What to do in Durham

Activities, attractions and tours

Crimdon Beach, County Durham, UK
Beach and beacon in Seaham, County Durham, UK
Sunrise at Blast Beach looking towards Chourdon Point, Seaham, County Durham, England, UK.
Chemical Beach Sea Stack / Dawdon Chemical Beach, got its name from the former Seaham Chemical Works and is located on the Durham coastline south of Seaham, with its Magnesian Limestone Stack
Dawn at Chemical Beach / Dawdon Chemical Beach, got its name from the former Seaham Chemical Works and is located on the Durham coastline south of Seaham

Durham Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Durham has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Durham, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Durham with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Durham

Durham is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Durham, and make it a breeze to explore Durham and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Durham to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Durham, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Durham.

Durham attractions

Durham has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Durham to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Durham.

Looking for things to do in Durham can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Durham or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Durham attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!


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Most fun & popular experiences in Durham

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What to do in Durham


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Durham

Panorama of Durham Framwellgate Bridge, Castle and Cathedral, England, UK

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.

Pity Me
Brasside

Brasside

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

Brasside

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Durham

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 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Broompark is 3 kms (2 miles) 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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