Things to Do in Durham
Planning Your Trip
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 to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham Dales > Things to do in the Durham Dales
Seek out natural wonders while walking or cycling in this breathtaking area, discover fascinating museums and much more along the way.
Number of results: 73
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Castle / Fort
Staindrop
Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with a fascinating history and stories to tell.
Spa and Relaxation
Newton Aycliffe
Set in the heart of County Durham, The Retreat at Redworth Hall Hotel has undergone an incredible refurbishment programme, designed to significantly enhance its facilities and promote an aura of relaxation.
Spa and Relaxation
Bishop Auckland
At The Manor Spa, we believe It's All About You, which is why our spa days and spa breaks are tailored to your needs.
Picnic Site
Newbiggin
The picnic area is in a sheltered side valley of Teesdale. There are 4 waterfalls in the site and more falls alongside a footpath to Gibson's Cave.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Darlington
Spend time in nature and watch the seasons change in Raby Castle’s stunning Deer Park and Walled Gardens, which are open to visitors from 10am - 4pm every day.
Walking Routes
The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds,…
Horse Riding
Bishop Auckland
Enjoy miles of waymarked horse-riding routes that let you explore the heart of this beautiful forest. Please note, dedicated horse box parking is located in the Grove car park, 2 miles along the Forest Drive from the Bedburn entrance.
Family Fun
Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland
Families can join a new forest adventure as the much-loved character Stick Man, based on the beautiful picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, returns to Forestry England Hamsterley.
Natural Feature
Near Middleton-in Teesdale, Barnard Castle
Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Outdoor and Wildlife Activity
Stanhope
Some of the darkest skies in England are found in the North Pennines. Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development and the views of the night sky are second to none.
Walking
A free app has been created to help people explore the geology and landscape of inspiring sites along the European Atlantic Geotourism Route, including the North Pennines.
Museum
Cowshill
*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed.
Castle / Fort
Barnard Castle
A spectacular fortress set on a high rock above the market town, Barnard Castle takes you back to the 12th century. Spot Richard III’s boar emblem carving, enjoy the sensory garden and stunning views of this riverside location.
Country / Royal Park
Edmundbyers
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir.
Forest
Redford, Hamsterley Forest
Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest drive runs through the forest giving access to picnic sites along the way.
Art and Craft Activity
Frosterley
ANH Artisan offer introductory beginner courses in woodworking run over 1 or 2 day covering the basics in hand tool woodworking hosted at our beautiful workshop studio based at Harehope Quarry in the heart of Weardale.
Activity Centre
Ireshopeburn
Weardale Adventure Centre offers fun and learning in an area of outstanding natural beauty in County Durham. The centre caters for adults, schools and groups and our experienced and qualified team ensure our guests create memories that last for a…
Activity Centre
Witton-le-Wear
Embark on an unforgettable outdoors adventure with paddle boarding, kayaking, or a thrilling water bike ride at the premier water sports hire centre at Witton Castle Activity Lake in County Durham.
Guided Tour
Barnard Castle
Come for a walk with us and enjoy some stunning Teesdale scenery and make friends with one of our alpacas.
Walking Route
Upper Weardale
The woodland walks are part of a day out at Killhope – two wildlife hides, one accessible hide on the push chair friendly walk.
© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved
Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS