Things to do in Durham

Find and book 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.
Concrete stairs leading down to Seaham Hall Beach in County Durham, England UK. Image taken on a warm sunny day showing a calm North Sea, grass hills either side and a blue sky.
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.

Things to do

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle

￥6,449
per adult
Guided City Walking Tour of Newcastle
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

￥6,449
per adult
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle Hidden Gems

Newcastle Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

￥3,224
per traveler
Newcastle Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK
2 Hours Walking Tour in Newcastle Upon Tyne in Italian/English

2 Hours Walking Tour in Newcastle Upon Tyne in Italian/English

￥6,234
per adult
2 Hours Walking Tour in Newcastle Upon Tyne in Italian/English
Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting

Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting

￥6,449
per adult
Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour

Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour

￥5,159
per adult
Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour
Newcastle: City Highlights Walking Tour

Newcastle: City Highlights Walking Tour

￥6,449
per adult
Newcastle: City Highlights Walking Tour
Chester le Street WI

Votes for Women The Power of Protest Newcastle Walking Tour

￥3,869
per adult
Votes for Women The Power of Protest Newcastle Walking Tour
Northumberland Roadtrip Guidebook-Hadrian’s Wall, Coast & Castles

Northumberland Roadtrip Guidebook-Hadrian’s Wall, Coast & Castles

￥2,834
per traveler
Northumberland Roadtrip Guidebook-Hadrian’s Wall, Coast & Castles
See all activities in Durham
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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.
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Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas and neighborhoods 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 might 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 Finchale Priory are some notable places to visit nearby.

Popular day trips from Durham

A beach with wooden posts and driftwood scattered along the shore.

Hartlepool

A historic stone building with a tower and a covered porch.

Spennymoor

A historic church with a tall spire and arched windows.

Bishop Auckland

An ancient stone structure with ruins and a clear sky.

Chester-le-Street

A modern stadium with a glass dome, a river, and a bridge with a sign for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

A muddy puddle with reflections of trees and a fallen branch.

Croxdale

A park with a concrete sculpture, a small stream, and residential buildings.
Photo by Andrew Curtis (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Peterlee

A narrow paved path flanked by lush greenery and a stone wall leading to a historic stone building with multiple chimneys.
Photo by Ben Brooksbank (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Lanchester

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Carrville is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Broompark is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Durham with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 neighborhoods 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.