Welcome to Durham
This historic city in the north east of England has plenty to explore.
Home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, Durham Cathedral, the historic city of Durham is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has one of the most beautiful city panoramas in the whole of Europe.
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Things to do in Durham
Five free things to do in Durham
Durham Cathedral and Castle
Undoubtedly the biggest draw in this perfect little city, no trip to Durham is complete without strolling around the grounds of the cathedral and castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Penines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty incorporates much of the Durham Dales and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, wonderful woods and stone-built villages. A must see.
High Force Waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole country, High Force waterfall features a 70-foot drop into the plunge pool below, and is a truly breathtaking and unforgettable sight.
Castle Eden Dene
Featuring 12 miles of walks through a spectacular wooded valley, Castle Eden Dene is full to the brim with wild flowers and woodland birds, and many areas of the reserve remain unaltered since the Ice Age.
Seaham
To make the most of a sunny day, why not take a trip to the seaside at Seaham on Durham's Heritage Coast? The beach's tranquil beauty is perfect for strolls with the dog, or playing around in the many inviting rock pools.
Breathtaking scenery and award-winning attractions in Durham
Based in the North East of England, Durham is probably most famous for its iconic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Used in many film and TV productions - including the Harry Potter series no less - the cathedral's spectacular stained-glass windows and ceiling wow thousands of visitors a year.
The city centre itself is a maze of little cobbled streets, each one home to a number of independent hidden gems to keep you occupied for hours. Riverside dining is also recommended during your stay, with the views from every part of the city spectacular.
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Beamish
Beamish is a world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. Visit the Beamish Museum website
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Derwent Reservoir
The Derwent Valley, one of the Durham Dales, is sometimes overlooked. This man-made lake is great for sailing and fishing. Explore Derwent Reservoir
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Mountain Biking in Edmundbyers
15 miles from Edmundbyers, Hamsterley Forest offers something for everyone.
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Walking and Rambling in Edmundbyers
Follow the 7.7 mile Edmundbyers Lead Mining Trail through the Burnhope Valley. Explore the moorland and delightful river valleys of County Durham.
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Watersports in Edmundbyers
The 1000 acre, three-mile long reservoir offers a safe and fun way to learn water sports. The boundary between Northumberland and Durham runs right through the middle of the lake.
View some of our popular Durham blog posts
Our lovely landscapes
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The perfect spots for a picnic
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The most scenic hiking trails in the UK
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