Things to do in County Durham

Top Things to Do in County Durham, England - County Durham Attractions

Things to Do in County Durham


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

Top Attractions in County 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.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Carol B
    Birmingham, UK39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited on a day of drizzle but there was plenty to do and the annual pass will enable us to go back.

    We chose to spend our time at the 1950s village and the pit village and colliery. There is ongoing development as there’s a cinema being erected but it doesn’t detract from the experience. We used the bus to get around, I took the short 15 minute tour down the coal seam which is low in height and damp underfoot though worth doing to understand more.

    A shout out to the new staff and volunteers who had just joined and were being trained. We chatted to two in the police houses, and one in Davy’s fish and chip shop. We had good conversations and information from staff in the pharmacy, bakery and the Co-op haberdashers.
    Written 16 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
    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.
  • Jason H
    Wakefield, UK153 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum itself was great with lots of interesting exhibits. The horseradish on the sandwiches in the cafe left a lot to be desired though. You expect a kick with horseradish - but this was bland and not worth bothering.
    Written 23 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • andreareid05
    Penrith, UK20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent day out and value for money. Each room in the castle has the wow factor. The deer park is beautiful and not too tasking to walk around, very accessible. The guides were fantastic, knowledgeable and engaging. All of the staff from the castle, shop and cafe were so friendly it added to a special day. I do find the North East people to be the friendliest in the UK.
    Written 16 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.
  • Becks_R
    Hebden Bridge, UK203 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is a real find! Informative, interactive and a great way to get a real feel of how life would have been back in the day. Our group ranged from 11-47 and we all enjoyed it. The only negative I would say are the staff who were so miserable, unwelcoming and uninformative I’m not sure why they bother turning up for work. On scanning our tickets the lady at the desk had ample opportunity to tell us that the access to the HMS Trincomalee was only at specific times, that the cafe was closing soon and that the shop and whole place closed at 4pm. Instead we had to keep going back to ask questions and on leaving we’re met with disdain as she had to unlock the door for us to leave. We felt very embarrassed but having opted for the 3pm ticket slot we didn’t realise that there was only 1 hour to see it all! Our mistake for not checking closing time but disappointing to be treated like we were a nuisance when we just wanted to enjoy the visit which we had travelled 2 hours for!
    Written 16 March 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.
  • 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.
  • GalaTA
    Galashiels, UK124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My grandchildren have never stopped talking about Diggerland since they returned . Worth every penny for a full day out. Lot of things to do and see with no extra charges unlike some attractions like Centre Parks ,the kids loved every minute of it . Staff were brilliant .
    Would highly recommend for kids AND adults .
    Written 24 October 2023
    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.
  • jeand1624
    Lichfield, UK215 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A truly wonderful sculpture/statue of a WW1 Tommy. Looking into the face of this sculpture was quite emotional, it said so much and the artist clearly put his heart into it.
    The Tommy was commissioned to commemorate the First World War centenary and is very awe inspiring. I was amazed to learn from a passerby that the townspeople raised over £100,000 so it could be kept in Seaham.
    It's over 9ft tall, was created by local artist Ray Lonsdale and is entitled Eleven O One '1101'.
    The whole area is one of memorial and truly stunning.
    Written 3 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravellingGran
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited here on a stay away, never been before, very interesting. Was quiet as probably not the best weather for visitors, but that was nice for us to get around. Little bits are a bit worn and tired looking and need a spruce up. But would recommend for people who are visiting the area
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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