What's on inDurham

Editor's picks
  • Circus of Horrors

    Circus of Horrors

    Billingham

    The jaw-dropping show that rocked Britain's Got Talent, Circus of Horrors will take you on a whirlwind journey and send shivers down your spine with t…more

  • Baby and Childrens Nearly New Sale

    Baby and Childrens Nearly New Sale

    Darlington

    This sale has sold out of stalls bringing lots of sellers together all under one roof selling 1000s of nearly new items ranging from baby to age 6.I…more

  • Mum2mum Baby & Kids Nearly New Sale - BRIGHOUSE

    Mum2mum Baby & Kids Nearly New Sale - BRIGHOUSE

    Halifax

    SUN 2nd FEB 2020 - Lightcliffe Academy Sports Centre, Brighouse - Halifax- Doors Open 13:1515:15 35+ Stalls selling excellent condition baby …more

  • Working Men's Club

    Working Men's Club

    Stockton-on-Tees

    Working Mens Club hail from the cultural hotbed of Calderwood in West Yorkshire. They have recently just completed a tour supporting Fat White Fami…more

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Whilst Durham town is a well deserving highlight of County Durham, it is by no means the only reason to visit. County Durham is an unspoiled northern county, defined by the calm ochre uplands of Teesdale and the empty but inspiring northern Pennines.

A county of charming, gentle villages and bustling independent market towns, rich in produce and rich in history. It is a county with an industrial heritage and its economy used to be almost completely based around iron and coal. Now however, it is a popular tourist destination with a World Heritage Site (Durham Castle and Cathedral) at its heart. Stretching from the North Sea Coast in the east to the North Pennines in the west, the county of Durham is bordered by Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear.

Historically, County Durham was a liberty under the control of the Bishops of Durham -in 883 a Cathedral (containing the remains of St Cuthbert) was established at Chester-le-Street. In 995 the see was moved to Durham. In the 12th century Durham was part of the shire of Northumberland and in the 14th century it was declared a liberty.

Durham City is one of the finest in the UK and Durham Cathedral is over 900 years old and a world heritage site and the best example of Norman church architecture in the UK, featuring rounded arches and spectacular columns. Durham also has an incredible selection of galleries and museums, historic houses and ancient castles, from Barnard Castle to Bowes Castle, Whitworth Hall Country Park to Auckland Castle.

Also worth visiting are Durham University Botanic Garden, Eggleston Hall Gardens and the Bowes Museum. Further out there is the Derwent Walk that follows the former railway through the Derwent Valley and of course the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Pennine Way National Trail, some of the UKs finest trails, landscapes and views.

Days Out & Attractions

Attractions in Durham

Fun days out in Durham

Enjoy a fun filled and fantastic day out for all the family at a range of attractions in Durham, including theme parks, castles, zoos, museums and historic houses.

Zoos & Safari Parks in Durham

Zoos & Safari Parks

Get close-up and personal with a wild animal at a zoo or safari park in Durham.

Theme Parks in Durham

Theme Parks

Thrills and spills on rides and rollercoasters at a theme park in Durham.

Museums in Durham

Museums

Love British history?Come and take a stroll through the ages at a local museum.

Art galleries in Durham

Art Galleries

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, enjoy art at its very best.

Experiences

Experiences

Want to try your hand at something completely different? Try an experience...

Browse Local Towns

Towns in Durham


To find more localised events, attractions and activities, select a local town or city from the list below:

Updated: 29/03/2024 03:42:52

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