Things to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

Durham
Durham
Photo by Brian Thompson
Photo by Brian Thompson
Photo by Ian Hall
Photo by Ian Hall
Photo by Ian Hall
Photo by Ian Hall

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Most popular experiences in Durham

Tours & day trips

See all 49 activities
Pub and History Tour Durham City

Pub and History Tour Durham City

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
Pub and History Tour Durham CityOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Durham Private Walking Tour

Durham Private Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €225 per traveller*
Durham Private Walking TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Pub and History Tour Durham City

Pub and History Tour Durham City

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
Pub and History Tour Durham CityOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Durham City Walking Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
Durham City Walking TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Durham

Popular places to visit

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Durham, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Durham Cathedral
Durham Castle

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is just one of the places to see in Durham, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the spas and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Durham Castle
Gala Theatre Durham

Gala Theatre Durham

Enjoy a performance at Gala Theatre Durham, a popular theatre in Durham. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Gala Theatre Durham
Durham Botanic Garden

Durham Botanic Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Durham Botanic Garden, a lovely green space in Durham. Add the area's stunning cathedral or spas to your travel plans.

Durham Botanic Garden

Durham University

Explore the campus of Durham University during your trip to Durham. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Durham University

Diggerland

Enjoy an outing to Diggerland during your stay in Langley Park. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area.

Diggerland

Adventure Valley

Bring the children to Adventure Valley and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Durham. Visit the shops and lively bars in this culturally rich area.

Adventure Valley

Crook Hall and Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Crook Hall and Gardens, a lovely green space in Durham. Visit the stunning cathedral and lively bars in this culturally rich area.

Crook Hall and Gardens

Brancepeth Castle Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Brancepeth at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Brancepeth Castle Golf Club

Areas of Durham

Default Image
Photo by Roger Smith (CC BY-SA)

Pity Me

While Pity Me may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gala Theatre Durham and Adventure Valley.

Pity Me
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Photo by Eric Haswell (CC BY-SA)

Framwellgate Moor

Framwellgate Moor might not have many top sights, but Gala Theatre Durham and Crook Hall and Gardens are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Framwellgate Moor
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Brasside

While Brasside isn't home to many top sights, Adventure Valley and Crook Hall and Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brasside
Photo by Ian Hall

Seaham

Newcastle-upon-Tyne which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a city

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Photo by Ian Hall

Coxhoe

Photo "Trimdon Grange" by Roger Smith (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roger Smith (CC BY-SA)

Trimdon Grange

Photo "Langley Park" by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA)

Langley Park

Photo "Wingate" by Roger Smith (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roger Smith (CC BY-SA)

Wingate

Photo "Esh" by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA)

Esh

Photo "Fishburn" by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA)

Fishburn

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and nature, discovering fun things to do in Durham is simple. Make sure to add Beamish Open Air Museum to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Once you've visited major attractions like Beamish Open Air Museum and Durham Castle, spend the rest of your day experiencing Durham's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
Don't leave without checking out Beamish Open Air Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Diggerland with a three-day stay in Durham. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in Durham. Several top attractions, such as Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's neighbourhoods, Carrville is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Broompark is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Durham. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
In Durham, Durham Cathedral is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Durham.