Places to visit in Durham

There’s magic in the air… Follow in Harry and co’s footsteps at Durham Cathedral, which starred in many of the Harry Potter films: from Hogwarts group scenes filmed in the cloisters, to Professor McGonagall’s classroom in its Chapter House. This Unesco-listed treasure is also where Harry released Hedwig, and did you know that Filch the Caretaker’s old set of keys were actually real ones from the cathedral?

The mightiest of Durham attractions, the castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1072 – so has almost 1,000 years of history under its ramparts. It’s part of Durham University, whose guides will whisk you straight to the best bits: its collection of 500-year-old armour, its priceless oil paintings and its bonkers Tudor carvings – featuring unicorns, griffins and dragons.

Think of Triple A Food Tours as your new Durham-based besties, who know exactly where to find the city’s top eats. Its local guides blend fun sightseeing on its cobbled streets and riverside with real culinary gold, touring markets, bistros and top-rated restaurants. Tours start at 11.30am and include at least five stop-offs: that’s lunch sorted.

This afternoon, take your pick from two options. Feeling energetic? Explore the River Wear on a paddle boarding or kayaking trip with Adventure Access. Whether you choose a group trip or private session, you’ll ride the current as it flows past the city’s castle, cathedral, and out to the countryside beyond. One of the more unexpected things to do in Durham!

Prefer to stick to dry land? Beamish is a real-life time capsule, whisking you back through the decades with its interactive attractions: from a 1950s town with a cinema and bowling green, to a 1900s miners’ village and 1820s smithy. With great actors, scenery and original antiques, it’s all incredibly convincing – the most fun you’ll have in a history lesson, ever.