Campsites in County Durham

Situated in the north-east of England, County Durham benefits from a diverse assortment of attractions that make this a top-notch UK holiday destination. From fun family entertainments to stunning landscapes and superb museums, visitors will have no shortage of great things to see and do in County Durham...

Don’t Miss

• Durham Cathedral
• Beamish Open Air Museum
• The Bowes Museum
• High Force Waterfall

Sightseeing

County Durham has many treats in store for visitors who are keen to discover ancient and awe-inspiring architecture. The magnificent Durham Cathedral is a Grade 1 listed building that dates from the 11^th century. Forming part of the Durham World Heritage Site, the cathedral is one of Europe’s greatest examples of Norman architecture. Durham Castle is also part of the Durham World Heritage Site that is well worth exploring. Dating from the 11^th century, the castle now serves as the oldest college of Durham University and its history can be discovered through an informative guided tour.

Castle lovers are in luck as County Durham also boasts other enticing castles that will fire up the imagination. Auckland Castle has served as the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham for almost nine centuries and contains a number of important artworks including paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán. In addition the 14^th century Raby Castle will tempt visitors with its grand interiors featuring a mix of medieval, Regency and Victorian styles, as well as its pretty park and gardens. The beautiful gardens at Crook Hall will also delight visitors, as will the 13^th century medieval hall which is a Grade 1 listed building.

County Durham also has several military-themed attractions that are well worth seeing. The World War One Soldier Sculpture in Seaham is a striking piece that won’t fail to move anyone who sees it, while a visit to the HMS Trincomalee which is berthed at Hartlepool enables sightseers to take in the majestic sight of Britain’s oldest warship still floating today. Alternatively the Binchester Roman Fort provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about a very different military period. The fort was constructed in the first century AD and today visitors can discover the remains of a Roman bath house as they explore the sight.

County Durham also features a variety of excellent museums that are perfect for visitors seeking informative entertainment. The Beamish Museum is a superb open-air museum that provides insight into life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, as well as the 1940s. Art lovers should definitely add the Bowes Museum to their itinerary, as the museum’s incredible collection of artwork ranging from paintings to furniture and sculptures is sure to impress.

Visitors with an interest in the Orient will certainly enjoy exploring the Oriental Museum which includes collections covering art and archaeology associated with North African and Asian cultures. Train and railway enthusiasts should make tracks for the National Railway Museum in Shildon  which is home to over 70 railway heritage vehicles and hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions throughout the year. A visit to the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery also promises an entertaining day out where visitors can explore the collections of the Durham Light Infantry Museum as well as the biggest modern and contemporary art gallery in County Durham. 

Nature lovers are well catered for in County Durham thanks to natural attractions such as the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.The AONB contains the Durham Dales within which visitors can see the superb High Force Waterfall that can be reached through a lovely woodland walk.

Hardwick Park with its beautiful lake and woodland will entice visitors to stroll through this pretty country park, while Hamsterley Forest boasts a number of walking, cycling and horse-riding trails through picturesque surroundings. Also well worth visiting is Durham University Botanic Garden which features plants from around the world, as well as intriguing sculptures located across the garden.

Activities

The North Pennines offer a striking backdrop for enjoying a wide variety of activities. Kayaking, bushcraft, cycling, rock climbing, fishing, horse riding, sailing, stargazing and walking are just some of the fun activities that can be experienced in this incredible AONB.  

Outdoor enthusiasts who want to discover Durham’s spectacular coastal scenery are sure to enjoy exploring the Durham Heritage Coastal Footpath. The footpath is around 11 miles in length and stretches between Seaham and Crimdon, with a variety of local flora and fauna to see along the way as well as the opportunity to take detours to explore the coastal villages and beaches en route.

The Waskerley Way Railway Path is also sure to tempt walkers and cyclists with its 9.7-mile route that takes in a variety of surroundings including woodland, moorland and reservoirs.

Durham also boasts many other fantastic walks and cycling routes to suit all fitness and experience levels, from family-friendly routes to more difficult trails for individuals who want a rewarding challenge.

Thrill seekers should race to Fury Events which is an outdoor activity centre offering a variety of activities that are sure to get excitement levels up. Visitors can enjoy beautiful countryside settings as they experience the speed and adventure of quad biking, rage buggies and 4x4 off-roading or test their aiming skills with clay pigeon shooting and archery.

Family Days Out

Families looking for a great day out in Durham won’t be disappointed with plenty of exciting family-friendly attractions to get stuck into. For a wild time with animals swoop into Walworth Castle Birds of Prey for superb flying displays and a wide choice of falconry experiences that provide unforgettable hands-on interaction with birds of prey.

Alternatively for farmyard fun hoof it to Hall Hill Farm or Down at the Farm for the opportunity to feed and handle adorable animals and even get involved in more unusual activities such as pig washing or lamb racing!

Kids and dirt just seem to attract one another so let them have at it and dig into the fun at Diggerland where the chance to operate full-sized construction machinery will have children and adults alike eager to get in the driving seat. Alternatively leave the earth behind and head into the trees at Beamish Wild for plenty of monkey business with an exhilarating high ropes course that is suitable for visitors aged 10 years old and upwards. However, younger family members don’t need to miss out on the action either thanks to Adventure Valley which is packed full of entertainments such as pedal go-karts, many cute critters to greet, plus indoor play barns that will keep the fun coming even when it rains.

Alternatively for something a little bit different why not enjoy a delightful train ride along the Tanfield Railway which is the oldest railway in the world. In addition to travelling over the ground, families can also travel underneath it thanks to a fantastic underground guided tour through a Victorian lead mine at the Killhope Lead Mining Museum. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience also offers wave upon wave of exciting attractions, with the opportunity to explore not only the HMS Trincomalee but also a recreated 18^th century seaport with period shops and buildings, a fascinating museum and a restored paddle steamer.