Best Attractions in Durham

A vibrant riverside shopping and leisure destination in Durham, blending retail, dining, entertainment, and scenic charm.

Explore over 1000 years of history in this Norman castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vibrant university residence in the heart of Durham.

Step into Grainger Market, Newcastle’s historic indoor market since 1835, where vibrant stalls and Victorian charm create a timeless shopping adventure.

Discover centuries of Gothic Revival splendor, serene gardens, and vibrant heritage at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens near Durham.

A striking contemporary art hub in a converted flour mill, offering dynamic exhibitions and panoramic Tyne views in Gateshead’s regenerated Quayside.

Explore Durham’s historic Crook Hall Gardens, a tranquil National Trust haven blending medieval heritage with stunning gardens and city views.

A vibrant riverside park blending historic charm with family-friendly play, gardens, and scenic walks in Chester-le-Street.

An iconic riverside venue where world-class music lives, grows, and inspires across diverse genres and generations.

Discover hands-on farm fun and family-friendly adventures at Hall Hill Farm, Durham’s award-winning rural escape.

Explore over 50 family-friendly attractions, indoor play zones, and farmyard fun at the North East’s largest adventure park in Durham.

Explore the eastern gateway of Hadrian's Wall with interactive exhibits, ancient ruins, and stunning views over Tyneside at Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum.

Discover Newcastle’s Central Arcade, an Edwardian architectural gem blending historic charm with unique boutique shopping under a stunning glass roof.

Explore centuries of British art and vibrant exhibitions in Newcastle’s iconic Laing Art Gallery, a cultural gem with free entry and family-friendly events.

Hilltop sanctuary with cathedral views, playgrounds, and cultural events—Durham's beloved green escape.

Historic Grade I listed theatre in Newcastle offering world-class drama, musicals, opera, and family shows in a stunning Victorian setting.

Drive real diggers and operate earth-moving machinery at the UK's most unique construction-themed adventure park.

Twenty-five acres of global botanical diversity, art, and woodland tranquility minutes from Durham city centre.

Newcastle’s vibrant leisure complex blending dining, nightlife, cinema, and gaming under one roof in the city centre.

Newcastle’s grand department store with luxury fashion, a gourmet food hall, and the famous Christmas window – a must-visit shopping and dining destination in the city centre.

Britain's premier North East museum of Asian and North African art and archaeology, offering free admission and world-class collections.

Discover a vibrant city farm oasis in Newcastle with animals, gardens, sustainable design, and inclusive community spirit.

Victorian market hall where 40+ independent traders celebrate Durham's heritage and local character.

A neo-Gothic masterpiece with a soaring spire, rich history, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Explore the evocative ruins and tranquil gardens of Gisborough Priory, a Norman Augustinian monastery rich in history and Gothic splendor.

Discover Elba Park’s serene trails, wildlife lake, and captivating sculptures—a peaceful green haven in Houghton le Spring.

Step back over nine centuries at Brancepeth Castle, a majestic medieval fortress blending noble heritage, rebellion, and timeless stone grandeur in County Durham.

Historic coastal town at the River Tyne’s mouth, blending medieval ruins, sandy beaches, and vibrant seaside charm.

Whitley Bay offers golden beaches, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant seaside atmosphere just a short trip from Newcastle.

Discover Newcastle's All Saints Church, a unique Georgian landmark with England’s only elliptical nave and a vibrant Presbyterian heritage.

A traditional Newcastle pub steeped in football history, local ales, and warm community spirit near St James' Park.

Explore one of northern Britain’s largest Roman forts with stunning bathhouses and rich archaeological heritage near Bishop Auckland.

A medieval stone arch bridge over the River Wear, now a lively pedestrian walkway with cafes, restaurants and stunning views of Durham Cathedral and the city’s dramatic river gorge.

A peaceful 17th-century walled garden and orchard beside the River Wear, open 24/7 with special afternoons in the upper garden from April to September.

Discover Newcastle’s artisan jewellery boutique and creative workshop hub nestled in the historic Old George Yard.

A peaceful 68-hectare woodland near Durham with ancient trees, bluebells, riverside paths, willow sculptures and a bird hide – perfect for short walks and dog walking.

Discover Newcastle’s largest independent library, a historic neoclassical gem with over 200,000 books and a vibrant cultural scene.

Lively lounge and restaurant on Durham’s riverside offering creative cocktails, seasonal British fare, and rooftop views of historic landmarks.

Explore the historic Lambton Castle and its scenic parkland, a timeless symbol of County Durham’s heritage and natural beauty.

Explore Newcastle’s finest Jacobean merchants’ houses, famed for Bessie Surtees’ romantic 1772 elopement and richly preserved period interiors.

A vibrant comedy hotspot in Newcastle offering sharp stand-up, lively audience interaction, and a welcoming bar atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century pele tower in a peaceful Durham village, where medieval history meets quiet woodland walks.

Discover the ancient Mesolithic burial mound marked by the iconic beech trees of Seven Sisters on Copt Hill, a tranquil historic landmark near Houghton-le-Spring.

Free gateway to understanding Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval treasures

Historic green space at Durham’s heart, framed by iconic castle and cathedral, blending heritage, culture, and stunning medieval views.

Explore Durham’s scenic 3-mile riverside loop with historic bridges, cathedral views, and tranquil green spaces along the River Wear.

Explore 68 hectares of ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, and riverside trails just south of Durham city, with artful sculptures and rich wildlife.

Medieval heritage and local history in the heart of historic Durham, near the cathedral.

Explore northeast England’s ancient past in a historic university library at the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eight-lane ten-pin bowling in Newcastle’s Eldon Leisure Centre, perfect for families, friends, and casual fun in the heart of the city.

A hidden Newcastle gem showcasing powerful documentary photography in an intimate, free-entry gallery space just below the Tyne Bridge.

Discover Newcastle’s oldest church with medieval Norman arches, historic burials, and echoes of a turbulent past in the heart of the city.

Navigate woodland obstacles, spot wildlife, and quest for Bark the dragon in this immersive forest adventure.

A 500‑year‑old maritime guild on Newcastle’s Quayside, preserving ship models, nautical instruments and one of the city’s oldest private chapels.

Tranquil ancient woodland near Durham offering scenic city views, diverse wildlife, and peaceful walking trails year-round.

Explore centuries of history and rare collections at Durham’s iconic Palace Green Library, a gateway to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Follow the footsteps of Roman legions along the historic Hadrian’s Wall Path from Wallsend’s ancient fort to the wild northern English countryside.

A quaint neoclassical riverside summerhouse in Durham, steeped in history and linked to the legendary Count Boruwlaski.

Modern riverside student living in Durham with top amenities, vibrant community, and unbeatable access to university and city life.

Step into Durham’s oldest pub, The Dun Cow, where Tudor charm and legendary tales blend with excellent ales in a cozy historic setting.

A serene ancient woodland reserve on Durham’s edge, rich in wildlife and layered with local history.

Discover handmade treasures and personalised gifts in this charming boutique nestled in Durham Market Hall’s vibrant heart.

A UNESCO World Heritage city where a mighty Norman cathedral and medieval castle crown a dramatic river peninsula, blending ancient history with vibrant university life.

Historic medieval market turned vibrant nightlife hub with over 30 listed buildings in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

A vibrant canopy of colorful umbrellas brightening Durham’s Millburngate Shopping Centre with artful charm and urban whimsy.

Immersive puzzle adventures in Durham's historic centre—from spy missions to gothic mysteries.

Explore the hidden layers beneath Durham’s streets and uncover the city’s rich subterranean history and culture.

Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm in the heart of Durham at The Vintage Shop in Market Tavern.

An intimate evening bistro on historic Old Elvet street, blending local heritage with contemporary dining in the heart of Durham.

A peaceful woodland reserve in Durham featuring historic railway bridges and rich local wildlife, perfect for tranquil nature walks.

Historic Hexham Market Place, where local tradition and fresh produce meet in a vibrant community setting.

Discover the serene beauty and intricate craftsmanship of wooden sculptures in Great Lumley’s unique outdoor art gallery.

A peaceful, well-equipped birdwatching hide in Durham’s woodlands, perfect for observing red squirrels, woodpeckers, and woodland birds in a natural setting.

Discover the captivating 'The Pigeon Race' stone sculpture by David Edwick, a unique tribute to local heritage in Easington Lane, Durham.

Uncover Durham's haunted history and paranormal tales on an atmospheric evening walking tour.

Explore history where Durham’s rich past meets vibrant academic excellence at the University’s historic North Bailey location.

Your welcoming gateway to explore Durham’s rich heritage, cultural events, and local insights from the heart of Market Place.

Classical scholarship in a medieval setting: Durham's premier centre for ancient languages, philosophy, and Mediterranean studies.

Whimsical wicker sculptures emerge from Durham's woodland, blending artistic vision with nature.

Historic medieval stairway linking Newcastle’s Quayside and city centre, rich with heritage and ghostly legends.

Scenic riverside charm meets historic Durham city life at Elvet Waterside, a tranquil urban retreat by the iconic Elvet Bridge.

Discover Durham’s tranquil Stone Spiral, a unique outdoor stone arrangement inviting reflection and quiet contemplation in the city centre.

Explore the enduring medieval West Walls of Newcastle, a stone fortress section that reveals the city’s historic defenses and rich heritage.

A historic Sunderland building transformed into a vibrant contemporary art centre, hosting galleries, studios and community-focused exhibitions in the heart of Sunniside.

Explore dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and rich heritage along England’s stunning Durham Heritage Coast.

A quiet Bronze Age stone circle just south of Durham city, perfect for history lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful moment in the countryside.

A quiet, family-friendly green space in central Durham, perfect for picnics, play, and peaceful walks among trees and lawns.

Discover Durham’s vibrant indoor market where history, independent traders, and local culture converge under a stunning Victorian roof.

A joyful community choral event in Durham celebrating inclusive singing and vibrant local music culture.

Historic Hexham: A vibrant market town rich in Roman heritage, medieval charm, and scenic Northumberland landscapes.