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
Featured
Tucked away in North East England, the lovely County of Durham has plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales
A walking architectural history lesson.
Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales
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
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
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
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