County Durham in the North of England is a place where history and culture collide with amazing attractions and vibrant festivals. Add to that a generous helping of glorious countryside, and fantastic transport links across the UK, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect holiday.
The beautiful, cultural city of Durham is a must-visit destination while you’re in the county. Steeped in history and set around a scenic river, it’s packed with cafes, chic boutiques, galleries and museums. Besides the city itself, there are many places to stay in Durham, all with their own character and charm.
Enjoy family days out at some of County Durham’s outstanding attractions, or step into the slow lane with a rural break amidst breathtaking countryside. Read on for some of our favourite County Durham destinations, or have a browse of our fantastic collection of holiday cottages in the county.
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North Pennines AONB – best place to stay for wildlife
Unlike our suggestions of other places to visit in County Durham below, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers a vast swathe of the county, encompassing moorland, peatland, meadows, woodland and communities.
Lace up your walking boots and head out on the trails to take in tumbling waterfalls, remnants of industrial heritage, fascinating wildlife and more. There are regular events for adults and children to learn more about nature, so keep an eye on their website.
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Barnard Castle – best place to stay for history buffs
If you’re wondering where to stay in Durham and you’d like a little history on your doorstep, the market town of Barnard Castle is your perfect destination. Its eponymous castle, perched above the River Tees, steals the show, but the town’s independent boutiques and antique shops also offer a little slice of history for you to take home.
Watch a live show at the Witham Arts Centre, pick up some wonderful fresh produce at one of the traditional independent shops, or save yourself the washing up with meals in one of the outstanding eateries. Walk off your lunch in the surrounding countryside; it’s a great base for ramblers.
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Bishop Auckland – best place to stay for walking
Bishop Auckland is one of the best towns in County Durham for walkers, with the stunning grounds of Auckland Castle, the traffic-free Auckland Way and the 74-mile Weardale Way providing scenic rambling opportunities.
More than 200 shops will keep you busy in the town centre, while other attractions include the distinctive viaduct, castle, galleries, town hall arts complex and a host of events throughout the year. Bishop Auckland is positively brimming with culture!
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Beamish – best place to stay for learning about North East England history
The village of Beamish is best known for its world-famous open-air museum, which looks, to all intents and purposes, like a genuine town, frozen in time. Different areas show what life was like for people across the 19th and 20th centuries. There’s a station, tramway, colliery, farms, streets, shops and eateries, with a wealth of interesting things to engage adults and children alike.
As well as the museum, the Beamish area has a golf club with a challenging course and a lovely woodland for walks and picnics.
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Wolsingham – best place to stay for exploring the Durham Dales
Set in Weardale, the small town of Wolsingham is an officially designated ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town. There are routes for all abilities, through scenic forest, around nearby Tunstall Reservoir, along the Weardale Way, and through the rolling Durham Dales.
Sitting on the River Wear, it’s one of the quieter towns to visit in County Durham, but the annual Wolsingham Agricultural Society Show sees it come alive on the first weekend of September.
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Stanhope – best place to stay for a riverside escape
If you’re searching for places to stay in Durham where you can enjoy a balance of relaxation and action, Stanhope is the town for you. It sits in a tranquil location alongside the River Wear, which you can cross on foot via its iconic stepping-stone bridge.
If you’ve got a penchant for fossils, don’t miss the fossilised tree in the churchyard which was moved there from a nearby quarry. The town is also home to the Durham Dales Visitor Centre, where you’ll not only find information about the Dales, but also a tearoom, gift shops, craft shops and gardens.
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Durham – best place to stay for a city break
A captivating university and cathedral city, Durham is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an exciting city break. Follow the winding cobbled streets and explore the treasure trove of shops, galleries, museums and eateries, or head to the banks of the River Wear for relaxing cruises and riverside strolls.
The city is packed full of history and culture: you can’t miss the grand Durham Cathedral (which played a role in the film, Harry Potter) and the fairy-tale fortress of Durham Castle, both of which form part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Darlington – best place to stay for steam trains
Darlington is a large market town, whose claim to fame is that it was the first place in the world that steam-powered passenger trains were used. Delve into this history of the railway in the town’s Head of Steam Museum and admire Stephenson’s shiny Locomotion No.1.
Enjoy a spot of retail therapy in the pedestrianised town centre, and don’t miss the fabulous covered market where you can pick up fresh produce and much more.
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Hamsterley – best place to stay for activities in the forest
Just a few miles from Bishops Auckland, the County Durham village of Hamsterley is best known for the nearby forest which bears its name. Hamsterley Forest is County Durham’s largest and is a hive of activity for everyone including cyclists, families, mountain bikers, horseriders, and stargazers.
The forest has play areas, a café and a bike park – more than enough for a couple of exciting days out surrounded by nature. Meanwhile, one of many nice villages in County Durham, Hamsterley itself has a lovely country pub, The Cross Keys, but little else – cue rest and relaxation!
Allensford – best place to stay for waterside relaxation
If you’re looking for Durham places to stay which are off the beaten track, Allensford could be the ideal destination. A little hamlet with a small country park, it’s on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of some wonderful rural walks.
Allensford Country Park lies along the river and offers a children’s play area, plenty of picnic areas and a cafe. If you’re feeling energetic, you can put your best foot forward on the 12-mile Derwent Walk which can be joined by the park.
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Stay in a holiday cottage in County Durham
If these places to visit in Durham have piqued your interest, we’ve got a lovely range of holiday cottages across County Durham, whether you’re planning to spend an action-packed week with your family or enjoy a quiet getaway as a couple. Maybe you’ve got a celebration coming up and only a large property will do; we’ve got some extra special houses perfect for group getaways.
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