Things to do in Durham

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Durham Travel Guide

Durham Attractions

It's not surprising that so many tourists keep coming back to Durham each year. This appealing city is packed with wonderful things to do. Whether you're fond of visiting local sights or having a go at more thrilling experiences, you'll find it hard to be bored here.

If you're ready to discover the best of Durham, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {55 fun activities in Durham fun activities in Durham} are also worth checking out.

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Tours & day trips

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1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Newcastle: Silent Disco Adventure Tour

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Adventure & outdoor

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Newcastle Cycling Tour

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Recommended things to do in Durham

Number of things to do	55
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Unlock Newcastle's Secrets: A Historic In-App Audio Tour: $12
Top 5 things to do	Walkabout Durham History Tour Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters Durham Walking Tour and Tales of Crime and Punishment Durham History Tour Discover Durham’s Rich Heritage and Cultural Marvels
Under $25	Walkabout Durham History Tour Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters Durham History Tour Dark Durham Tour Dark Durham Tour
With kids	Walkabout Durham History Tour Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters Durham History Tour Private Tour - Durham and Bishop Auckland full day Tour Durham Full Day Tour

What to do in Durham

Free Things to Do in Durham

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's possible to have a ball in Durham without paying a penny.

Palace Green Library - Widely renowned among local residents, this place is worth a look.

St. Nicholas Church - No matter what you believe in, this place will invoke a sense of reverence in you.

Chapman's Well Local Nature Reserve - Revitalize your mind and soul by spending some time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Durham with Kids

There are loads of fun activities to do with your kids in and near Durham. Keep everyone happy with our family friendly experiences.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Durham? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Durham

Durham Cathedral

4.5/5(44 reviews)

Find out about the history of Durham when you spend time at Durham Cathedral. Visit the stunning cathedral and spas in this culturally rich area.

Durham Castle

4.5/5(31 reviews)

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 Lumiere is a fantastic event that takes place every two years. This is a light installation of coloured umbrellas at the Gala Theatre. Free entry to Lumiere after 7:30!

Gala Theatre Durham

Enjoy a performance at Gala Theatre Durham, a storied theater in Durham. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

A little known gem within Durham. A lovely walk through the gardens to the Greenhouses

Durham Botanic Garden

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

Durham University

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Durham University, during your trip to Durham. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Diggerland

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

Adventure Valley

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

Crook Hall and Gardens

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

Hall Hill Farm

Meet the animals who live at Hall Hill Farm during your travels in Satley.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Durham

The Carrs, Pity Me, Durham UK. Nature Reserve

Framwellgate Moor

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Framwellgate Moor and surrounding area, you can visit Gala Theatre Durham and Durham Cathedral.

Bridleway connecting Abbey Road and Rotary Way

Pity Me

While Pity Me might 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.

Brasside

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

See our Where To Stay guide

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from Durham

Hartlepool

Spennymoor

Bishop Auckland

Ferryhill

Stanley

Seaham

Chester-le-Street

Carrville

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Durham is visit Beamish Open Air Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's walking trails and nature.

How do I spend a day in Durham?

Beamish Open Air Museum and Durham Castle are two awesome places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Durham while you're here too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?

Beamish Open Air Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Durham and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Durham?

Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, such as Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Diggerland. The average stay in Durham is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Newcastle-upon-Tyne isn't far away.

Is Durham a walkable city?

That comes down to what you plan to do and see in Durham. Several key attractions, such as Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's neighborhoods, Carrville is 2 miles away from downtown, while Broompark is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?

If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?

Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Durham. Whether you're into local cuisine, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Durham?

From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Durham. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Durham Cathedral is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

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