From historic walled gardens and beautiful landscaped parks, to magnificent natural wonders and wild open moorland. There’s so much for groups to see, do and explore in Durham’s great outdoors.
Durham City has many green spaces groups can enjoy - be amazed by fascinating stories on a guided riverside walk along the banks of the River Wear. Lose yourself in the many hidden gardens of Crook Hall Gardens. And Durham University Botanic Garden promises a memorable visit, with an 18-acre oasis filled with wonderful plants, flowers and creatures from across the globe.
Groups heading to the Vale of Durham should definitely pay a visit to Auckland Palace and surrounding 150 acre parkland. From July to September the grounds of Auckland Palace are transformed for the UK’s biggest outdoor live action show – Kynren – An Epic Tale of England. Time travel through 2,000 years of history and see legends come to life, as a 1,000-strong cast and crew take to the 7.5-acre outdoor stage.
A visit to Raby Castle's soon to be reopened walled garden is not to be missed, or a wander around the castle's 200 acre deerpark, home to many Red and Fallow Deer. Only 30 minutes away in the heart of the dales, you’ll find High Force – a mighty force of nature to behold and one of England’s tallest waterfalls.
Visitors can explore the delightful designed gardens of The Bowes Museum and enjoy incredible views of endless heather moors and vast skies in the Durham Dales and The North Pennines National Landscape as they make their way to High Force Waterfall or hop aboard the historic Weardale Railway.
And for unique group accommodation, you’ll find plenty of group-friendly accommodation across the county, with beautiful landscaped grounds and surrounding parklands for guests to explore. Including Hardwick Hall Hotel, Ramside Hall and Lumley Castle.
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