Durham

Things to do in Durham

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Top 10 attractions in Durham

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Durham Cathedral
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Durham

Durham Cathedral

4.1
4.7/5
20 reviews
Durham Cathedral is located in Durham, northeast England. It is one of the outstanding Norman buildings in the UK and was built between 1093 and 1133. The cathedral's architectural style combines Norman and Gothic elements, and is particularly famous for its innovative stone vault structure, and is considered a pioneer in the development of Gothic architecture. The cathedral contains the remains of three saints: St Cuthbert, St Bede and St Oswald. St. Cuthbert was a missionary to Northumbria, St. Bede is known as the "Father of English History", and St. Oswald was the King of Northumbria. The burial sites of these saints make Durham Cathedral an important place of pilgrimage. The cathedral is still used as a church, hosting more than 1,700 religious ceremonies each year and attracting a large number of tourists. In addition, Durham Cathedral has become the filming location for many film and television works because of its unique architectural style. The friars' hall in the cathedral was once used as a classroom set for Hogwarts, attracting many fans to visit.Durham · 587m from downtown
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

4.4
Located in County Durham, United Kingdom, Beamish - The Living Museum of the North is a world-renowned open-air museum dedicated to showcasing daily life in North East England from the 19th to the mid-20th century. Opened in 1972, the museum covers approx. 350 acres (approx. 141 hectares) and takes visitors on a journey through time to experience the atmosphere of different eras through restored historical buildings, streetscapes, vehicles, and interactive experiences. The museum's exhibition areas include: 1820s Pockerley Old Hall: showcases Georgian rural life. 1900s Town: recreates the townscape of the late Victorian era. 1900s Pit Village: recreates the life of a coal mining community. 1940s Farm: showcases farm life during World War II. 1950s Town: recreates the atmosphere of a post-war British town. Visitors can ride vintage trams and steam trains, visit traditional shops, schools, coal mines, and other facilities, and experience the work and lifestyles of the time. Staff within the museum wear historical costumes, play roles from the period, and provide interactive commentary to enhance immersion.Stanley · 13.1km from Durham
Durham Castle

Durham Castle

3.8
Durham · 514m from downtown
Newcastle Castle
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle Castle

5.1
4.0/5
7 reviews
NewcastleCastle is one of Newcastle's famous landmarks. A historic castle in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, it is recorded that it had been fortified during Roman times. The castle was built in 1080 and completed in different stages in 1172 and 1177. This is a medieval fortified castle from which Newcastle got its name.Newcastle upon Tyne · 21.6km from Durham
Riverside Park

Riverside Park

3.2
Chester-le-Street · 8.8km from Durham
Angel of the North

Angel of the North

3.9
LamesleyTheAngeloftheNorth, located in the southern suburbs of Newcastle, England, is an iconic sculpture of Newcastle. The overall sculpture is dark red, the angel's wings are very long, and the whole is as high as 5 floors, which is very sacred.Gateshead · 15.4km from Durham
Adventure Valley

Adventure Valley

3.2
Adventure Valley is a family-oriented outdoor attraction offering a range of activities for children and adults. The site combines play areas, animal experiences, rides, and seasonal activities in a countryside setting. Children can explore different play spaces and take part in activities designed around movement, exploration, and imaginative play. The attraction also features areas where visitors can see and interact with farm animals, depending on the activities available during their visit. Outdoor play equipment and themed areas provide opportunities for children to spend time actively while families explore the site together. Seasonal events and changing activities may also be offered throughout the year. Adventure Valley provides a varied day-out experience for families looking for outdoor recreation, animal encounters, and children's activities in a rural environment.Framwellgate Moor · 1.7km from downtown
Hall Hill Farm

Hall Hill Farm

3.2
Durham · 14.2km from downtown
Banks Homes Riverside

Banks Homes Riverside

3.1
Chester-le-Street · 8.4km from Durham
Gala Theatre & Cinema

Gala Theatre & Cinema

3.1
Durham · 712m from downtown

Traveller favourites curated for you

Edinburgh Castle
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Castle

10
4.7/5
2.9k reviews
United Kingdom · Edinburgh
From€29.36
View all Attractions
Durham Audio Tour: Hands That Built Durham

Durham Audio Tour: Hands That Built Durham

Durham
Free cancellationBook now for tomorrowDuration: 1.5 hrsEnglishLimited-time sale
20% off
From€6.39€7.99
View all Culture & history
13D12N • London + Cambridge + York + Whitby + Edinburgh + Manchester + Cotswolds + Oxford

Level 3
13D12N • London + Cambridge + York + Whitby + Edinburgh + Manchester + Cotswolds + Oxford

Punt in Cambridge, explore the medieval lanes of York and the gothic charm of Whitby, savour tea at Edinburgh Castle, wander the Cotswolds villages, and enjoy free days in London. | Enjoy high-value hotel accommodations throughout your journey, dedicated car service, and concierge one-on-one service. | Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey.
EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelCar type options availablePrivate Tours
From EUR 3,505
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16D15N • Great British Route and Ireland from North to South with London, Ending in Dublin

Level 3
16D15N • Great British Route and Ireland from North to South with London, Ending in Dublin

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 3,515
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Experiences you can't miss in Durham

Featured Day tours in Durham

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Durham History Tour
󱌍

Durham History Tour

5.0/5
· 64 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
64 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€20.52€21.6
Durham Full City Tour
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Durham Full City Tour

5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€29.64€31.2
Durham: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
󱌍

Durham: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€101.13€106.46
Dark Durham Tour
󱌍

Dark Durham Tour

5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€20.52€21.6
Walkabout Durham History Tour
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Walkabout Durham History Tour

Duration: 90 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€19.48
Ghost Bus Tour of York
󱌍

Ghost Bus Tour of York

4.5/5
· 625 reviews· 40 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
English
Free cancellation
From€24.35
Hadrian's Wall + Jedburgh + Scottish Borders Day Tour in the UK|Comfortable minivan
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Hadrian's Wall + Jedburgh + Scottish Borders Day Tour in the UK|Comfortable minivan

5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€105.17
Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

4.9/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
94 consecutive positive reviews
From€18.27

Featured Food & drink in Durham

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York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience
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York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience

Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€74.10€78.01
York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate

4.9/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 70–75 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
30 consecutive positive reviews
From€20.70
York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works

4.9/5
· 169 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€30.21€31.8
Grasmere Distillery tour
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Grasmere Distillery tour

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€28.50€30
York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate

4.9/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
72 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€17.44€18.36

More things to do

Group Tours in Durham

View More Group Tours in Durham
13D12N • London, the Highlands, and Southern England

Level 313D12N • London, the Highlands, and Southern England

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 2,928
10D9N • Great British and Irish Route

Level 310D9N • Great British and Irish Route

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 2,268
20D19N • London, the Highlands, Ireland, and Southern England

Level 320D19N • London, the Highlands, Ireland, and Southern England

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 4,436
14D13N • Great British and Irish Route with London

Level 314D13N • Great British and Irish Route with London

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 3,074
9D8N • Aonghus Youth

Level 39D8N • Aonghus Youth

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 1,548
17D16N • Unbelievable Adventure

Level 317D16N • Unbelievable Adventure

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 3,412
14D13N • Leisurely United Kingdom

Level 314D13N • Leisurely United Kingdom

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 2,823
12D11N • Extensive United Kingdom and Ireland end Dublin

Level 312D11N • Extensive United Kingdom and Ireland end Dublin

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours
From EUR 2,417
Durham Today's weatherMostly cloudy 8-11℃
Durham weather for the next 2 days11/3: 6-11℃, 11/4: 6-11℃

Free things to do in Durham

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral

4.1
4.7/5
20 reviews
Durham · 587m from downtown
Angel of the North

Angel of the North

3.9
Gateshead · 15.4km from Durham
Finchale Priory

Finchale Priory

2.9
Framwellgate Moor · 1.5km from downtown
Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Old Town

9
4.9/5
132 reviews
United Kingdom · Edinburgh

What travellers say about Durham

user-avatar
suifeng201915 April 2020
4.0
The famous churches in the UK seem to have not escaped the clutches of Harry Potter. Durham Cathedral is also an important filming location for Harry Potter. The interior decoration of the church is very simple, but the exterior is still very magnificent.

Durham Cathedral

user-avatar
赵在大道上z164 January 2023
4.0
It's worth seeing, very old. It's just too cold in winter, the scenery will be better in summer.

Newcastle Castle

Trip Moments in Durham

Great Experience with Clean Train and Smooth Ride

Great Experience with Clean Train and Smooth Ride

“Had a fantastic time traveling; the train was very clean and offered a smooth ride.”@_TI***mo · 20 hours ago
Excellent Stay with Great Amenities

Excellent Stay with Great Amenities

“I booked the hotel directly, which allowed me to enjoy access to the swimming pool and gym, as well as a complimentary wine.”@_TI***kr · 19 days ago

Popular cities near Durham

York

York

Cambridge

Cambridge

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

Windermere Town

Windermere Town

Leeds

Leeds

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne

Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Oxford

Oxford

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Durham?

Don't miss these attractions in Durham: Durham Cathedral, Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, and Durham Castle. If you like Day tours, try Durham History Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience.

You can give York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience and York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Durham History Tour, Durham Full City Tour, and Durham: Private Half-Day Walking Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 3 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Durham is around EUR 18.27 – EUR 105.17. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.