What’s Happening in Durham in March/April 2026?
Longer days, lighter evenings and plenty of reasons to explore the city.
We love Durham in early spring. The first colour returns to the riverbanks and our Pointing season begins again on 4th April, when we will be back with our trusty trike in Durham Market Place.
Durham Pointers keep a list of the city’s main annual events on our website and from April we will be producing our weekly events list again, but here’s a closer look at what’s coming up locally over the next couple of months.
Exhibitions to See This Spring
One of the standout exhibitions is Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum at the Durham University Oriental Museum (until 31 May). It tells the story of how China’s imperial palace evolved into today’s Palace Museum, bringing an international perspective to Durham.
At Cosin’s Library, Shakespeare Recovered: Durham’s First Folio (until 6 April) offers a rare opportunity to see Durham’s own First Folio and reflect on the city’s literary heritage.
Meanwhile, The Story presents All Change! The Social Impact of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in the 200 Years After 1825, marking two centuries since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how railways reshaped communities across the region.
Poily Pointer enjoying some fortune cookies
Guided Tours & Walks
Spring is one of the best times to explore Durham on foot.
Regular Tuesday “History of Durham” walks set off from Crook Hall Gardens at 1pm, with additional free guided walks on 7 March (Crook Hall to the Oriental Museum) and 22 March (Durham and the River Wear).
On 14 March, Ken Bradshaw’s Six Prince Bishops – And What Did They Do for Durham? (£5) offers a lively look at the powerful churchmen who shaped the city.
Don’t forget you can also join one of the free wellbeing walks: on Tuesdays at 10.00 at The Story or on Wednesdays at 10.15 from Clayport Library. They are an excellent way to enjoy the city and make new friends, with the added benefit of keeping you a little bit fitter!
At Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Discover Redhills: Past, Present and Future guided tours (23 March, 7 & 18 April) provide insight into the Miners’ Hall’s heritage and restoration.
The Story also hosts Durham Day spotlight tours (20–21 March) and free National Lottery Open Day tours (11 & 12 March — bring a lottery ticket).
First page of Shakespeare’s First Folio
Walkers on Prebends’ Bridge
Festivals & Special Events
Spring celebrations begin early with the Spring Beer Festival at the Station House (4–7 March).
On 7 March, the Oriental Museum hosts a colourful Holi Festival, and on 14 March St Patrick’s Day is celebrated at Walkergate Durham with music and plenty of green spirit.
Later in the month (27 March), Redhills presents Stand Up for the Miners , an evening of comedy and politics in a building long associated with debate and community action.
Easter & Family Activities
As Easter approaches, Durham becomes especially family-friendly.
Crook Hall Gardens hosts an Easter egg hunt (3–6 April), while the Durham University Botanic Garden offers an Easter chick hunt (5 April) and Crazy Creatures (14 April).
These outdoor events are a lovely way to enjoy Durham’s gardens as they begin to bloom again.
Durham World Heritage Day
A highlight of the season will be Durham World Heritage Day on 18 April, centred on Palace Green. The programme includes a free walk and talk exploring St Margaret’s Allotments (10am from Palace Green Library, Cathedral Museum conservation talks and a heritage fair and family activities in Durham Castle. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the city’s World Heritage status and reconnect with its historic heart.
Statue at Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall
Crook Hall
Durham Cathedral
Durham in Spring
Visit our Things to Do in Durham pages. You’ll find links to museums, galleries, heritage sites and seasonal activities with up-to-date opening hours.
Follow Durham Pointers on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on attractions in Durham city centre, hidden gems, and upcoming events.