10 Best Things to Do in County Durham

Durham Castle, which turned into the University of Durham in 1837, is easily the UK county's most notable landmark in the county. It’s one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. You can only explore its grounds by going on guided tours, which occur daily at select times.

A 45-minute tour takes you around the castle, where you can see the intricately carved 17th-century Black Stairs and massive 14th-century dining hall – the inspiration behind Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Underneath it all is the underground chapel. You can even spend the night in this historic fortress and possibly spot its resident ghosts.

Durham Cathedral is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage site in Durham. You’ll recognize its ancient cloisters from the first 2 Harry Potter movies, particularly from the scene where Harry released Hedwig in Philosopher’s Stone and the slug scene from Chamber of Secrets. You can discover ancient artifacts from the Open Treasures exhibit.

You can also climb up the cathedral tower, which has 325 winding steps that lead to stunning views of Durham. Durham Cathedral is a 2-minute walk away from the iconic Durham Castle. 

The Beamish Open Air Museum highlights life in North East England from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. Also known as the 'Living Museum of the North', it recreates what life was like back in the day, giving visitors a fully immersive experience.

Unlike your average museum, its displays aren’t encased in glass. Not only can you see them up close, but you also get to experience them hands-on. Take a step back in time as you wander around 1900s villages, hop on a steam train, and taste traditional coal-fired cooking. 

Killhope, also known as the North of England Lead Mining Museum, is an industrial museum located near the Cowshill village of Durham. Discover what life was like for the mining families of the North Pennines, as well as Durham’s fascinating lead mining history, through guided underground tours and hands-on activities.

Although it’s famous for its working waterwheel, there are many fascinating art installations in the museum. At Killhope, you can also stay in a yurt and go on scenic walks in the woodland.

Uncover the natural heritage of Durham by taking a scenic walk along the stunning Durham Heritage Coast. This is where you’ll see rugged cliff paths and wooded denes dating back to the last ice age.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing you can observe on Durham’s coast is nature’s resilience. Due to the decline of coal mining in the area, its sea life is thriving, proving that nature will find a way to bounce back when given the chance. No matter what trail you take, you’ll end up in one coastal village or the other, each of which has a special story to tell.

The Durham Dales refers to a tranquil landscape full of rolling hills, open moorlands, and meandering rivers. It’s dotted with historic market towns and vacation cottages worth exploring. There’s also a ton of outdoor activities for adrenaline junkies, from rock climbing and gorge walking to canoeing and kayaking.

Near the countryside of Upper Teesdale lies High Force, an impressive waterfall with an uninterrupted drop of 21 meters. The waterfall is just an hour’s drive away from Durham.

Auckland Castle is one of the most well-preserved bishop’s palaces in Europe. The Gothic Revival structure became the official residence of the Bishops of Durham in 1832, replacing Durham Castle.

Located within the castle grounds is a medieval deer park with an 18th-century house, as well as a walled garden built in the 17th century where you can take peaceful strolls. There’s also a lot of art and history to uncover within the castle’s walls – from the Mining Art Gallery to the Spanish Gallery.

Raby Castle is a medieval fortress located in Staindrop, with massive towers surrounded by 200 acres of deer park. It’s also home to a spectacular collection of English and European artworks, furniture, textiles, carriages, and coaches, with some dating back to the 17th century.

Some of the most interesting attractions you’ll find inside the fortress include the medieval kitchen and servants’ hall. The Barons Hall, an octagonal drawing room where knights once plotted against Elizabeth I, has a marvelous interior worth exploring.

The Bowes Museum is home to an impressive collection of fine and decorative artworks, including El Greco’s The Tears of St. Peter painting. Perhaps none is as famous and well-loved as the 18th-century mechanical automation, The Silver Swan. 

The museum also has a permanent Fashion and Textile gallery that shows a remarkable visual timeline of haute couture. Cutting-edge displays give you 360-degree views of clothing and accessories dating back centuries. The Bowes Museum offers many interactive games, workshops, parks, and gardens that attract the young and young-at-heart.

Ivesley Equestrian is a family-run facility and lodging in Waterhouses, around 9 miles west of Durham's city centre. Its BHS-approved livery yard, cross-country course, outdoor arena, and other facilities are available for rent, where you can train or simply have fun.

Whether or not your trip involves horses, you can book accommodations at their English country home on a Bed and Breakfast basis. It has idyllic views of the countryside with horses grazing around in the fields.