20 Must-Visit Attractions in Durham, England

Voted Britain’s best building by BBC Radio 4 listeners and The Guardian readers, Durham cathedral certainly stands proud. Its grandiose stature looks over the medieval city of Durham beneath, making it one of the finest spectacles to see.

Celebrating North East England life in the 1840s, 1900s and 1920s, this world-famous open air museum is one of the top attractions while visiting the region. Though a little further out – it’s near the town of Stanley, in County Durham – you should take time out to swot up on local history.

Just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Durham is Hardwick Park, a picturesque, leafy retreat from the historic city. This Visit-England-accredited country park is full of wildlife, nature and the lovely Serpentine Lake.

This Grade II-listed Victorian Great Hall is one of the best-kept secrets in Durham, despite being its official Town Hall. Though public access can be limited, private tours can be booked by contacting the Town Hall directly, with craft fairs and concerts occasionally held here too.

One of the city’s most notable landmarks, Durham Castle has been wholly occupied since the 11th century and is at the centre of Durham’s Unesco World Heritage Site. Now occupied by Durham University, daily guided tours explore the extensive history of the castle and are bookable online.

Not just a venue for cricket, Emirates Riverside is one of the top venues in Durham. Also the occasional host of concerts, this world-class outdoor arena is perfect sports and music fans alike.

Another of Durham University’s offerings, the Museum of Archaeology was founded in 1833. Home to ancient collections from Roman and Greek to prehistoric and Medieval, the museum is a fantastic afternoon out.

Following a recent £3m investment, Wharton Park is one of the best outdoor days out in the city. The park, home to a putting green, miniature car track, junior play area and even an outdoor gym, makes planning summer days a breeze. Durham railway station is also at the edge of the park, making travelling here even easier.

Set across approximately 25 acres (10ha) of mature woodland in the south of the city, Durham University’s Botanic Garden is a tranquil day out for the family. Here you’ll find seasonal plant collections, a glasshouse, outdoor art displays and a gift shop.

Set in County Durham’s town of Bishop Auckland, this castle and its surrounding grounds date back as far as the late 12th century. The area itself is packed with history, with artefacts such as a 15th-century bed which was owned by Henry VII on display at the castle.

On the border of the North Pennines, Hamsterley Forest is the largest of its kind in County Durham and is perfect for family picnics and cycle rides.

Palace Green Library is home to the University’s special collections which span across centuries. Through their unique exhibitions and archives, weekly visitors flock here in their thousands to discover Durham and beyond.

One of England’s rare and most impressive waterfalls, High Force is set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty. Follow the routed walk through greenlands to the summit, where the gentle River Tees turns in to a 21m (69ft) waterfall.

What better way to discover a city than a walking tour? These tours, officially approved by Durham’s tourist board, offer expert insights in to the history, architecture, geology and future of the city.

This one is for the kids – and big kids too! Diggerland is a fun theme park that’s home to dumper trucks, dirt diggers and just about everything to do with diggers you can think of.

Crook Hall is a 13th-century, Grade I-listed medieval hall with plentiful green space to explore in its immediate surrounding areas. At this idyllic, quintessentially English hall, visitors are able to enjoy a cream tea over the log fire in the beautiful Georgian dining room and explore the well-kept gardens.

Set in a grand, French chateau-style building, the Bowes Museum houses a nationally-renowned collection of art including paintings by El Greco and Francisco Goya. One of its leading artefacts is the 18th-century Silver Swan automaton.

Less than a mile from the city centre, wandering Old Durham Gardens is a charming way to spend an afternoon. This green space is accessible from a number of woodland walks or along the River Wear.

You’ll never believe this park was once a coal mine and coal storage depot. Fully transformed in to a green space, Broompark is now often used as a picnic area, but is also home to a variety of wildlife and has two short walking routes.

This popular walking route in Durham takes in the stunning River Tees and gives walkers the chance to marvel in the river itself and the grandiose buildings that peer down on the medieval city beneath them.