England › North East › County Durham
Top 10 things to do in County Durham
County Durham has one of Europe’s finest cathedrals, a castle, the North Pennines and old mining heritage. It is quiet, scenic and reasonably priced.
- 1
Durham Cathedral
📍 DurhamHistory, indoorsA Norman cathedral and World Heritage Site above the River Wear.
- 2
Durham Castle
📍 DurhamHistoryA castle that is part of the university, visited on guided tours.
- 3
Beamish Museum
📍 Near StanleyHistory, familiesA big open-air museum of northern life with trams, shops and a mine.
- 4
High Force
📍 Upper TeesdaleWaterfall, walksOne of England’s biggest waterfalls, in Teesdale.
- 5
Bowes Museum
📍 Barnard CastleArt, museumA French-style chateau in the Dales, full of art.
- 6
Raby Castle
📍 Near StaindropCastle, deer parkA medieval castle with a deer park and walled gardens. Check opening.
- 7
Auckland Castle
📍 Bishop AucklandHistory, artA bishop’s palace with the Faith Museum and gardens.
- 8
Hamsterley Forest
📍 Near Bishop AucklandWalks, cyclingA large forest with trails for walking and cycling.
- 9
Seaham Beach
📍 SeahamBeach, sea glassA beach known for sea glass, in a former colliery coast.
- 10
Barnard Castle
📍 Barnard CastleHistoryA castle ruin overlooking the River Tees.
Where to base yourself
Durham city suits the cathedral and castle. Barnard Castle suits Teesdale. Seaham suits a coastal break.
Last checked: October 2026.