Things to do in Durham

Top Things to Do in Durham

Things to Do in Durham


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Durham.

Top Attractions in Durham

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

What travellers are saying

  • J C
    Sunderland, UK50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly a beautiful cathedral. Visited whilst in Durham for the day, the cathedral was busy but not too overcrowded. I was very impressed with the scale of the cathedral and the architecture behind it. We entered through the room where the Venerable Bede is buried and lit a candle to say a prayer.

    The choir was singing during the time was visited so we couldn’t go too far into the rest of the cathedral due to areas being cordoned off.

    We decided to go outside into the courtyard area which was very peaceful and very picturesque.

    Well worth the visit when in Durham, I would also recommend going to the top of the tower on a good day during the Summer and spend a good time looking around.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy
    Leeds, UK11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing experience from start to finish. Greeted by a helpful and polite gentleman on the reception who informed us of what’s events were happening throughout the day, and gave us free entry tickets due to bad weather!

    The farm was amazing — plenty to do and all staff were so friendly. The highland cow experience was the highlight of the day and certainly lived up to expectations. Rabbits and chicks to hold, animals to feed, plenty of outdoor spaces and play parks and a decent jacket potato from the Highland Cafe.

    10/10 all round, especially the staff
    Written 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kimberly
    Kingwood, TX7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went to this castle with my family. I visited this castle on the 5th of March. I was shocked to find out that half of the castle is lived in by students who go to the Durham university. So you have to buy tickets to be taken on the tour. Our tour guide was lovely. However it is bit of shame feeling rushed through the castle and I felt we couldn’t see much of the castle. However what we did get to see, was pretty awesome!
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NJ C
    Hertfordshire, UK141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There was a friendly welcome to this excellent little museum. Though relatively modest in size, there is plenty to see and it is very well arranged and presented. There was an exhibition of Middle Eastern and North African contemporary art which was fascinating, as well as Japanese, Korean, Himalayan, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern material. It was nice to be in a museum and hear the voices of children throughout – there are lots of activities for children and they are clearly made very welcome – and they enjoy it!
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pndr
    Glossop, UK109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited Crook Hall for a morning walk. Lovely trek along the longer route and a nice stretch of river en-route.

    We were both surprised at how little wildlife we observed. Only a handful of common birds and literally nothing else, which seemed strange in such a lovely location.

    We both agreed, this would be one to re-visit deeper into Spring
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J C
    Sunderland, UK50 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous picturesque walk, right in the heart of Durham city centre. It really is hard to believe you’re still in the city!

    The most picturesque place in the north east. Will make you feel very proud to be from this area.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pj3002016
    Bradford, UK52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing place to stay at. My friend Gail and I spent many happy hours looking around the house.
    The Chapels are jaw droppingly amazing to walk into. Pugins work on the details is awesome.
    Each member of the staff including volunteers were wonderful. Each with vast amounts of knowledge. A special mention to Lex who I thought was our personal guide hehe. We seemed to bump into him several times a day Thank you. Also Lorraine, Lesley and Janet.
    Nice caffe for a cuppa and buttered scone
    We also visited the Oriental Museum, Durham Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens. All within a short drive from Ushaw House. Also The New Board Inn for some delicios food.

    Well worth a days visit or better still bed and breakfast
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • thecatsmeow2013
    Gateshead, UK54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We absolutely love Seaham.we come by train & it’s a lovely little walk to the beaches.my son loves to look for sea glass etc.we did have a lovely walk to blast beach we’re part of ‘get carter’ and ‘alien3’we’re filmed but he didn’t find any treasure so glass beach remains his favourite although I did get some lovely photos of the orangey/red water there.If your a sea glass collector too,we bought a great little pocket size book from the lifeboat centre about seaham sea glass.I highly recommend a visit to the lifeboat shop & also the lovely little gift shop on the marina too.Visiting Tommy is also a must and admiring the beautiful seats along the seafront.stunning.
    Written 12 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I love visiting the Botanical Gardens. There is something different to see all through the seasons. It is so peaceful, and may I add, civilised!! Absolutely great for a single person, couples and children. There is so much to learn from the information provided and you can spend as much time there as you like. The nature aspect is wonderful with a bird hide giving you the opportunity to spot all types of birds as well as the squirrels. We don't normally frequent cafes, preferring to sit on a rock with a flask, however we do like completing our visit with a cuppa in the on site cafe. One of the main reasons for this is because of Leanne and her colleague. Such lovely friendly girls, always ready to have a chat and a good laugh!! A pleasure and full credit to them. Thank you, Joni and Brian.
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jilll692
    London184 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous night at the Gala! Giovanni's show has great dancing, great songs, jokes and personality. I loved it! Great view from the seats (stalls). Very comfortable seating. Theatre has lots of eating/ drinking options around it. I've already booked to go back!
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJJP1
    Appleby-in-Westmorland, UK1 298 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a wonderful walk on Blackhall Beach this afternoon .
    A huge, clean beach. Hardly anyone about .
    Easy free parking, nice paths down onto the beach . No litter .
    Signs of the coal heritage of the beach .

    Very good for dramatic photo opportunities.

    Great for Labrador’s
    Written 10 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • COLIN F
    Chesterfield, UK469 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped off here on a longish walk. Nice after the climb out of the town centre. Lovely historical area with plenty of benches for aging Walkers ! To be recommended !
    Written 26 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durham