Places to stay in Durham

Five free things to do in Durham

Durham Cathedral and Castle

Undoubtedly the biggest draw in this perfect little city, no trip to Durham is complete without strolling around the grounds of the cathedral and castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The North Penines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty incorporates much of the Durham Dales and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, wonderful woods and stone-built villages. A must see.

High Force Waterfall

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole country, High Force waterfall features a 70-foot drop into the plunge pool below, and is a truly breathtaking and unforgettable sight.

Castle Eden Dene

Featuring 12 miles of walks through a spectacular wooded valley, Castle Eden Dene is full to the brim with wild flowers and woodland birds, and many areas of the reserve remain unaltered since the Ice Age.

Seaham

To make the most of a sunny day, why not take a trip to the seaside at Seaham on Durham's Heritage Coast? The beach's tranquil beauty is perfect for strolls with the dog, or playing around in the many inviting rock pools.

Breathtaking scenery and award-winning attractions in Durham

Based in the North East of England, Durham is probably most famous for its iconic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Used in many film and TV productions - including the Harry Potter series no less - the cathedral's spectacular stained-glass windows and ceiling wow thousands of visitors a year.

The city centre itself is a maze of little cobbled streets, each one home to a number of independent hidden gems to keep you occupied for hours. Riverside dining is also recommended during your stay, with the views from every part of the city spectacular.