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
VisitEngland Gold Award Winner: Seaham Hall
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The Small Hotel of the Year Award winner is a five-star boutique hotel and spa with striking views from its clifftop position on the Durham coastline.
VisitEngland Silver Award Winner: Hotel Indigo Durham
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Bask in Victorian luxury and dine on steak at this year’s Large Hotel of the Year runner up.
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.
Get back to nature at High Force waterfall
Explore a peaceful landscape of moors and hills, valleys, waterfalls and rivers dotted with picturesque villages and historic market towns.
Location: Durham Dales
Retrace Turner's footsteps in Durham
Durham’s landscapes and iconic buildings have inspired several of England’s great artists and writers, including the master painter JMW Turner.
Location: Durham Dales, Durham
Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle
Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.
Location: Durham Dales, Durham
Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir
Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.
Location: Durham Dales
Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales
A walking architectural history lesson.
Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales
Take your senses on a trip back in time at Beamish
Touch, taste, hear, see and smell history on an unforgettable journey into the past at England’s largest open-air museum.
Location: Vale of Durham
Sit in Harry Potter's classroom at Durham Cathedral
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to life via a number of locations across the UK, one of which was the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral.
Location: Durham City, Durham
July festivals: Durham Brass
Brass is given a modern twist with art installations in the streets and a dose of contemporary hip hop at BRASS Durham International Festival.
Location: Durham
Soak up the atmosphere and changing colours of Durham City
Wrap up warm and enjoy walks amongst a leafy Durham City this autumn, and discover the timeless magic of Crook Hall for a wonderfully English experience.
Location: Durham City, Durham
December events: Enjoy a city Christmas festival with a difference
Experience the timeless beauty of Durham City as you explore the traditional Durham Christmas festival this winter.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Watch the sunrise over the Durham Heritage Coast
Grab an early morning hot drink from the marina and watch the sunrise from the lively town of Seaham before setting off on a windswept walk with dramatic views.
Location: Durham Coast, Durham
Marvel at Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Be awestruck by Durham Cathedral and Castle, take a relaxing stroll on the banks of the River Wear, and soak up a city as beautiful as it is historic.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Enjoy a river tour of Durham City
Set off in your very own rowboat on the beautiful River Wear or enjoy a guided river cruise aboard the Prince Bishops River Cruiser.
Location: Durham City
Delve into Durham’s historic treasure troves
Step back in time and admire world-class art at captivating castles and manor houses across the county.
Location: Vale of Durham / Durham Dales
Discover 2,000 years of history at Durham Cathedral
Open Treasure is Durham Cathedral’s new world-class visitor experience, located in the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Discover your wild side at 'Beamish Wild' in Durham
Swing from the treetops in ancient woodland, but keep your eyes on the prize as a refreshing real ale awaits in the micro-brewery & restaurant below.
Location: Vale of Durham, Durham
Fall in love in the Durham Dales
Explore the rugged beauty of the Durham Dales’s rolling pastures and open moorland among the falling leaves and changing colours of the landscapes on a romantic break.
Location: Durham Dales
Peep into Durham’s locomotive past
Discover Durham’s role in the development of the railways at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon.
Location: Vale of Durham
Discover a castle fit for a prince
Explore artistic treasures in Auckland Castle, home of the Prince Bishops of Durham for 900 years, and set to host a spectacular new show from 2016.
Location: Vale of Durham, Durham
Journey through British history at Kynren
Experience an epic storytelling journey through time at this spectacular live-action night show in Durham.
Location: Bishop Auckland, Durham
Set off in search of sea glass on the Durham Coast
Search for sea glass, walk the coastal footpath, visit the county’s only marina and enjoy dramatic views in a five-star luxury spa hotel.
Location: Seaham, Durham Coast
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