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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.

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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Family Fun > Family Attractions & Activities

Family Attractions & Activities

Durham has plenty to offer your little ones, take a look at the list below.

this is featured

Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

North Pennines National Landscape

The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning…

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Durham University Botanic Garden

Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…

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view of Durham Cathedral from River Wear

Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

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Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

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The Hole in Wand

Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park! Step into a world of wonder at The Hole…

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The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…

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Weardale Museum

Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the beautiful…

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Diggerland

Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…

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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with…

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The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in…

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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

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PrevPrev
  • 1North Pennines National Landscape
  • 2Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 3Durham Cathedral
  • 4Locomotion
  • 5The Hole in Wand
  • 6The Auckland Project
  • 7Weardale Museum
  • 8Diggerland
  • 9Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 10The Bowes Museum
  • 11Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
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Number of results: 54

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  1. Children and adults on mountain bikes - Forestry England/Crown copyright

    Add Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Hit the trails at Hamsterley Forest this Easter! Forestry England is delighted to announce the opening of a brand–new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycle trail at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Apr 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  2. Three children at Hardwick Park using App

    Add Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sedgefield

    Visitors to Hardwick Park in Sedgefield can enjoy new and exciting adventures with the launch of an interactive mobile app. The free Love Exploring mobile app features digital treasure hunts, suitable for all ages. In one of the most popular,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Dinosaur Safari at Hardwick Park
  3. Adventure Valley Golf course

    Add Adventure Valley Golf to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 995 reviews995 reviews

    Adventure Valley Golf

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Sport Centre

    Durham

    Adventure Valley Golf – Durham’s only adventure golf course, boasting 18 fun packed holes. Suitable for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Adventure Valley Golf
  4. Durham Cathedral and Castle, rooftops of Durham City

    Add Durham Heritage Trail to your Itinerary

    Durham Heritage Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham City

    Around every corner in Durham City is something old and interesting. To see it all in one walk is not possible, but here is a start in getting to know the City’s rich history.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Durham Heritage Trail
  5. Image of the 1900s Town Street at Beamish Museum, people waiting to board the tram.

    Add Beamish - The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 8924 reviews8924 reviews

    Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Beamish

    Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s and become immersed in real, living history.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Highly Commended 2020North East England Tourism Awards - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Highly Commended
    • Visit England VisitEngland Award for Excellence Bronze 2016VisitEngland Award for Excellence Bronze
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 2020TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020
    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  6. Durham Cathedral view from riverbank with river and woodland

    Add The Durham City Seven Hills Trail to your Itinerary

    The Durham City Seven Hills Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham City

    This trail passes through the many varied landscapes that encircle the City, while offering encounters with the City’s rich history and heritage. There are beautiful historic woodlands, a famous battle site, the site of an iron age fort, a Victorian…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for The Durham City Seven Hills Trail
  7. Kids on big chair at Derwent

    Add Derwent Waterside Park to your Itinerary

    Derwent Waterside Park

    Type

    Type:

    Lake / Reservoir

    Edmunbyers

    Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air with the people you love. Beautiful walks for all to enjoy

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Derwent Waterside Park
  8. Performers

    Add Durham Fringe Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Fringe Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival & Events Organisers

    Durham

    The 2025 Durham Fringe Festival will return 23rd to 27th July.  The North East's biggest recognised fringe festival – featuring the best in dance, drama, magic, music, poetry, stand-up comedy and more. 

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2025to27 July 2025
    More info for Durham Fringe Festival
  9. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2309 reviews2309 reviews

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Toronto, Bishop Auckland

    Travel through 2,000 years of history in a single unforgettable evening! Watch as legends come to life – Vikings storm ashore, battles rage, and heroes rise beneath a sky ablaze with magic and fire.

    In 2025, celebrate the 200th anniversary of the…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025Open 21:15 -
    From:
    26 July 2025Open 21:15 -
    From:
    2 Aug 2025Open 21:15 -
    From:
    9 Aug 2025Open 21:00 -
    From:
    16 Aug 2025Open 20:45 -
    From:
    23 Aug 2025Open 20:30 -
    From:
    30 Aug 2025Open 20:15 -
    From:
    6 Sept 2025Open 20:00 -
    From:
    13 Sept 2025Open 19:45 -

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
  10. Explore the North East the Active Way Poster

    Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Get out and about in beautiful Durham!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries
  11. Gruffalo trail at Hamsterley, children activities county Durham. rail and exciting augmented reality app

    Add Gruffalo Sculptures at Hamsterley to your Itinerary

    Gruffalo Sculptures at Hamsterley

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hamsterley Forest

    Gruffalo Orienteering - fun family map reading challenge
    Try our fun, navigational challenge at Hamsterley Forest using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.

    If you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Gruffalo Sculptures at Hamsterley
  12. Ruins at Binchester Roman Fort

    Add Binchester Roman Fort to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 126 reviews126 reviews

    Binchester Roman Fort

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Bishop Auckland

    Remains of Commandant's house and neighbouring bath-house containing one of the best preserved examples of a hypocaust (underfloor heating system) in the whole of Britain.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Binchester Roman Fort
  13. coached sports session Durham city Wharton park family fun

    Add Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 87 reviews87 reviews

    Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Municipal Park

    Durham City

    This VisitEngland accredited attraction Wharton Park commands spectacular views across Durham City. The historic park now offers a brand new heritage centre and cafe, play area for all ages, an amphitheatre and miniature car track, multi-use games…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Wharton Park
  14. Image of three children outside the Temple of Minerva at Hardwick Park.

    Add Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Sedgefield

    Try our bespoke new game to learn more about Hardwick Park's East Park and the unique Roman settlement that was found there.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park
  15. Singer/guitar player

    Add BACCANALIA to your Itinerary

    BACCANALIA

    Type

    Type:

    Festival & Events Organisers

    Bishop Auckland

    Baccanalia produces festivals and events in South Durham, offering premier experiences in social revelry and creative entertainment. We have loads going on from Cultural Festivals to Cabaret Nights with something for everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for BACCANALIA
  16. Woman with child looking at App on a mobile phone, forest setting

    Add Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Visitors to Wharton Park in Durham City can enjoy new and exciting adventures with the launch of an interactive mobile app, a free app which can be downloaded for both Android and iPhone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Dinosaur Safari at Wharton Park
  17. Grassholme Reservoir

    Add Grassholme Reservoir to your Itinerary

    Grassholme Reservoir

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor and Wildlife Activity

    Barnard Castle

    Grassholme Waterside Park is a place that captures your imagination and lets it run wild, for you to make your perfect day out.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Grassholme Reservoir
  18. YuMe World Durham

    Add YuMe World Durham to your Itinerary

    YuMe World Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Family Activity Centre

    Durham City

    Get ready for an extraordinary arcade experience at YuMe World Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for YuMe World Durham
  19. Broom House Forest Adventure Trail

    Add Broom House Forest Adventure to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 380 reviews380 reviews

    Broom House Forest Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Attraction

    Near Witton Gilbert

    Fun Adventure Farm. Woodland trails and adventure activities for all the family. Farm butchery. Coffee shop.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Broom House Forest Adventure
  20. Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Add Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk to your Itinerary

    Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham

    This walk is currently closed for maintenance.​​​​​​

    ​​​​​​​​​​Come and enjoy a 3-mile circular route around the Ushaw estate, starting at the main house and taking in the old hilltop with wide-open views of Durham’s countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk
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