A holiday in Durham has so much for everyone to enjoy. In the city of Durham is a magnificent Cathedral, ancient castle and historic town, towards the beauty of the Durham Dales are rolling hills, historic castles and pretty villages and, last but by no means least, on the coast are long sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Discover Durham’s rich history, art and culture through local museums and galleries.
Where to stay
Barnards Castle Camping and Caravanning site, Barnard’s Castle
Set within walking distance of Barnard’s Castle, this pretty tree lined site is an ideal spot for exploring the Durham Dales. With 90 level pitches and facilities including a children’s play area and a visiting fish and chip van.
Strawberry Hill Farm, Durham
Strawberry Hill Farm is a family-run landscaped touring park set in the beautiful Durham countryside and with many of Durham’s attractions within easy reach. There are modern facilities, a children’s play area and a tea shop onsite.
Shapley Camping, Seaton
A small, minimal site with 10 pitches, half of which with electric hook up, Shapley Camping is ideal for those who want a laid back relaxed campsite for their Durham holiday. Not only can you catch glimpses of the sea from on site, it is just 10 minutes from Seaham and 20 minutes from Durham city. Campfires are allowed and there are free pedal go karts to entertain the kids.
Durham Days out
Best for families: Beamish Museum
Beamish is an award-winning living open air Museum where costumed folk and original buildings (transported brick by brick) take you right back to what life was like in North East England in the 1820s,1900s and 1920s. Through stories of life in the towns and villages, find out what it was like to work in a colliery or on the farm as a land girl in the Second World War. Set in 300 acres of beautiful Duham countryside, there is a full programme of events year round, such as The Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair and The Great North Festival of Agriculture. Food is available from the tea shop, Davys fish and chip shop, Jubilee Confectioners sweet shop, Herron’s Bakery and The Sun Inn, all in the 1900s town.
Best for sightseeing: Durham
Called ‘a perfect little city’ by renowned author Bill Bryson, here you can explore the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO Heritage Sites. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a 325 step climb up the cathedral central tower, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the city and beyond. Take the time to wander the winding cobbled streets, do a tour of the university buildings, visit the Market Hall containing 40 independent traders and take a relaxing walk along the river. With plenty of cafes, boutiques, galleries and museums, the city of Durham is a perfect day out for all the family.
Best for history and culture: Bishop Auckland
A bustling market town in the Vale of Durham, Bishop Auckland is an historic town centre. Within walking distance is the magnificent Auckland Castle, one of the best preserved Bishop’s palaces in Europe, and the beautiful grounds. Visit the 150 acre Deer Park for a lovely picnic, Auckland Tower for great views and Mining Art Gallery and Bishop Trevor Gallery to see local art.
Durham Beaches
Best for families: Seaham
Seaham is a pleasant sandy beach that stretches for around a mile and is backed by a promenade. Above the beach is a sculpture of a First World War soldier, known locally as “Tommy”. The town also offers a marina, shops and other attractions around the harbour. In the 1920’s Seaham was home to the biggest glass factory, so the beach is a great place to look for smooth, multi coloured sea glass, as well as shells and fossils.
Best for dogs: Crimdon
This quiet, long sandy beach is perfect for days out with your pooch, as they are allowed on all year round. There are sand dunes further down the beach that form part of the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve.
Best for nature: Denemouth South Beach
Denemouth South Beach brings together three different nature reserves; Castle Eden Dene Nature Reserve, Durham Coast Nature Reserve and the Blackhall Rocks Nature Reserve. The beach and surrounding areas are abundant in wildlife and modern art sculptures alike, due to it being part of the Durham Heritage Coast.
See this
Barnard Castle
Standing high on a rock overlooking the River Tees, this 12th century fortress has spectacular views over the Tees gorge. The castle takes its name from its founder Bernard de Balliol and was later developed by the Beaucamp family before being passed on to Richard III. Watch out for Richard’s boar emblem which was carved above the window in the inner ward. The town of Teesdale is well worth a visit, with a variety of independent and antique shops.
High Force Waterfall
The River Tees has been tumbling down into this gorge for thousands of years, revealing rocks that originate over 300 millions of years ago. A pretty wooded walk leads you to the base of High Force Waterfall, where you can experience the sheer force of the water as it cascades 21 metres into a plunge pool. Roughly one and a half miles downstream is Low Force Waterfall, a slightly smaller but no less impressive sight.
Do this
Go for a row
If a leisurely row along the River Wear in a traditional wooden boat sounds idyllic to you. then head to Browns Rowing Boats. Offering hires of these hand-built wooden boats since the 1900s, you can experience the tranquility of the river as you gently float through the heart of Durham city. Keep an eye out for herons and kingfishers that live and feed on the banks of this river.
Discover the Durham Dales
Part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Durham Dales incorporates Teesdale and Weardale. This picturesque landscape of moor, hills and valleys is dotted with market towns and villages. Walking and cycling is a great way to explore through the marked routes and for photo enthusiasts, there is no shortage of stunning views. Historic castles, pretty towns and villages offer an array of refreshment stops and tempting treats along the way.
Eat this
Tasty Trails
There are two tasty trails in the Durham Dales; Teesdale and Weardale and Derwent Valley. Home to award-winning food and drink made by passionate local producers, you’ll find yourself in tearooms, microbreweries, farm shops and restaurants tasting the finest food and drink Durham has to offer.
Bells Fish and Chips
In the heart of Durham city are five Bells fish and chips outlets all offering classic fish and chips cooked in the old-fashioned way: deep fried in the best beef dripping. Simply delicious!
Drink this
Flat White Kitchen
After visiting all the wonderful sights and historic buildings Durham has to offer, it might be time to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee at this highly acclaimed independent coffee house. Situated in a beautifully renovated 17th century townhouse, it is a lovely location to stop, relax and treat yourself.
The Shakespeare
Set in a 12th century building, The Shakespeare is known as Durham’s most haunted pub and even features on the city’s ghost tour. Enjoy your pint, listen to the local’s ghostly tales and watch out for dark figures lurking around the corner.
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