Things to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, grassy dunes, a pier extending into the sea, and wind turbines in the distance.
A lighthouse by the sea, a sandy beach, and a stone wall.
A historic cathedral with a prominent tower, surrounded by lush greenery and set against a twilight sky.
A stone bridge over a calm river reflecting the surrounding buildings and a castle in the background.
A historic castle, a calm lake, and surrounding trees.

Things to do

Enjoy local legends surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Harry Potter and Marvel's Avengers.

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

€13
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters
Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket

Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket

€16
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket
Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

€35
per adult
Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

€28
per adult
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

€35
per adult
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne
Dark Durham Tour

Dark Durham Tour

€19
per adult
Dark Durham Tour
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

€23
per adult
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour
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What to do in Durham

Stay near popular Durham attractions

A pitcher plant with a red rim and green leaves.
Photo by Mike Shorten
Open Photo by Mike Shorten

Durham University

9.0/10 (386 reviews)
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site where medieval Durham Castle meets academic excellence. Wander through historic quads and experience centuries of scholarly tradition in this remarkable setting.
See properties

Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Durham
Learn more about Durham
A stone bridge over a river, a castle in the background, and a tree-lined bank.

Pity Me

While Pity Me may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Crook Hall and Gardens and Gala Theatre Durham.

A serene lakeside scene with a small island covered in moss, surrounded by trees and calm water.
Photo by brian clark
Open Photo by brian clark

Brasside

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and nature, discovering fun things to do in Durham is simple. Make sure to add Beamish Open Air Museum to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Durham?
Once you've visited major attractions like Beamish Open Air Museum and Durham Castle, spend the rest of your day experiencing Durham's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Durham?
Don't leave without checking out Beamish Open Air Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Durham.
Is three days enough to stay in Durham?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Diggerland with a three-day stay in Durham. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Is Durham a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in Durham. Several top attractions, such as Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Durham's neighbourhoods, Carrville is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Broompark is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Durham with kids.

What to do in Durham for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Durham. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Durham?
In Durham, Durham Cathedral is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Durham.

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