlee Pavilion to your Itinerary

    Christmas Cabaret Night - Peterlee Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Peterlee

    GET READY, PETERLEE! ✨

    The most festive night of the year is coming to the Peterlee Pavilion – it's the CHRISTMAS CABARET NIGHT and you do not want to miss it!

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 23:00
    More info for Christmas Cabaret Night - Peterlee Pavilion
  5. Mark Simmons dressed in a dinner jacket with Jester's trousers and shoes

    Add Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress" to your Itinerary

    Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    More expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"
  6. A wreath make from fused glass, various colours of green.

    Add Fused Glass Winter Wreath Workshop (and warming winter refreshments) to your Itinerary

    Fused Glass Winter Wreath Workshop (and warming winter refreshments)

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Lanchester

    During this workshop you will be creating a beautiful festive wreath with hanging decoration.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 13:00
    More info for Fused Glass Winter Wreath Workshop (and warming winter refreshments)
  7. Orchestra playing in candlelight

    Add Valentines Vivaldi by Candlelight to your Itinerary

    Valentines Vivaldi by Candlelight

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham City

    Celebrate Valentine's night with an unforgettable evening of music in one of Durham's most romantic settings. Step into the timeless beauty of Durham Cathedral, the perfect stage for a night of passion and elegance.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Valentines Vivaldi by Candlelight
  8. Bug hotel at Raby Castle.

    Add Bug Hotel Workshop - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Bug Hotel Workshop - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Nature

    Staindrop

    Join the Raby Garden team as they look to build a bug hotel fit for a Castle this Autumn.

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2025to9 Nov 2025Open 15:00 -
    More info for Bug Hotel Workshop - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  9. Santa placing presents under the tree.

    Add Breakfast with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Breakfast with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Share a magical morning with the big man himself! 
    We’ve  teamed up with Make My Day Events to bring you the ultimate  Christmas experience – a festive breakfast filled with sparkle,  songs, and a sprinkle of Santa magic.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    From:
    20 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    From:
    22 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    More info for Breakfast with Santa - Lumley Castle Hotel
  10. Festival of Remembrance service in Durham Cathedral with members of the armed forces marching down the Nave with the Union Jack held high

    Add Festival of Remembrance 2025 in Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Festival of Remembrance 2025 in Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham City

    This moving concert, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, the national charity of the British Army, remembers those who have given their lives for their Country, and Service Personnel who put their lives at risk for our liberty today.

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2025Open 19:30 -
    More info for Festival of Remembrance 2025 in Durham Cathedral
  11. Murder & Mulled Wine murder mystery with a spooky image of Beamish Hall in the background

    Add Murder & Mulled Wine at Beamish Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Murder & Mulled Wine at Beamish Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Turn detective over a delicious three-course meal in our fun murder mystery dinner.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 23:00
    More info for Murder & Mulled Wine at Beamish Hall Hotel
  12. Two children walking in a dark room at Raby Castle

    Add Horrible Histories Takeover at Raby Castle Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Horrible Histories Takeover at Raby Castle Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Staindrop

    Join us this autumn for a Horrible Histories takeover of Raby Castle! From 4th October to 9th November we’re turning back clock to the Measly Middle-Ages.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Oct 2025to9 Nov 2025
    More info for Horrible Histories Takeover at Raby Castle Park and Gardens
  13. Luxury Winter/Christmas Wax Melts decorated with festive botanicals, such as cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, cloves and star anise.

    Add Luxury Winter/Christmas Wax Melts Workshop & Festive Refreshments to your Itinerary

    Luxury Winter/Christmas Wax Melts Workshop & Festive Refreshments

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Lanchester

    Join us this Festive season to make a beautiful set of Festive Christmas wax melt decorations with Bobella Co!

    Dates

    From:
    23 Nov 2025Open 14:00 - 16:00
    More info for Luxury Winter/Christmas Wax Melts Workshop & Festive Refreshments
  14. Interior of Durham Cathedral and view of Rose Window

    Add The Christmas Orchestra - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    The Christmas Orchestra - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    The Christmas Orchestra is back! After a wonderful run of sold out shows in 2024 we are excited to bring you more shows and locations in 2025. Get ready to discover the magic of the festive season with our unique concert experience.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Nov 2025Open 19:30 - 20:45
    More info for The Christmas Orchestra - Durham Cathedral
  15. Crook Hall gardens

    Add Crook Hall Gardens Poetry Walk to your Itinerary

    Crook Hall Gardens Poetry Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    From summer sonnets to autumn anthologies, wintery works to springtime stanzas, experience a seasonal poetry walk at Crook Hall Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 13:50
    More info for Crook Hall Gardens Poetry Walk
  16. Robin Hood - The Pantomime. Background shows stage curtain.

    Add Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    The Sheriff of Nottingham and Bad Prince John are up to their usual nasty tricks, and only Robin Hood and the Merry  Men and Women of Sherwood Forest can put a stop to their  wicked behaviour.  

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Robin Hood Pantomime - Lumley Castle Hotel
  17. Representatives from our armed forces, past and present, in Durham Cathedral

    Add Remembrance Sunday Service 2025 in Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Remembrance Sunday Service 2025 in Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Religious Event

    Durham City

    We are joined by representatives from our armed forces to remember those who have given their lives in service of their country, and those serving who put their lives at risk today.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2025Open 10:15 -
    More info for Remembrance Sunday Service 2025 in Durham Cathedral
  18. A willow reindeer

    Add Festive Willow Reindeer Workshop at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Festive Willow Reindeer Workshop at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Join our Festive Willow Reindeer Workshop, hosted in the beautifully restored Riding School at Raby Castle.

    Venue

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Festive Willow Reindeer Workshop at Raby Castle
  19. Table set for Christmas Day lunch with two glasses of champagne at the Radisson Blu Durham

    Add Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant to your Itinerary

    Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    Following the excitement of Christmas Day morning, come together with family and friends, and let the Radisson Blu Durham do all the hard work for you to celebrate your Christmas Day in style.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 15:00
    More info for Christmas Day at Józef’s Riverside Restaurant
  20. Mother Goose logo, written in gold with the Os shaped as golden eggs

    Add Mother Goose to your Itinerary

    Mother Goose

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Chester-le-Street

    Mother Goose and her son Silly Billy are down on their luck, practically penniless with only Pricilla the Goose to their name until one day, a golden spell makes them EGG-straordinarily rich!

    Dates

    From:
    15 Jan 2026to18 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Mother Goose
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