20 Must-Visit Attractions In Durham England

Cathedrals, castles and a riverside setting all make the northeastern city of Durham a picturesque and interesting place to visit. Read on to discover 20 of the best attractions in the area – how many can you tick off your list?

1. Durham Cathedral

Cathedral

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.

2. Beamish Museum

Museum

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.

3. Hardwick Park

Park

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.

5. Durham Castle

Hotel

Durham Castle, now Durham University student accommodation, County Durham, England, UK

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.

6. Emirates Riverside Cricket Ground

Stadium

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.

7. Museum of Archaeology

Library, Museum, University

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.

8. Wharton Park

Park

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.

9. Durham University Botanic Garden

University

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.

10. Auckland Castle

Historical Landmark

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.

11. Hamsterley Forest

Forest

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.

12. Palace Green Library

University, Library, Bookstore

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.

13. High Force Waterfall

Forest

Autumn view of High Force waterfall in Teesdale, north east England, UK

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.

14. Durham walking tour

Cathedral, University

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.

15. Diggerland

Park

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.

16. Crook Hall and Gardens

Historical Landmark

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.

17. Bowes Museum

Art Gallery, Building, Museum

Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, England, UK

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.

18. Old Durham Gardens

Botanical Garden

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.

19. Broompark

Park

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.

20. Durham Riverside Walk

Natural Feature

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.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Book into one of the best hotels near Durham Cathedral with Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.