The grand Norman-era Durham Cathedral (which plays a role in Harry Potter), and nearby fairy-tale, turreted castle have the words 'World Heritage Site' written all over them. The majestic north east city of Durham is a historical treasure trove; castles nestle in riversides, parks thrive with deer, and living museums radiate with industrial heritage, but that’s just a taste of the best places to visit in Durham. Bring your map to visit Durham County and the North Pennines where there are miles of heather-carpeted dales to explore. And sports fans aren't short of things to do in Durham – it’s 'cricket mad', especially when The Ashes come to town.
Places to visit in Durham
Top things to do in County Durham
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Tucked away in North East England, the lovely County of Durham has plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
June events: Enjoy a flutter on the horses at Royal Ascot
Enjoy a quintessentially British day out at Royal Ascot – a highlight of the summer social calendar and one of the most exciting events of the year.
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
July events: Henley Royal Regatta
Enjoy the excitement and action of a classic English pastime in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: Henley, Oxfordshire
A thrilling day at Chester Races
You can’t beat a fantastic day at the races, so get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Visit the UK’s premier racing venue at Silverstone
There’s far more to this legendary circuit in Buckinghamshire than you may imagine.
Location: Silverstone, Buckinghamshire
September events: Test your fitness levels at The Great North Run
The Great North Run is an iconic half marathon with more than 54,000 runners registering to take part every year.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
July events: Scarborough Cricket Festival
The annual festival is one of the most historic sporting events in the world and has played host to some great cricketers over the years.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Barbury International Horse Trials
Saddle up for this three-day event, which tests the strength and stamina of horses and their riders.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
June events: Cheer on a winner at the Northumberland Plate Festival
Put on your posh frocks and enjoy three days of racing and live music at one of the biggest events in the North East horseracing calendar.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Enjoy a feast of live music and sporting events in Nottingham
Prepare to rave about Nottingham’s headline music festivals and be bowled over by the city’s world-class sporting events.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
May events: Cheer on the cyclists at Lincoln Grand Prix
Take to the streets of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter to show your support for some of England’s top cyclists during a two-day festival of cycling.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Autumn events in 2022
Discover tons of autumn events as well as what’s on in cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.