Things to do & places to visit in County Durham, United Kingdom

County Durham #45 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 34.5k traveler reviews, of 34 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 6:52.

County Durham Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

56°F - 43°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

22%

Chance of rain

72.0 millimeters

Amount

15.8 mph

Wind speed

80%

Humidity

16.1

Daylight length

5:01 AM

Sunrise

9:04 PM

Sunset

43%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tommy World War One Soldier Sculpture - Eleven 'O' One (900 reviews)
- Stunning
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This statue is so moving it almost brought me to tears. The work that has gone into it is immense and the artist, Ray Lonsdale, is a truly gifted man. “Tommy” is well worth a visit and if you do, take a few moments to really take in the meaning of this spectacular sculpture. See more..
5.0 Sky-High Skydiving (891 reviews)
- Absolutely awesome experience!
Monday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

I had a wonderful welcome to skydiving on my first tandem skydive. Dave and Liam were extremely friendly and experienced. They made me feel confident and this helped me stay as relaxed as I could be throughout the entire process of getting geared up, going up in the plane and the actual skydive and landing. Thank you very much and I would love to come back again and do it with my husband too next time. Definately recommend doing the 15,000ft rather than the 10,000ft. If you're gonna go up there then why not do the highest one? Also I highly recommend the Gold Package as the videos and pictures taken truly reflect what it felt like on the jump and the video quality is extemely good to say the least. Thank you SkyHighSkydiving!! See more..
5.0 Walworth Birds of Prey (471 reviews)
- Hunting Day Experience
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Please note we are open until the 27th October as a visitor attarcetion, we will be open as usual during weekends in december for Santas Grotto and will move in the new year. Owned by David & Tori, formerly Walworth Castle Birds of Prey based at Walworth Castle, Darlington. We are relocating in the new year to Bishop Auckland, Co Durham. We now offer private offsite falconry experiences, hunting experience days, educational school visits, offsite displays, wedding ring deliveries and entertainment, a falconry display team for country shows, game fairs etc. and pest control services across the North East of England. Please note once we relocate we will no longer open as a visitor centre, all experiences must be booked in advance. See more..
5.0 Escape Rooms Durham (399 reviews)
- Lumley Castle Escape: One of the best I’ve played
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

A real life escape game has arrived in Durham. You and your team will need to solve a series of puzzles in under an hour, can you beat the room? Great for team building, stag/hen do's or just a great way to spend an hour with friends or family! See more..
5.0 Valhalla North Axe Throwing (219 reviews)
- An 'Axe-cellent' time!!
Monday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

The multi award winning Valhalla North, is the UK's Number 1 Independent axe throwing venue! Founded in 2019 by partners Carl & Kat, we are the only International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) affiliated venue in the North! Come and join us for a 1.5 hour session filled with fun, laughs and a healthy dose of competition! We offer sessions for groups of 1 - 48, for everything from IATF leagues and tournaments, just giving it a go, date nights, family groups, team building, corporate events, birthday parties, stag/hen do's, gender reveal parties, wedding receptions, you name it... axe throwing makes it that much better! - We're also full mobile with the events side of our business, our Valkyrie axe throwing trailer and free standing targets are perfect for any outdoor event! Our instructors are all world class axe professional axe throwers. Not all axe throwing clubs are created equal... Come throw with the elite. See more..
5.0 AeroSchool Flight Academy & Air Tours (116 reviews)
- Brilliant experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Air Tours

We took our 13 year old nephew for a trial flight and had an amazing time. He was able to take over the controls for a lot of the flight under the supervision of our pilot Jake, who immediately put him at ease. Jake was extremely informative pointing out places of interest and circling again so that we could see where we lived and enabling us to take loads of photos and videos along the way. I would highly recommend Scenic Air Tours as everything about them was 1st class, from the initial enquiry; booking of the flight with Carole, Andrew sorting out things on the ground before take off and of course Jake our excellent pilot. We will most definitely be back. Thank you all and keep up the good work. See more..
5.0 Teesdale Alpacas (Open by Appointment Only) (91 reviews)
- Absolutely Amazing
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

Advance Booking Required : We are a working Alpaca Farm and run Alpaca Treks and Farm Visits throughout the year (subject to the Great British Weather!) We can tailor a trek or visit to suit most requirements and can arrange special Treks and Visits - Just ask and we'll see what we can do! Book as far in advance as you can as we do get very busy at weekends and during holiday periods and are often booked several months in advance! Try to have some alternate dates in mind. Please remember that both weather and animals can be unpredictable and as such we may need to cancel and rearrange at short notice. Alpaca Walks are currently £25 per person (supplement for extra people and children) and we require a minimum of two people as the alpacas prefer to go in a group. We cannot allow waiting on farm for insurance reasons but Cross Lanes Organics Farm Shop is 2 min away. Farm visits are also available at a cost of £15 per person (min 2 people) : Check out our website for more information. See more..
5.0 Tommy World War One Soldier Sculpture - Eleven 'O' One (900 reviews)
- Stunning
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This statue is so moving it almost brought me to tears. The work that has gone into it is immense and the artist, Ray Lonsdale, is a truly gifted man. “Tommy” is well worth a visit and if you do, take a few moments to really take in the meaning of this spectacular sculpture. See more..
5.0 Walworth Birds of Prey (471 reviews)
- Hunting Day Experience
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Please note we are open until the 27th October as a visitor attarcetion, we will be open as usual during weekends in december for Santas Grotto and will move in the new year. Owned by David & Tori, formerly Walworth Castle Birds of Prey based at Walworth Castle, Darlington. We are relocating in the new year to Bishop Auckland, Co Durham. We now offer private offsite falconry experiences, hunting experience days, educational school visits, offsite displays, wedding ring deliveries and entertainment, a falconry display team for country shows, game fairs etc. and pest control services across the North East of England. Please note once we relocate we will no longer open as a visitor centre, all experiences must be booked in advance. See more..
4.5 Beamish Museum (8.331 reviews)
- Lovely informative, fun and nostalgic visit
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Experience amazing sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes as the past comes to life. Beamish is unique - our objects aren't locked away in glass cases, this is hands-on history! Step into the past and explore our 350 acre site, as Beamish tells the story of the people of North East England in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Taste traditional food from a coal-fired range, hop on board a tram or steam train, play schoolyard games together and pop into the Co-op shops. Come back time and time again with your Beamish Unlimited Pass, which allows 12 months free entry to the museum from your visit - including all day time special events! See more..
4.5 Durham Cathedral (6.996 reviews)
- Very Impressive Building
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure. See more..
4.5 The Bowes Museum (1.803 reviews)
- Absolutely superb
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Standing proudly in the heart of Teesdale, The Bowes Museum is the vision of a pioneering woman, Joséphine Bowes and her husband John. A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top-class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau. And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a children’s play area. No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes. If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & TikTok for info on what’s on when. See more..
4.5 Durham Castle (1.329 reviews)
- Fantastic historical landmark
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles

Experience over 1000 years of living history on a Durham Castle Tour. Built as an imposing fortress by the Normans, Durham Castle's story is entwined with that of the Prince-Bishops of Durham, whose semi-regal status made them some of the country's most powerful and wealthy men. Discover a castle that gradually turned into a lavish palace, which was affected by major historical events from the Reformation to the English Civil War. It was transformed in the Victorian period into a place of learning. Today Durham Castle is part of the World Heritage Site, but it is also home to University College, the founding college of Durham University with over 300 students living in or around the Castle, making it unique as it remains a living and working castle. We hope you enjoy your visit. See more..
4.5 Locomotion (1.149 reviews)
- Great venue with a collection to rival the NRM in York.
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums

Well organised system to ensure orderly and safe entry to the museum. Once inside I was in train need heaven. Not as big as the NRM (National Railway Museum) but it has enough to offer to be an alternative, some truly marvellous things to see in there. I'm pleased to report observing a routine cleaning of all signs and touch points in the building as well as numerous touch-free hand gel stations dotted around. Nothing could be improved. I feel guilty that on the day I was unable to donate for the visit but I will be donating ASAP as it's a collection well worth supporting. I recommend leaving extra time for a walk up the path behind as there's some really nice features of the railway both past and present, the interactive sculpture is worth seeing as much as anything else. Thanks for everyone who makes these museums happen and keeps them running. It's very much appreciated, me and my fiance had an amazing time and will be back again someday. See more..
4.5 Raby Castle (1.043 reviews)
- Volunteers make it special
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Castles

What a fantastic place to visit. Went with a group of friends, all the volunteers were extremely helpful. They were able to answer any of our questions and gave us some interesting insights about the rooms within the castle. The grounds are well maintained and deers roam freely around you as you walk around the two lakes have swans and ducks and together provide you with some amazing pictures of the castle. If you can visit more often I would recommend that you purchase the annual tickets which allows numerous opportunities to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Crook Hall & Gardens (986 reviews)
- Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

Cared for by the National Trust since spring 2022. Crook Hall Gardens features a series of interlinking gardens, each with its own style and character, set against the backdrop of a Grade 1 listed medieval hall. Visitors can discover a maze, a secret walled garden, an orchard, a wildlife-rich moat pool, tranquil seating areas and views of Durham city and cathedral. The Garden Gate Café offers seating indoors, as well as on an outdoor terrace. Dogs on a short lead are welcome in the gardens and café. See more..
4.5 Barnard Castle (806 reviews)
- Walking the Teesdale Way along the river and passing the castle
Monday: Castles

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III. With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge this fortress sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ so there is plenty to do for families on a day out. Try and spot Richard's boar emblem carved above a window in the inner ward or play on our extensive lawns planted with sapling fruit trees. See more..
4.5 HMS Trincomalee (767 reviews)
- Exceeded our expectations
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ships

Launched in 1817, HMS Trincomalee is the oldest warship afloat in Europe. See more..
4.5 National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool (663 reviews)
- Fabulous naval museum in an excellent setting.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

The northern home of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. A fascinating journey through time, set in an authentically-created historic quayside of the 1800s. Experience Fighting Ships, a powerful insight into the tough lives of sailors from around the time of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Learn how they were press ganged and see what life was like on board HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in the UK and the jewel in the historic quayside of Hartlepool. See more..
4.5 Diggerland (638 reviews)
- Novel and entertaining experience
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Diggerland is The Ultimate Adventure Theme Park Experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full- size construction machinery. Diggerland is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill packed family days out. Fun for all ages (subject to height restrictions), Diggerland with its 20 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities is the ideal theme park for small to large groups looking for something exciting and truly unique. Get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a head-reeling turn or two on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle, enjoy an off-road ride on the Groundshuttle, or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts! See more..
4.5 Durham Riverside Walk (633 reviews)
- Peaceful place
Spent < 1 hour Scenic Walking Areas

I downloaded a Durham city walk from a website and printed it off and it mostly followed the riverside which was so peaceful. It was easy to walk on the well maintained paths. There are some great views of the Cathedral from the riverside and the path takes you to some interesting places where past residents lived. An excellent way to spend a sunny day. See more..
4.5 Hall Hill Farm (625 reviews)
- Fantastic Day Out
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Farms • Educational sites

Award winning Farm Attraction, Farm Attraction of the Year 2017 and 2010. Best in Education 2014, Winner of Silver NE Tourism Awards 2013 and Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2017. See the animals, cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides. Lambing Time in March April. Indoor Soft Play Barn, tearoom and giftshop. Crazy golf (deposit required). Sheep Racing and puppet shows at weekends and during school holidays. See more..
4.5 Hardwick Park (465 reviews)
- Just a nice place to be
Parks

Hardwick Park is a country park with a difference. Now a Visit England accredited attraction, it has survived since the 1750s when its then owner, John Burdon, created a sprawling ornamental park. Today, the remains of some of the original buildings he created can be seen throughout the park, which suggest the area has a richer story to tell. Hardwick Park is a great place to spend the day. Stroll through the park and admire the natural beauty of the lake, woodland and wildlife. The visitor centre also has excellent facilities including an interactive display, education room, cafe and toilets.Throughout the year there are a variety of events, activities, walks and workshops for all to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Auckland Castle (424 reviews)
- Stunning
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Gardens • Art Museums

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle has undergone major conservation work, to transform its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Parking is available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. See more..
4.5 Durham University Botanic Garden (412 reviews)
- Enjoyable first visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Durham University's 10 hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city. Open to the public, the Botanic Garden offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore and discover, with guests young and old visiting throughout the year. Advance booking not required. See more..
4.5 Darlington Hippodrome (393 reviews)
- Buddy Holly
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Theaters

Darlington Hippodrome (formerly Darlington Civic Theatre) re-opened in November 2017 after a £13.7m restoration. The Hippo Lounge cafe bar and three free gallery spaces are open from 10am each day (excluding Sundays). See more..
4.5 Oriental Museum (355 reviews)
- A REAL TREASURE TROVE
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

The Oriental Museum is free entry to all visitors. Current opening times are 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Friday and 12pm-5pm, Saturday to Sunday. Thursday the museum is open until 7pm. See more..
4.5 Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum (333 reviews)
- Great to get back in
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice History Museums

Visit the place where railways were born! Set in our original 1840's railway station follow the history of Darlington and the growth of the railways. We have a shop with souvenirs to suit all tastes and pockets and a varied events programme. There really is something for everyone! See more..
4.5 Eggleston Hall Gardens (329 reviews)
- Beautiful gem of a garden and a tasty scone!
Gardens

Spotted the sign for Eggleston Hall Garden and popped in for a visit. A beautiful walled garden and nursery, small but full of interest. There's even a mini Angel of the North that make us feel at home! Dog friendly (but let them know at the ticket office) entrance price very reasonable, not sure if some areas of the garden might be tricky with a wheelchair or pram but there was a disabled loo & baby change in the cafe. Cafe food was delicious, reasonably priced, quick service and friendly staff and they'd done well with their social distancing & safety. There were two artists studios with work to view & buy and various nice souvenirs at a range of prices. There were no kiddie specific parts to the Garden or menu, so don't go expecting play equipment and chicken nuggets but that was what made it a nice change. A stroll, a scone, a souvenir flower coaster lots of interesting trees and plants to admire all in all a lovely peaceful afternoon. See more..
4.5 Bowlees Visitor Centre (313 reviews)
- Wet and wild weather appropriate
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers

Acres of accessible countryside, miles of quiet rural roads, an abundance of wildlife and one of the best places in the UK to enjoy the night sky are just some of the reasons why you should make the North Pennines AONB a place to discover and explore. Situated amidst stunning woodland in Teesdale, next to Low and High Force waterfalls, and surrounded by rolling fields boasting some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines a memorable one. Outdoor enthusiasts can make the most of the vast expanse of unspoilt land and sky by exploring on foot or wheels, or by simply sitting back and soaking up the scenery. We have booklets for self-guided walks, bike rides and nature-spotting, so you can explore at your leisure. At Bowlees Visitor Centre, children can get to grips with nature through a range of hands-on events and activities. See more..