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.
Stunning sea views and fine wines at a hip Dorset clifftop hotel
Enjoy a romantic summer break to the luxurious Seaside Boarding House in Dorset.
Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Fill your belly on a gourmet getaway in Leicestershire
Try the famous Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, local Stilton cheese, cream tea, ales, wines and sloe gin as part of a delicious countryside break.
Location: Melton Mowbray and the Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire
Visit the home of the Bramley Apple in Nottinghamshire
Discover the apple of Nottinghamshire's eye: The Bramley Apple. Visit its home in Southwell for a mouth-watering apple escape this autumn.
Location: Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Cheese-y does it now…
Discover the captivating and often emotional story behind Wensleydale cheese and find out how Yorkshire’s art of cheese making evolved.
Location: Hawes, North Yorkshire
Love cheese, love Cheshire
Sample Cheshire’s signature food product at local cheese shops or splash out on a cheese and wine tasting evening.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
Have a traditional Victorian seaside experience
Head to the delightful seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea for a fun trip up a sea-cliff lift and dine on fish and chips with a view.
Location: Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire