Father's Day 2021

What better way to say, ‘Thank you’ to your Dad this Father’s Day, than by treating him to a unique experience or gift from Durham.

From days out in the great outdoors and incredible events, to future family staycations, relaxing spa days and tempting afternoon tea - you'll find lots of ways to spoil your Dad this Father's Day in Durham. 

Bowl him over

Is your old man sport mad? Throughout the year you’ll find amazing sporting events and activities for you and your Dad, or even Grandad, to enjoy together. Bowl him over with a Vitality Blast T20 tournament season ticket, where he can witness Durham Cricket battle it out during explosive summer matches with the UK’s top teams. Or treat him to a round of golf at one of the county's outstanding golf courses, including Ramside Hall, Headlam Hall or Rockliffe Hall’s 18 hole championship golf course, where you can even book private golf tuition with Rockliffe Hall’s PGA Head of Instruction.

Explore the great outdoors

After the long days of lockdown, everyone is looking forward to sunnier days ahead, where we can get outside and spend more time surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Breathe in that lovely fresh sea air on a walk along the Durham Heritage Coast, let High Force Waterfall take your breath away, and see what wildlife you can spot at Derwent Waterside Park. Explore the Durham Dales on two wheels, lose yourselves in Hamsterley Forest as you go on a Gruffalo hunt or enjoy a peaceful stroll through Durham University’s Botanic Garden.

Get that much missed culture fix

We know there’s a lot of Dads out there who’ve missed visiting their favourite museums and attractions. Most of Durham’s amazing attractions have now re-opened, so why not get your much needed culture fix whilst spending some quality time together.  

If he goes loco for trains, Locomotion is a must-visit, with historic engines and railway objects on display from the National collection. If he’s more of an art lover then The Bowes Museum is the place to be, home to world-class collections, treasures and masterpiece paintings. Or get his toes tapping by booking tickets for a Durham Brass Festival event, happening at various venues this summer, from 14 - 18 July. 

If he has a head for heights, take on the 325 steps to the top of Durham Cathedral’s Central Tower to enjoy a bird’s eye view of historic Durham City below. And there’s not long to wait until Auckland Castle re-opens on  3 July, where he can follow in the footsteps of Durham’s powerful Prince Bishops. 

Give him a taste of Durham 

There’s lots of tasty ways to treat your Dad this Father’s Day. Let someone else do the cooking (and dishes) by booking a delicious Sunday dinner at one of Durham’s award-winning #tastedurham restaurants, pick up some fish ‘n’ chips on a stroll along Seaham seafront or pre-book a table at Lumley Castle’s Elizabethan Banquet, where he can dine like a King for the evening. 

On Father’s Day weekend, Dad can enjoy a Ploughman’s in the Park, at Raby Castle by pre-ordering a Ploughman’s picnic box to enjoy whilst exploring the castle’s medieval gardens and ancient deer park. You’ll also find plenty of places serving up special Father’s Day Afternoon Teas.  

Pampering spa packages

Dad deserves to relax and recharge, and there’s no better way to do just that than booking a pampering session at one of the county’s award-winning spas. Treat him to Temple Spa Go Guy Facial at Seaham Hall Serenity Spa followed by an afternoon relaxing in the outdoor zen spa garden or enjoy a day of indulgence at the NuSpa Radisson Blu Hotel Durham.

Shop local

Across the county you’ll find quirky boutiques and independent businesses alongside high street favourites, where you can grab a great Father’s Day gift. Head to Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre, with over 60 outlet stores you’re certain to find the perfect present, or pick up a truly unique gift from local producers and makers at shops and markets in Durham City or at one of the county’s bustling market towns. There's lots of ways to #shoplocal in Durham. 

Summer family getaways

We’ve all missed our families during lockdown and this summer is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and catch up on a summer staycation. From quaint holiday cottages to cosy countryside inns, quirky campsites and luxury hotels, why not give him something to look forward to by booking a family getaway in Durham?

Hotel Indigo makes the ideal base for a weekend break in Durham City, with the cities top attractions only a short walk away from the hotel doorstep. And for a getaway that is unique as your Dad, Headlam Hall offers experience packages where your Dad can enjoy a round of golf, fly fishing on the River Tees or even driving an Aston Martin as part of his countryside stay.

Travel back in time 

Give your Dad the gift of time travel by pre-booking your tickets to see Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, where you’ll travel through 2000 years of history, myth and legend, all in one live-action spectacular show! And new for 2021 is 11Arches Park – the North East’s newest family theme park, complete with immersive pre-show experience with attractions, shows and dining. Performances take place throughout August and September. 

On Father's Day Sunday, if your Dad is motor mad head to Beamish, The Living Museum of the North for their annual Classic Car Rally, where you'll be able to get a close up view of classic British and pre-war automobiles. All visitors must pre-book a ticket and arrival time slot before visiting the museum.