Top Things to do in County Durham
Top Hotels in County Durham
- 1. Burnhopeside Hall
- 2. Travelodge Durham
- 3. Radisson Blu Hotel Durham
- 4. Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate) hotel
- 5. Premier Inn Hartlepool Marina hotel
- 6. Travelodge Hartlepool Marina Hotel
- 7. Premier Inn Durham North hotel
- 8. Ramside Hall Hotel
- 9. Lumley Castle Hotel
- 10. Blackwell Grange Hotel
What to do and see in County Durham, England: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Thornton Hall Gardens, World War One Soldier Sculpture, Wynch Bridge, Durham Castle, Beamish Museum, Durham Cathedral, The Bowes Museum, Raby Castle, HMS Trincomalee.
Restaurants in County Durham
1. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past, distinctive plants and much, much more. As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is also a European and Global Geopark - a status endorsed by UNESCO. The AONB is a distinctive landscape of high moorland and broad upland dales in the North of England. It shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the south and extends as far as the Tyne Valley, just south of Hadrain's Wall, in the north. Parts of the North Pennines AONB are in the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is exactly what it says it is: an outstanding landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.There are 46 AONBs in Britain (33 wholly in England, four wholly in Wales, one which straddles the English/Welsh border and eight in Northern Ireland) and they cover 18% of our countryside. AONBs are designated in recognition of their national importance and to ensure that their character and qualities are protected for all to enjoy.
Reviewed By susanrO3381JM - Whitley Bay, United Kingdom
Just spent the afternoon visiting the monumental art installation that is 'Hush' in Upper Teesdale - can't tell you how much joy it brought me. A lovely amble through woodland and farm yards to get to Bales Hush and it was well worth the effort. The sun came out and the sails of fabric dazzled in the breeze. Met some fantastic people - fellow walkers, locals who lived nearby and even the artist - Steve Messam. Start your adventure at Bowlees Visitor Centre. Wear some sturdy shoes as it can get a bit damp under foot but hurry as it will be gone by 5th August.
2. Thornton Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Temporarily Closed now until may 2021
Reviewed By Jojojash04 - Darlington, United Kingdom
Visited in June with my seven year old Son. Gardens were truly stunning. Thoroughly enjoyed walking around and seeing all the flowers, statues and features. Food and drinks were available which pleased my Son. Easy to find and onsite parking available. Only criticism I have is I thought the entry fee was a little too much.
3. World War One Soldier Sculpture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 872 reviews
Reviewed By BigTribe - Thirsk, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful and moving sculpture in the centre of Seaham. At the moment the area around it is cordoned off due to Covid.
4. Wynch Bridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By susieb130 - Middleton in Teesdale, United Kingdom
Absolutely fabulous place, gateway to lots of great walks. Tranquil place, beautiful scenery and one of my special places
5. Durham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,272 reviews
To ensure the safety and well-being of staff and visitors, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden will remain closed until early 2021. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements at all our sites. At Durham Castle this will include: • Preparing to launch ‘Heralding Women’, a project celebrating the women of University College and Durham Castle which will run through 2021 • Updating and improving the Tunstall Gallery art displays • Develop new online exhibitions and learning resources for users to engage with from anywhere in the world • Catalogue and digitise more of our collections and share them online via our online database Discover
Reviewed By DJBURTY
We are in Durham for the first time. We spent an hour or so around the Cathedral which is so impressive. We then took a tour of the Castle. Great value for money at £5 each. The tour lasted around an hour and the tour guide Rupert was a fountain of knowledge but also made it interactive with the group. Some first year University students are lucky enough to reside in the castle.
6. Beamish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,820 reviews
Experience amazing sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes as the past comes to life. Beamish is unique - our objects aren't locked away in glass cases, this is hands-on history! Step into the past and explore our 350 acre site, as Beamish tells the story of the people of North East England in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Taste traditional food from a coal-fired range, hop on board a tram or steam train, play schoolyard games together and pop into the Co-op shops. Come back time and time again with your Beamish Unlimited Pass, which allows 12 months free entry to the museum from your visit - including all day time special events!
Reviewed By M1862OAsamanthab
Fantastic day out for all the family and all ages, see how the north of England use to be from a ride on the tram , to a life on the farm to a bun from the bakery, so much history to absorb, the staff are all very knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions you might have , there is a lovely tea room but the chippy is well worth a try !
7. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
8. The Bowes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,727 reviews
It’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years, and now a £12m revamp has transformed The Bowes Museum into a must see 21st Century place to visit.A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a newly opened children’s play area.No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes.If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute info on what’s on when.
Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Finally made it here, having mistakenly thought for years this was a little local history museum, and wow! Amazing and impressive French chateau style building, imposing setting, and a huge and fascinating collection. We quickly decided to concentrate on just a couple of areas to avoid being completely overwhelmed, so watched the unique silver swan demo (of course!) and then went round the absorbing section on the history of the museum followed by the delightful temporary exhibition on the Pre-Raphaelites. We also managed two visits to the excellent cafe (lovely homemade soup and cheese scones) - so much cosier than the cold and windy day outside. A great discovery for me - I’d be delighted to come for another visit to explore further.
9. Raby Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 842 reviews
Reviewed By CathyGilman - London, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful castle and parkland but what really stands out are the team. From the person in the carpark to the welcome at the castle, this is the warmest welcome weve ever had at a place like this. The castle is stunning, especially the views across the deer park. It has been beautifully preserved and well informed volunteers bring it alive. The gardens are lovely with lots of hidden corners and sun traps, easy to get away from other people. Lots to see and do and when we were there a lovely Halloween trail for children ????
10. HMS Trincomalee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
Launched in 1817, HMS Trincomalee is the oldest warship afloat in Europe.
Reviewed By lizgN8794UT
A really interesting and enjoyable place to visit. Although it was a cold blustery February day the welcome was warm and the guided tour round the ship was full of interesting facts and stories. Superb atmospheric cafe and lots of old fashioned quayside workshops. Would be a good day out for children too.
