Days out from Durham
If you’re visiting Durham City for a few days, you may wish to venture further afield and explore some of the attractions and places nearby.
Here are a few places that Pointers have enjoyed, almost all within 20 miles of the city. Our Jewel in the Crown leaflet also has a few key suggestions. If you use Facebook, you’ll find even more ideas by searching for “Days out from Durham” on Durham Pointers Facebook, where individual Pointers have shared their experiences.
Whilst we do our best to keep this page up to date, do check with individual websites for the latest information
Do you know what you’re looking for? Jump ahead to
Nature
Low Burn Hall (Woodland Trust)
Free
2 miles from Durham City
This site has a selection of waymarked walks through woodland with many spring flowers. It can be muddy at times. If you’re lucky you may meet the Wicker Man and his family.
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve
Free - Accessible - Cafe
6 miles from Durham City
Here you can wander through a network of accessible pathways linking grassland, woodland, lakes and wetlands. There are many wild birds to be seen from the hides and a WildPlay area for children.
Broom House Farm
Free - Accessible - Cafe
7 miles from Durham City
Although many folks visit for the excellent cafe this farm also has pigs and sheep to visit as well as a large play area with some ride on toys. There’s a separate Forest Adventure trail for older children (charges).
Penshaw Monument
Free - Cafe
12 miles from Durham City
Climb up the hill for stunning views from this 70 ft high folly, built in 1844. The legend of the Lambton Worm tells us it wrapped itself 7 times round Penshaw Hill (or was it Worm hill nearby?)
Hall Hill Farm
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
12 miles from Durham City
A great day out for children where they can pet the animals, enjoy the adventure play area and indoor play barn, have tractor rides and play crazy golf. Check their website for details of special events.
High Force
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
34 miles from Durham City
Part of a UNESCO Geopark in the North Pennines, the River Tees creates High Force waterfall as it tumbles over the Whin Sill dolerite rock. A circular woodland walk takes you to the base of the falls.
Washington Wetland Centre
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
14 miles from Durham City
Run by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust this is a great place to see a wide variety of wetland birds such as flamingos as well as many seasonal visitors. There are even some very cute otters!
Durham’s Heritage Coast
Free - Accessible - Cafe
14 miles from Durham City
Seaham used to have black beaches because of coal mining but now it’s a lovely place to visit. Wander along the cliff top and explore the sandy beaches looking for fossils and sea glass. We love the sculpture “Tommy”created by Ray Lonsdale.
Hardwick Hall Country Park
Free - Accessible - Cafe
15 miles from Durham City
Another nice place for a wander is this Country park with walks, lakes and play areas. Usually you’ll see large flocks of Canada Geese around the main lake. There is a gruffalo trail for children. Although the park is free there are charges for car parking. New eco trail includes brass rubbings and eco info.
Do you know how to get to Durham City and around County Durham?
Our Getting to and Around the City page can help you with that, including information on local buses, rail access and nearby airports
Activities
Adventure Valley
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
5 miles from Durham City
Family adventure park with indoor and outdoor play areas for children, animals to meet and special themed events.
Diggerland
Charges - Cafe
5 miles from Durham City
A wide variety of construction equipment to drive and ride.
Infinite Air Trampoline Park
Charges - Cafe
2.4 miles from Durham City
Trampolines and soft play for all ages.
Top Gear Karting
Charges - Cafe
2 miles from Durham City
This 200m track caters for adults and juniors from 8 years upwards (min height 4ft 2in) and all safety equipment is provided.
Local Links
If you’re looking for more things to do in and around Durham, our Local Links page will connect you with organisations who can provide more information.
Museums and historical sites
Finchale Priory
Free - Cafe
4 miles from Durham City
Founded in 1196 on the site of the hermitage of St Godric, the remains of Finchale Priory, an English Heritage site, stand on the banks of the River Wear and are a pleasant place to explore. The bridge over the river leads to pleasant river bank walks in both directions. Car recommended, charges for parking.
Ushaw Historic House
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
4 miles from Durham City
Previously a catholic seminary, Ushaw’s splendid architecture is the work of the Pugins. The chapel is spectacular, the gardens are delightful and there are changing special exhibitions. If you’re lucky you may be able to sign up for a tour of the fascinating library which houses many rare books.
Beamish
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
11 miles from Durham City
A day is not sufficient to see everything Beamish has to offer. This award winning open air museum chronicles the history of the North East between 1820 and 1950. Ride old buses and trams, explore the drift mine, pit village, farms and towns from different eras. Try cinder toffee, home baked bread or fish and chips.
Locomotion
Free - Accessible - Cafe
13 miles from Durham City
Even if you’re not a train fanatic you can enjoy a trip to Locomotion. In the huge shed there are some impressive trains from all eras of railway history. You can ride on the route of the original railway in “the cradle of the railways”. There are always activities for children too.
The Auckland Project
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
13 miles from Durham City
Auckland Castle is the historic seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham and home to the famous Zuberon paintings. The Mining Art gallery displays work from the pitman painters; the Spanish gallery is worth a visit too. View the site from the “Siege” Tower visitor centre and stroll around the gardens and deer park.
National Museum Royal Navy
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
19 miles from Durham City
HMS Trincomalee is the oldest floating British warship and the last of Admiral Lord Nelson’s Frigates so it’s well worth taking the time to explore this ship. You’ll also be able to visit the historic 18th century quay and the fighting ships exhibition. There’s a nice children’s play area too.
Bowes Museum
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
21 miles from Durham City
Bowes Museum was built to house the art collections of John Bowes and his wife Josephine in 1892. Resembling a French chateau it has displays of art, fashion and design as well as regular special exhibitions. The Silver Swan is one of the most well loved exhibits.
Raby Castle
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
18 miles from Durham City
Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family and the location for the Rising of the North plot, Raby is an impressive castle set in acres of deer park. Learn the history, stroll in the park and entertain the children in the Plotters Forest play park.
Washington Old Hall
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
12 miles from Durham City
This compact 13th century manor house was the ancestral home of the family of George Washington, first president of the United States. Explore the manor house and gardens and learn about the families who lived there.
Need more to do?
For more ideas on what to do in and around Durham City, why not take a look at: