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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

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    This is Durham Blog

this is inspiration

  1. Next Stop, Durham
    Next Stop, Durham
    There are many reasons why Durham should be your next stop for a great UK getaway, from stunning scenery and award-winning attractions, to exciting events and fantastic food and drink.
  2. Classic Christmas
    Classic Christmas
    Enjoy a classic Christmas break in Durham, with festive markets, exciting events and shopping experiences.
  3. Winter Breaks
    Winter Breaks
    As the days become shorter and the nights darker, enjoy a winter escape to Durham.
  4. Dark Skies
    Dark Skies
    Large open moorland and views that stretch for miles make Durham ideal for stargazing.
  5. Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    On two feet or two wheels is the best way to experience our breathtaking county.

welcome todurham

Welcome to the official tourism website for Durham.

Durham is an amazing county in North East England, just three hours by train from London, and less than two from Edinburgh. 

And with Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley international airports nearby, plus the Port of Tyne, a warm welcome awaits visitors from across the globe.

Explore our breathtaking scenery, discover award-winning attractions and enjoy world-class exhibitions, festivals and events. From city breaks to coast and countryside escapes – make Durham your next destination for a perfect break away. 

Durham City is home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, majestic Durham Cathedral. Together with adjacent Durham Castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site forms one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe.

Step back in time at fascinating heritage attractions including Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, and see history come to life at Kynren - the must-see open air spectacular that takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer.

Seek out hidden gems in market towns and villages in the Durham Dales, relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity on the Durham Coast, or get outdoors and active with walking and cycling routes revealing unforgettable views across the county.  And when it’s time to refuel you’ll be spoilt for choice with award-winning eateries and delicious local produce.

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this is what's onOur packed year-round events calendar means there's bound to be something for you to enjoy, whenever you choose to visit.

Beauty and the Beast logo

Beauty and the Beast - Gala Durham

Openings

2024

21st November 2024-31st December 2024
The Bowes Museum and grounds

Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood

Openings

2024

19th October 2024-2nd March 2025
In the Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival

Durham Christmas Festival

Openings

2024

6th December 2024-8th December 2024

More Events

this is our blog

  • Blog IconInspire Me
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  • S&DR200 Festival

    The Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, 1825 by John Dobbin. Image courtesy of Hopetown, Darlington.

    The 27 September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which gave birth to the modern railway.

  • Accessible Things to Do

    Woman walking next to man in wheelchair as they walk through the 1900s Town at Beamish Museum with an historic tram visible in the background.

    Guide to some of the best accessible things to do that make Durham a destination everyone can explore and enjoy.

  • Five Fab Dog-Friendly Attractions in Durham

    three dogs sat in a row at Finchale Priory, County Durham.

    Five fabulous dog-friendly things to do in Durham, approved by Willow, Bobby and Finn!

  • A Day at The Story Durham

    man and woman with back to camera stand and admire Mount Oswald history building, home to The Story, Durham.

    A Day at The Story Durham: Uncovering the Past, Present, and Future of Durham.

  • What's new at Beamish Museum

    Woman smiling at camera holding a record in the 1950s record shop at Beamish Museum.

    Blog Squad member Olivia headed to Beamish Museum to discover what's new to enjoy at the museum.

  • Five Fab Dog-Friendly Attractions in Durham

    three dogs sat in a row at Finchale Priory, County Durham.

    Five fabulous dog-friendly things to do in Durham, approved by Willow, Bobby and Finn!

  • Walking with the Ghosts of Durham

    group of people walking along streets of Durham City at night on a ghost walk.

    Spooky season is upon us! To celebrate we joined the Durham Ghost Whisperer to explore the historic streets of Durham City after dark.

  • Autumn Flavours at Headlam Hall: A Harvest of Culinary Delights

    close up shot of food on offer at Headlam Hall Hotel this autumn.

    Fall in Love with Autumn: Harvest Inspired Flavours and Seasonal Sips at Headlam Hall Hotel.

  • S&DR200 Festival

    The Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, 1825 by John Dobbin. Image courtesy of Hopetown, Darlington.

    The 27 September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which gave birth to the modern railway.

  • Street Eats and Local Treats

    man holding up street food to the camera - a pineapple filled with rice and toppings.

    Fab Foodie Finds: Where to enjoy top street food across Durham.

  • Street Eats and Local Treats

    man holding up street food to the camera - a pineapple filled with rice and toppings.

    Fab Foodie Finds: Where to enjoy top street food across Durham.

  • Seven special ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Durham

    mum and daughter walking through Durham University's Botanic Gardens

    We’ve got lots of fun ideas that will make this special day one to remember, with lots of fabulous ways to treat your mum in Durham.

  • Autumn Flavours at Headlam Hall: A Harvest of Culinary Delights

    close up shot of food on offer at Headlam Hall Hotel this autumn.

    Fall in Love with Autumn: Harvest Inspired Flavours and Seasonal Sips at Headlam Hall Hotel.

  • Five Fab Vegan-Friendly Eats To Try In Durham This Veganuary

    vegan food on offer at Tango restaurant, Durham City

    Join local food and lifestyle blogger Alex Burgess as she tries out five vegan-friendly restaurants this Veganuary across Durham City.

  • Uniquely Durham Foodie Experiences

    group of people enjoying milkshakes inside John's Cafe at Beamish Museum

    Durham is home to a wide variety of unique foodie experiences to excite your taste buds and provide that all-important ‘taste of a place’ helping to create long-lasting holiday memories.

  • The Culture County Speaks to Joanna Feeley

    The Culture County Speaks to Joanna Feeley

    Do you know what you’ll be wearing, eating, or how you will speak with your friends and family in 2030?...

  • Walking with the Ghosts of Durham

    group of people walking along streets of Durham City at night on a ghost walk.

    Spooky season is upon us! To celebrate we joined the Durham Ghost Whisperer to explore the historic streets of Durham City after dark.

  • 11 Unmissable Christmas Experiences Across the Culture County

    11 Unmissable Christmas Experiences Across the Culture County

    Discover 11 unmissable Christmas experiences across the Culture County this festive season... 

  • 8 Unmissable Events Across the Culture County this Autumn

    8 Unmissable Events Across the Culture County this Autumn

    This autumn discover eight unmissable events across the Culture County.

  • The Culture County Speaks to David Peace

    The Culture County Speaks to David Peace

    Ahead of the Durham Book Festival David Peace discusses with the Culture County his new book MUNICHS. 

  • Accessible Things to Do

    Woman walking next to man in wheelchair as they walk through the 1900s Town at Beamish Museum with an historic tram visible in the background.

    Guide to some of the best accessible things to do that make Durham a destination everyone can explore and enjoy.

  • Staycations with a Difference

    couple walking out of Rose and Crown Country Inn, with bikes in foreground.

    The prefect retreat for your next escape

  • Autumn Flavours at Headlam Hall: A Harvest of Culinary Delights

    close up shot of food on offer at Headlam Hall Hotel this autumn.

    Fall in Love with Autumn: Harvest Inspired Flavours and Seasonal Sips at Headlam Hall Hotel.

  • Memorable Stays

    man and woman walking hand in hand down corridor light up with candles and lanterns towards Seaham Hall Serenity Spa.

    Make the most of your getaway in 2023 with our guide to Durham's top #memorablestays.

  • 48 hours in the Vale of Durham

    family - man, woman and two boys walking along the street in Beamish Museum 1900s town.

    With our guide on how to spend 48 hours in the historic Vale of Durham, we'll help you plan a whistle-stop tour of this incredible part of the county.

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