Durham Holidays

Things to do in and around Durham

Durham offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for an enriching vacation. Visitors can explore educational sites and recreational areas, with key attractions including the impressive Durham Castle tour and various activity centres. Additionally, opportunities for body treatments are available, enhancing the overall experience in this charming city.

Shopping

In Durham, you can enjoy shopping at Grainger Market, featuring local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Intu shopping centre for a wider range of shops and entertainment, located 20.9km away.

Recreation

At Spennymoor Leisure Centre, indulge in various wellness activities amidst a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for rejuvenation. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club combines sports and stunning outdoor views, ideal for a refreshing day on the greens. Meanwhile, Hetton Lyons Country Park offers tranquil spaces for relaxation and connection with nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Karting North East, located 12.9km from Durham, where you can test your driving skills on an exciting track. Alternatively, unleash your competitive spirit at Massive Attack Paintball, also 12.9km away, for a fun-filled day of paintball action amidst the adventure vibes.

If you prefer a more serene adventure, explore the Waskerly Way Bike Path, situated 12.9km from Durham. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you cycle along this scenic route, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a bit of adventure in nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Durham with an adventure at Diggerland for some thrilling arcade fun. For a touch of culture and romance, catch a show at the Gala Theatre. If you're in the mood for a film, Cineworld Dalton Park offers an entertaining cinematic escape, just 12.9km away.

Find the best attractions in and around Durham

Durham is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. With attractions like the historic Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, as well as the beautiful Durham Dales, there's plenty to explore. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, the captivating castle experience, and the vibrant urban parks, making it a perfect spot for cultural and family-friendly outings.

• Durham University: An esteemed institution with a rich history, Durham University boasts stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. Explore its cultural offerings, including art exhibitions and lectures, while soaking in the vibrant student atmosphere that adds life to this historic campus.
• Durham Cathedral: A masterpiece of Norman architecture, Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its intricate stonework and soaring ceilings. Join guided tours to learn about its fascinating history and enjoy the serene ambience of this iconic religious site.
• Beamish Open Air Museum: Located 12.9km from Durham, Beamish immerses visitors in the history of the North East, showcasing life from the 1820s to the 1940s. Walk through a recreated village, ride on vintage trams, and interact with costumed historians for a truly engaging experience.

Best time to go to Durham

The best time to visit Durham can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Durham falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Durham falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
June	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Durham

Durham provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers, with free attractions such as Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and Chapman's Well Local Nature Reserve. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between December and February, when prices are lower, particularly on Thursdays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for the best rates. Utilize Expedia to compare hotel deals, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for further savings. For transport, buses and trains are economical options to explore the city.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Durham are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Durham is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay in Durham is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Durham with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.