Places to visit in Durham

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.

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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

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

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

Kynren Show - fireworks above peformance

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

Follow in Ben Fogle’s footsteps on an activity break

Discover Durham's great outdoors this summer and follow in the footsteps of TV's Ben Fogle.

Location: Durham

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