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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

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    This is Durham Blog

this is inspiration

  1. Do Durham Differently
    Do Durham Differently
    Do Durham differently as you discover incredible experiences, award-winning attractions, exciting events and fantastic food and drink.
  2. Dog Friendly Durham
    Dog Friendly Durham
    With rivers and reservoirs to explore, wonderful woodland walks, dog-friendly beaches to make a splash and so much space to run around, you and your furry family members will have a great time exploring Durham.
  3. Classic Christmas
    Classic Christmas
    Enjoy a classic Christmas break in Durham, with festive markets, exciting events and shopping experiences.
  4. Winter Breaks
    Winter Breaks
    As the days become shorter, enjoy a winter escape to Durham, where you'll create wonderful memories to take home.
  5. Year of the Coast
    Year of the Coast
    2023 has been designated as Year of the Coast, and it’s not hard to see why, as the UK coastline ranks as one of the most exciting in the world.

welcome todurham

Welcome to the official tourism website for Durham.

Durham is an amazing county in North East England, just three hours by train from London, and less than two from Edinburgh. 

And with Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley international airports nearby, plus the Port of Tyne, a warm welcome awaits visitors from across the globe.

Explore our breathtaking scenery, discover award-winning attractions and enjoy world-class exhibitions, festivals and events. From city breaks to coast and countryside escapes – make Durham your next destination for a perfect break away. 

Durham City is home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, majestic Durham Cathedral. Together with adjacent Durham Castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site forms one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe.

Step back in time at fascinating heritage attractions including Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, and see history come to life at Kynren - the must-see open air spectacular that takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer.

Seek out hidden gems in market towns and villages in the Durham Dales, relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity on the Durham Coast, or get outdoors and active with walking and cycling routes revealing unforgettable views across the county.  And when it’s time to refuel you’ll be spoilt for choice with award-winning eateries and delicious local produce.

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this is what's onOur packed year-round events calendar means there's bound to be something for you to enjoy, whenever you choose to visit.

In the Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival

Durham Christmas Festival

Openings

2023

1st December 2023-3rd December 2023
Cinderella - Gala Durham

Cinderella - Gala Durham

Openings

2023/24

23rd November 2023-6th January 2024
The Flying Scotsman in the snow

Flying Scotsman at Christmas - Locomotion

Openings

2023

16th December 2023-7th January 2024

More Events

this is our blog

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  • A 'Wheeliefab' getaway in Durham

    Woman and man in wheelchair smiling at each other at Beamish Museum's 1900s Town.

    Join David and Penny from 'Wheeliefab Times' as they enjoy an action-packed fully-accessible staycation in Durham.  

  • The Faith Museum Opening October 2023

    External view of The Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland

    Save the date! The Auckland Project's Faith Museum opens this October. 

  • Eight exciting venues to discover across the culture county

    crowd cheering performaners on stage at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

    From town halls to theatres and historic houses, there’s lots of exciting venues to discover in Durham.

  • The A - Z of Summer Holiday Ideas and Days Out in Durham

    The Bowes Museum

    Check out our A-Z guide of things to do this summer in Durham.

  • Discover Durham's Proud Mining Heritage

    the streets of durham city filled with people during the annual Durham Miners Gala

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns this July to Durham City but did you know as well as "The Big Meeting" there's lots of ways across the county to celebrate our proud mining heritage.   

  • A 'Wheeliefab' getaway in Durham

    Woman and man in wheelchair smiling at each other at Beamish Museum's 1900s Town.

    Join David and Penny from 'Wheeliefab Times' as they enjoy an action-packed fully-accessible staycation in Durham.  

  • Must Visit Beaches in Durham

    couple walking with their white dog on the beach at Seaham, County Durham.

    All along the Durham Heritage Coast you'll find an incredible array of captivating beaches that are waiting to be discovered.

  • Santa free events in Durham 2023

    little girl sat with deer light display at The Plotter's Forest, Raby Castle

    Have you already booked your visit to see Father Christmas? There’s still plenty of festive fun to be had in Durham this year.
     

  • The Faith Museum Opening October 2023

    External view of The Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland

    Save the date! The Auckland Project's Faith Museum opens this October. 

  • First look at the Lumiere Durham 2023 programme

    Illuminated Bottle Rack Artwork © Ai Weiwei; Courtesy of Ai Weiwei Studio

    Take a look at the first five artists announced for Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial. 

  • Five Fab Vegan-Friendly Eats To Try In Durham This Veganuary

    vegan food on offer at Tango restaurant, Durham City

    Join local food and lifestyle blogger Alex Burgess as she tries out five vegan-friendly restaurants this Veganuary across Durham City.

  • Uniquely Durham Foodie Experiences

    group of people enjoying milkshakes inside John's Cafe at Beamish Museum

    Durham is home to a wide variety of unique foodie experiences to excite your taste buds and provide that all-important ‘taste of a place’ helping to create long-lasting holiday memories.

  • Seven special ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Durham

    mum and daughter walking through Durham University's Botanic Gardens

    We’ve got lots of fun ideas that will make this special day one to remember, with lots of fabulous ways to treat your mum in Durham.

  • Get ready for Bishop Auckland Food Festival!

    Bishop Auckland Food Festival logo overlaid on a background of people walking along browsing stalls at the festival.

    Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns this weekend! Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April 2022

  • Cosy Durham Pubs and Inns with open fires

    white dog sat in front of open fire at The Rose and Crown Inn.

    Snuggle up and keep warm this winter at Durham's cosy country inns and welcoming pubs with open fires. 

  • Seven Christmas experiences to enjoy in the culture county

    people walking past and browsing market stalls at the Durham Christmas market during the night, with twinkling Christmas lights and snow falling from the sky.

    Durham is the culture county with extraordinary attractions and experiences waiting to entertain all the family this Christmas.

  • Eight exciting venues to discover across the culture county

    crowd cheering performaners on stage at The Witham, Barnard Castle.

    From town halls to theatres and historic houses, there’s lots of exciting venues to discover in Durham.

  • Santa free events in Durham 2023

    little girl sat with deer light display at The Plotter's Forest, Raby Castle

    Have you already booked your visit to see Father Christmas? There’s still plenty of festive fun to be had in Durham this year.
     

  • Eight Creative Activities to try this Autumn in the Culture County

    A close up image of a person using a pestle and mortar

    Durham is the culture county, and what better place than to try out a new activity.

    Check out our guide to eight creative activities to try across Durham.  

    From creative writing to playing the ukulele and creating your own inventions, it’s all happening in the culture county!

  • 10 unmissable fun activities in Durham this summer

    Children running in front of Raby Castle, County Durham

    Durham is the culture county, and the place to be this summer with a wonderful mix of fun activities. 

  • 48 hours in the Vale of Durham

    family - man, woman and two boys walking along the street in Beamish Museum 1900s town.

    With our guide on how to spend 48 hours in the historic Vale of Durham, we'll help you plan a whistle-stop tour of this incredible part of the county.

  • 48 hours in the Durham Dales

    man and woman holding hands looking at Low Force Waterfall during the autumn season

    Home to ancient castles, wild windswept moorland and incredible natural wonders, the Durham Dales is the perfect place to lose yourself on a short break.

  • Memorable Stays

    man and woman walking hand in hand down corridor light up with candles and lanterns towards Seaham Hall Serenity Spa.

    Make the most of your getaway in 2023 with our guide to Durham's top #memorablestays.

  • Tranquil Time Out

    two woman sat in the outdoor hot tub at Seaham Hall hotel serenity spa

    Relax and unwind this summer by taking some tranquil time out in Durham.

  • Unique and Quirky Self Catering Stays

    The Mill Granary shepherds hut

    From private glamping pods overlooking the North Sea, to luxury treehouses and grand castle sleepovers. Durham is home to lots of unique self catering accommodation. 

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