Durham’s Great Outdoors

Countryside Parks
Across the county you’ll find wonderful countryside parks to explore. Enjoy a breath of fresh air and some family fun as you explore Wharton Park, Hardwick Park or Chester-le-Street Riverside Park for perfect play areas, peaceful strolls and wonderful views. At Auckland Palace Deer Park you can follow many family-friendly trails through this ancient park which was once owned by the most powerful men in Britain – the Prince Bishops.

Dazzling Dark Skies
Lumiere isn’t the only spectacular night-time sight to behold this winter in Durham. The dark winter nights are the perfect time to head out into the Durham Dales and make the most of the county’s many official dark sky discovery sites, all of which offer incredible views of Durham’s dazzling dark skies. Feast your eyes on thousands of sparkling stars, distant planets, and far away galaxies. And don’t forgot to check out Grassholme Observatory’s ‘out of this world’ events programme.  

Durham Heritage Coast
Head to the coast to beach comb and discover treasure to take home as a souvenir of Durham. Sea glass, or ‘mermaid’s tears’ is the name given to the tiny fragments of discarded glass found along Seaham’s beaches that has been tumbled and smoothed by the waves. Take in the dramatic views from the rugged clifftop trail, explore ancient woodland denes, or take to the water and try out paddle boarding or kayaking at the county’s only marina.   

Hamsterley Forest
Whether it is high octane mountain bike downhill courses, or a quiet cycle or walk with your family, Hamsterley Forest has something for all visitors to enjoy. Explore the sprawling 2000 hectare forest, filled with well-marked walking and cycling trails, or even go on a Gruffalo hunt!

High and Low Force Waterfalls
Take in the spectacular sights of Low and High Force waterfalls on a moderate five mile circular walk. Many visitors choose to start at Bowlees Visitor Centre, where you’ll find car parking, toilets, and on-site visitor centre/café. Low Force Waterfall is only a short walk from the visitor centre. From Low Force you can follow the riverside trail to get the incredible view of High Force Waterfall, where you will hear the roar of the waterfall long before it comes in to view as the River Tees spectacularly drops 21 metres in to the plunge pool below.

Plus don’t forgot to visit Bowlees Visitor Centre, where can follow the short nature trail to the mysterious Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force – a real hidden gem waterfall.  

Durham Dales
The Durham Dales is one of England’s most special places, home to endless heather moors, winding rivers, dramatic waterfalls and colourful hay meadows. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark covers most of the dales, where you’ll find wonderful wildlife and fascinating geology around every corner. With numerous trails and large areas of open access land, its a great place to go for a walk or ride. From rock climbing, to kayaking down the River Wear and Tees, across the North Pennines you'll find an amazing wealth of outdoor action and adventure activities all to enjoy.

Relaxing rides
From a gentle ride to attempting the highest A-road in England, incredible cycling routes weave their way across the county. Take in the breathtaking sights of the Durham Dales or the dramatic views from the Durham Heritage Coast. Climb on your own bike, or head out and hire one to explore the county on two wheels. From challenging treks, to shorter family-friendly routes for little ones, you’ll find plenty of cycling routes to choose from in Durham.  

Waterside Wonders
Discover lots of waterside fun at Derwent Waterside Park, in the Durham Dales. Go wildlife spotting, enjoy a family bike ride, learn to fish or let the little ones let off some steam at the new interactive play park. In Durham City you can escape to the peaceful riverbank walk and soak up the amazing views of the city as you stroll along. Keep your eyes peeled for the river’s resident Heron and otters, plus amazing artwork, including Light Bench and Heron – lasting Lumiere legacies. 

Wildlife watching
During the winter months there are still plenty of opportunities to catch glimpses of the county’s wonderful wildlife. From forest creatures at Hamsterley, to red and fallow deer at Raby Castle, and rare plants and birds in the Durham Dales, nature reigns supreme across Durham.

Check out our online nature and wildlife calendar to see what incredible natural wonders you can spot across the county (no matter what the season).

Wonderful Walks
From a scenic stroll to a challenging trek, across the county you’ll find hundreds of walking trails. Whether it's a leisurely city stroll along the banks of the River Wear, or a more challenging hike in Durham’s wild landscapes, our routes were made for walking. There’s no better way to experience Durham’s breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes.  

Plus visitors can now explore the Northern Saints Trails – six new walking trails that follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrimage routes across the region. The Trails bring the stories of the Northern Saints to life, set against a backdrop of the region’s very best attractions, landscapes, places to eat and drink and accommodation.