County Durham combines historic towns, rural landscapes and coast. Its nature and cultural experiences range from extensive woodland trails to railway history and coastal activities. You can shape your trip around the themes that interest you most, rather than limiting yourself to just one way of exploring.
Woodland, water and protected landscapes
Hamsterley Forest is the largest forest in County Durham and has an extensive network of walking trails and paths. Mountain biking and disc golf are also available. You can collect discs at the visitor centre. This means there are various activities to enjoy in the forest: walking, cycling and a round of disc golf.
High Force waterfall is 21 metres high. A circular walking trail through the forest leads to its base. Much of the area lies within the North Pennines National Landscape and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Check the latest local notices.
Castle Eden Dene has a different landscape: this national nature reserve comprises 221 hectares of woodland and lowland grassland. The area is home to more than 450 plant species, as well as deer and foxes. A short, accessible path starts at the car park by the lodge. If conditions affect the paths, visitor access may change, so check the latest notices before your visit.
Coastal paths and nature experiences
The Durham Heritage Coast is internationally recognised for its rare plants and wildlife. An 11-mile path runs along the coast. Seaham offers impressive cycling routes along the cliffs, and visitors can also search for Seaham sea glass there. The coastal path, cycling routes and sea-glass hunting offer different ways to engage with the landscape.
For a regional view, the North Pennines offer some of the darkest skies in the country, making them ideal for stargazing. This adds a distinctive natural highlight to the daytime experiences.
Museums, railways and architectural history
Beamish is a living museum: visitors can walk along historic streets, meet costumed interpreters and watch traditional crafts in action. The museum can also be visited without a car. If you are planning to travel this way, check the latest transport options in advance.
Locomotion is in Shildon, the world’s first railway town. A precise historical reference point for railway history is 27 September 1825: on that day, the world’s first fare-paying passenger train journey took place on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The Bowes Museum is in Barnard Castle. It is a Grade 1 listed, accredited museum with Grade 2 listed parkland. The museum holds a designated collection of European fine and decorative art. Raby Castle offers a different historical perspective: the castle was built in the 14th century by the influential Neville family. Its 200-acre deer park is home to red and fallow deer.
The Church of St Mary in Seaham also connects architectural history with a specific date. It may date from the 8th century and was restored in 1913. The tentative date and confirmed year of restoration tell different parts of its history.
Getting around Durham
County Durham can be explored by train, bus, bicycle or on foot. Check the latest transport options before your trip. The Cathedral Bus connects Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle with the railway station and the coach drop-off area at Freeman’s Place. Check the current operating days in advance if you plan to use this service.
Discover more destinations: West Auckland, Spennymoor, Shincliffe, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Durham, Croxdale, Crook, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Headlam, Bowburn, Stanhope, Haswell, Chester-Le-Street, Burnhope, Sacriston, Seaham, Hutton Magna, Wolsingham, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Lanchester, West Rainton, Stanley, Peterlee, Shotley Bridge, Hamsterley, Wycliffe, Witton-Le-Wear, Staindrop, Ebchester, Evenwood, Romaldkirk, Byers Green, High Etherley, Hunwick, Pelton, Woodland, Tow Law, Shildon, Horden and Bishop Middleham.
For the wider travel overview: North East England.
