What to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

Nice woodland park nice river
Nice woodland park nice river
Beautiful location
Wicker woman leading to the river lovely place to explore
Over the river looking at the boat house and cathedral
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What to do in Durham

Popular places to visit

A little known gem within Durham. A lovely walk through the gardens to the Greenhouses

Durham University

Explore the campus of Durham University during your trip to Durham. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Durham University
Durham Cathedral; Shutterstock ID 311511602

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Durham, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Durham Cathedral
On the way in to Durham Castle, Durham, UK

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is just one of the places to see in Durham, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the spas and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Durham Castle
Durham Lumiere is a fantastic event that takes place every two years. This is a light installation of coloured umbrellas at the Gala Theatre. Free entry to Lumiere after 7:30!

Gala Theatre Durham

Enjoy a performance at Gala Theatre Durham, a popular theatre in Durham. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Gala Theatre Durham

Diggerland

Enjoy an outing to Diggerland during your stay in Langley Park. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this relaxing area.

Diggerland

Crook Hall and Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Crook Hall and Gardens, a lovely green space in Durham. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Crook Hall and Gardens

Durham Botanic Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Durham Botanic Garden, a lovely green space in Durham. Add the area's spas or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.

Durham Botanic Garden

Palace Green

Explore the great outdoors at Palace Green, a lovely green space in Durham. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Palace Green

Hall Hill Farm

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at Hall Hill Farm during your travels in Satley.

Hall Hill Farm

Explore areas of Durham

Panorama of Durham Framwellgate Bridge, Castle and Cathedral, England, UK

Pity Me

While Pity Me may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Crook Hall and Gardens and Gala Theatre Durham.

Pity Me
Grey Lag Geese,Brasside pond

Brasside

While Brasside isn't home to many top sights, Adventure Valley and Crook Hall and Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brasside

Day trip destinations from Durham

Church of Christ the King, Bowburn. Oliver Dixon writes at Geograph: "Built in 1976, this striking futuristic church stood in the former mining village of Bowburn. Unfortunately, it suffered serious design faults and was closed in September 2004. At the time of photography the building was in a sorry state with the roof in a poor state of repair, and the whole premises fortified like Fort Knox against vandals. The building was demolished in May 2007, just leaving the cross standing." Update taken from the website www.christthekingchurch.co.uk The Church of Christ the King is the Parish Church (C of E) serving the three villages of Bowburn, Cassop and Quarrington Hill with members of the congregation drawn from all three villages and beyond. A new multi purpose church building and hall was dedicated, after enormous efforts from the congregation, in September 2008, on the site of the old building (once famous in the area as 'the pineapple church'). Worship is in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England within which all are welcome and made to feel at home. The Bishop of Beverley (the Provincial Episcopal Visitor for the Northern Province), the Rt. Revd. Glyn Webster has pastoral and sacramental care of the parish, which is in the Diocese of Durham. The celebration of the Mass (Eucharist or Holy Communion) is at the centre of the parish's worshipping life both on Sundays and in the week. Morning or Evening Prayer is also said daily (Mondays excepted) by the parish priest with others and all are welcome to join in. During the Sunday Mass a small but active Sunday School meets in the hall. On Thursday evenings our parish branch of the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade, a uniformed organisation for young people aged 5 and upwards, meets in the Church Hall. There is a very active programme of social and fundraising events: fairs, quizzes, suppers etc., normally once a month at which all are welcome. The church hall is available for hire for one off or regular functions normally at £11 per hour. Bookings for Baptisms, Marriages, Banns etc. can normally be made at church on a FRIDAY 5.30PM-6PM. Full details of weekly services, socials and special events can be found on the weekly news sheet or on the notice board outside church.
Photo by Oliver Dixon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Bowburn

Newcastle-upon-Tyne which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Reflection in the water on the way to the river

Croxdale

We've all heard about the English FA Cup. Is there a better place to experience the FA Cup than Crook Town? I say no. Awesome experience to see Crook Town take on Bury St Edmonds in the FA Cup. 5.3.2006

Crook

Old pit wheel near the church

Coxhoe

Langley Park. A commanding view from Esh village down into the Browney valley
Photo by Oliver Dixon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Langley Park

The view of the Durham Cathedral in the sunrise and mist from the Observatory Hill

Framwellgate Moor

Hare Trail, Dalton Park This land was originally the site of the Murton colliery spoil heaps.
Photo by Roger Smith (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Murton

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and nature, discovering fun things to do in Durham is simple. Make sure to add Beamish Open Air Museum to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Once you've visited major attractions like Beamish Open Air Museum and Durham Castle, spend the rest of your day experiencing Durham's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
Don't leave without checking out Beamish Open Air Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Diggerland with a three-day stay in Durham. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in Durham. Several top attractions, such as Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's neighbourhoods, Carrville is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Broompark is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Durham. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
In Durham, Durham Cathedral is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Durham.