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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.

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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

Weardale Museum and High House Chapel

Weardale Museum

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

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The exterior of The Bowes Museum and its grounds on a sunny day.

The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 58,000 items in…

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Young girl playing indoor mini-golf with help from two adults under colorful lighting.

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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Durham Cathedral

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

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Locomotion

Explore 200 years of railway history in the world’s first railway town at Locomotion, Europe’s…

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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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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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North Pennines National Landscape

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

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The Auckland Project

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

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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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Durham University Botanic Garden

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

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PrevPrev
  • 1Weardale Museum
  • 2The Bowes Museum
  • 3The Hole in Wand
  • 4Durham Cathedral
  • 5Locomotion
  • 6Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 7Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 8North Pennines National Landscape
  • 9The Auckland Project
  • 10Diggerland
  • 11Durham University Botanic Garden
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Number of results: 32

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  1. Crowds of people enjoying the Durham Fringe Festival on Palace Green, Durham City.

    Add Durham Fringe Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Fringe Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival & Events Organisers

    Durham

    The 2026 Durham Fringe Festival will return 29th July - 2nd August.  The North East's biggest recognised fringe festival – featuring the best in dance, drama, magic, music, poetry, stand-up comedy and more. 

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026to2 Aug 2026
    More info for Durham Fringe Festival
  2. Hayley Crawshaw dancing whilst wild swimming in the Thames

    Little Blue Pootles - Guided Swim Hikes

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Adventure Activities

    and North East England,

    Tailor made guided wild swimming walks, instant book packaged taster sessions, and shorter wild swim experiences, in the North Pennines, and beyond.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Little Blue Pootles - Guided Swim Hikes
  3. Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast

    Add Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk to your Itinerary

    Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Hartlepool

    Blackhall Rocks is a Local Nature Reserve and picnic area within Durham Heritage Coast and is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified. Part Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk
  4. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries
  5. Wallace and Gromit characters. Copyright and TM Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Ltd 2024  All rights reserved

    Add Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies.

    Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest
  6. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park
  7. Moor House Activity Centre

    Add Moor House Activity Centre to your Itinerary

    Moor House Activity Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Houghton-le-Spring

    We provide tailor made outdoor education solutions for everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Moor House Activity Centre
  8. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk
  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 - 2390 reviews2390 reviews

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
  10. 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:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  11. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for The Durham City Seven Hills Trail
  12. H2O at Witton Country Park

    Add H2O Riders to your Itinerary

    H2O Riders

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for H2O Riders
  13. Carved wooden sculpture depicting a Dragonfly

    Add Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail to your Itinerary

    Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Sedgefield

    Six wetland-inspired oak pieces, designed and carved by north east artists Lee and Jill Brewster.  The artworks, depicting a dragonfly, frog and other wetland animals, were commissioned by the Discover Brightwater Landscape Project team.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail
  14. Young girl playing indoor mini-golf with help from two adults under colorful lighting.

    Add The Hole in Wand to your Itinerary

    The Hole in Wand

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure / Mini Golf

    Seaham

    Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park!

    Step into a world of wonder at The Hole In Wand, County Durham’s most magical mini-golf adventure! Following the spellbinding success of our York, Blackpool, and Chester locations, we’re…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for The Hole in Wand
  15. Bertie's Play Village at Prince Bishops Place

    Add Bertie's Play Village to your Itinerary

    Bertie's Play Village

    Type

    Type:

    Family Activity Centre

    Durham City

    Bertie's Play Village is a children’s stay-and-play facility that offers children, parents and families a place to take a break from their shopping trip at Prince Bishops Place.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Bertie's Play Village
  16. Flowers, Bullrushes, Grass, Trees

    Add Ferryhill Carrs & Thrislington Circular Walk to your Itinerary

    Ferryhill Carrs & Thrislington Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Ferryhill

    Follow the path of the ancient glacier to discover two protected reserves.  A Discover Brightwater Walk suitable for Children/Families.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Ferryhill Carrs & Thrislington Circular Walk
  17. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 393 reviews393 reviews

    Broom House Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Near Witton Gilbert

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

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021Northern Saints Trails Passport
    More info for Broom House Farm
  18. An historic steam train on Tanfield Railway in County Durham.

    Add Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 492 reviews492 reviews

    Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Tanfield

    Oldest existing railway in the world, opened 1725. Steam-hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 61 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Please see website for dates and operating times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    More info for Tanfield Railway
  19. 25% off voucher for Diggerland Durham

    Add Diggerland to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 766 reviews766 reviews

    Diggerland

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Langley Park

    Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride and operate earth-moving machinery in a safe and family friendly environment. There's one right here in Durham and you can save money off pay on the…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to1 Nov 2026

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Green Tourism Awards - Bronze 2025Green Tourism Awards - Bronze
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Diggerland
  20. Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Add Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 201 reviews201 reviews

    Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Durham City

    The Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers cruises with spectacular views of historic Durham City, Cathedral, Castle and Bridges and evening cruises with a difference twelve months of the year.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026
    More info for Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats
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