Easy Day Trips From Durham By Bus in 2025
Not every adventure needs a car. Durham is well connected by public transport, and you can reach historic towns, castles, seaside walks, shopping centres and even world-class museums by bus in under an hour or two. Here are some of our favourite easy day trips by bus from Durham.
Bishop Auckland – History, Art and Scones
Why visit Bishop Auckland?
There is a lot to see in Bishop Auckland. Start your day with an excellent scone and coffee in the Town Hall café, a handsome building that looks more like a French stately home. There are often interesting free art exhibitions inside too. For an overview of the town, climb the Auckland Tower (also free), which gives wide views across Bishop Auckland and introduces the history of the area.
If you would prefer a totally free day out, then wander into the Auckland Castle Deer Park. Spot the willow sculptures, find the Deer House and peer over the wall into the walled garden (though there is a charge to enter that).
For those keen to explore more, a ticket to the Auckland Project attractions is excellent value. Buy an annual pass and you can return several times. Options include:
Auckland Castle, once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, with its famous Zurbarán paintings and historic rooms.
The Faith Museum, covering beliefs and culture from prehistoric times to today.
The Mining Art Gallery, featuring paintings by the celebrated “Pitman Painters.”
The Spanish Gallery, one of the UK’s largest collections of 16th and 17th-century Spanish art outside London (guided tours only).
Norman Cornish’s Miners’ Gala mural at Bishop Auckland Town Hall – a striking tribute to Durham’s mining heritage and community spirit.
How do I get to Bishop Auckland by public transport?
Bus no 6 or X21 from Durham Bus Station. The 6 runs via New Elvet, past the university library and up South Road by the colleges, while the X21 goes via Neville’s Cross and along by the Duke of Wellington. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Barnard Castle and Raby Castle – Market Town and Medieval Power
Why should I go to Barnard Castle?
Barnard Castle is a delightful market town in Teesdale, full of small independent shops and cafés. Nobia and Sons African Café is worth a stop, as is Rise artisan bakery.
History lovers can explore the ruins of the 12th-century castle, or walk a mile to the picturesque Egglestone Abbey. Just outside the town is the magnificent Bowes Museum, built in the style of a French château by John and Josephine Bowes to display their extraordinary art collection.
On the way from Bishop Auckland, the no 85 bus passes by another castle worth a stop: Raby Castle. Once home to the Neville family, this striking medieval fortress set in a deer park was the birthplace of Cecily Neville, mother of Edward IV and Richard III..
Raby Castle in County Durham – a historic medieval fortress set in beautiful deer parkland, open to visitors for tours, walks and events.
How do I get from Durham to Barnard Castle?
There are two main routes. Take the no 6 or X21 to Bishop Auckland, then the 85 to Barnard Castle. Alternatively, take the no 7 to Darlington, then change to the X75 or X76. Be sure to check times and connections when planning your day
Seaham – Sea Glass and Fish and Chips
Why go to Seaham?
Who doesn’t enjoy a trip to the seaside? The bus takes you right to the centre of Seaham, a short walk from the coast. Stroll down to the marina, where there are cafés, a small sandy beach and a free lifeboat museum that is surprisingly engaging.
On the way, you will pass the powerful “Tommy” statue by Ray Lonsdale, a moving tribute to the First World War. Drop down onto the pebbly beach to hunt for Seaham’s famous sea glass, or simply enjoy the shoreline. Heading south brings you to Blast Beach, once used as a film location, and along the cliffs to Noses Point Nature Reserve.
No seaside trip is complete without fish and chips, and Seaham has several excellent options. Many visitors finish with ice cream at Lickety Split before heading home.
Seaham Beach on the Durham Heritage Coast – a dramatic stretch of shoreline known for sea glass, coastal walks and striking rock formations.
Getting to Seaham from Durham
Bus 65 from Durham Bus Station via Gilesgate.
Newcastle – Culture, Shopping and the Quayside
What can I do in Newcastle?
Newcastle offers an endless range of things to do. For culture, visit the Laing Art Gallery, the Hatton, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Discovery Museum, the Centre for Life and the Great North Museum (Hancock). For history, climb the “new” castle that gave the city its name.
The Quayside is perfect for a riverside stroll or bike ride. Take your own bike on the train or hire one from the Cycle Hub in Ouseburn. The city is full of striking architecture, and you can book a guided walk or pick up a heritage leaflet from the Central Library.
In the evening, enjoy live music at The Glasshouse or the Arena, or see a theatre performance. Newcastle is also famous for its nightlife, though it may be best to give the Bigg Market a miss if you prefer things quieter.
Sunset over Newcastle Quayside with the Sage Gateshead and Tyne Bridge reflected in the River Tyne – just a short trip from Durham.
Public transport between Durham and Newcastle
X21, X12 or 21 buses from Durham Bus Station. Some services pass the Palatine Centre, and the 21 stops at the Angel of the North. Trains from Durham take around 15 minutes.
Beamish – The Living Museum of the North
Why is Beamish a must-see?
Beamish is one of Britain’s top attractions, often used as a film set. The open-air museum is vast, covering everything from an 1820s manor house to a 1950s town.
Ride the vintage trams and buses, explore the pit village, venture underground into the mine, visit the farm, and step into shops, schools and homes from the past. Try fish and chips cooked in dripping on a coal-fired range (queues are likely) or watch cinder toffee being made. One ticket lasts for a year, so you can return to explore areas you missed.
Historic Northern bus at Beamish Museum, County Durham – an open-air museum bringing the North East’s industrial and social history to life.
How do I get to Beamish?
Take the 21, X21 or 50 to Chester-le-Street, then change to the 8, 28 or 29 for Beamish. Some Go North East tickets may offer discounts on entry.
Hartlepool – Ships, Monkeys and Maritime History
What can I do in Hartlepool?
Hartlepool has a quirky claim to fame with the story of the Hartlepool Monkey, said to have been hanged during the Napoleonic Wars. Look up the tale before you go and listen to Vin Garbutt’s song about it for the full flavour.
The main attraction is the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which recreates an 18th-century seaport. The star exhibit is HMS Trincomalee, Britain’s oldest floating warship. There is also an art gallery and plenty of seafront to explore.
HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool Historic Quay — the UK’s oldest warship still afloat, part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
How do I get to Hartlepool?
Bus 24 (via Gilesgate) or 58 and 59 (via the Palatine Centre).
The Metrocentre – Shopping and Entertainment
What is the Metro Centre?
The Metrocentre in Gateshead was once Europe’s largest shopping mall and still has hundreds of shops under one roof. Alongside the big high street names you will also find independent stores and nearby retail parks, including Ikea.
It is also a good option if you are looking for a mix of shopping and fun. There is a cinema, bowling, Clip ’n Climb, adventure mini golf and plenty of arcades to keep children and teenagers entertained. Eating is easy too, with a wide choice of restaurants in the Qube dining area and several fast food options in the lower malls.
Metrocentre, Gateshead - Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre, with over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Getting to the Metro Centre
Take the X12 or X21 to Gateshead Interchange, then the X66 to the Metrocentre. Trains also run from Newcastle.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the places you can reach easily by bus from Durham. Whether you fancy castles, museums, seaside walks or a shopping spree, there is plenty of choice without needing to drive. For more ideas, see our Days out from Durham and Things to do in Durham City guides.