{"id":200540,"date":"2025-12-04T23:40:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T23:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/?p=200540"},"modified":"2025-12-04T23:40:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T23:40:41","slug":"top-10-things-to-do-in-durham-with-the-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/top-10-things-to-do-in-durham-with-the-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Things to Do in Durham with the Family"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for the best things to do in Durham with the family? Whether you\u2019re local to the North East or planning a weekend break, Durham City and the surrounding county offer an incredible mix of history, nature, adventure, and hands-on fun that appeals to toddlers, teenagers, and adults alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the world-famous Durham Cathedral and Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to hidden gem museums and vast country parks, here are the top 10 things to do in Durham that guarantee happy kids and relaxed parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Explore Durham Cathedral and Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No list of <\/span><b>things to do in Durham City<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would be complete without <a href=\"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/travel-spot-guide\/durham-cathedral\/\">the iconic Cathedral<\/a> and Castle. Perched dramatically above the River Wear, these 900-year-old buildings starred as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter films and still wow visitors today.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climb the Cathedral\u2019s 325-step Central Tower for panoramic views (children over 8 welcome).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join a family-friendly guided tour or pick up the free \u201cExplorer Backpacks\u201d filled with activities for 5\u201311-year-olds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the Open Treasure exhibition \u2013 interactive displays, the monastic cloister, and the actual Lego model of the cathedral built from 350,000 bricks!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip: Book tower climb tickets in advance, especially during school holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Cruise the River Wear with Prince Bishop River Cruiser<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most relaxing <\/span><b>things to do in Durham with kids<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is hopping aboard the Prince Bishop River Cruiser. These one-hour commented cruises depart from Brown\u2019s Boatyard beneath Elvet Bridge and glide past the cathedral peninsula.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spot herons, kingfishers, and even the occasional otter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The boat has a covered lower deck (perfect for British weather) and an open top deck for sunny days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children under 5 travel free; family tickets are excellent value.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Get Hands-On at the Diggerland Durham Adventure Park<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just 15 minutes from Durham City in Langley Park lies Diggerland \u2013 the UK\u2019s most unusual theme park where children (and adults!) actually drive and operate real diggers and dumpers.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 20 different rides and drives including Spindizzy, Dig-a-Round, and the Dumper Trucks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for ages 3 upwards; height restrictions are generous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor soft-play zone and caf\u00e9 for when you need a break.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Easily one of the most memorable family things to do near Durham.<\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Meet Monkeys and Lemurs at Adventure Valley<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located only 10 minutes from the city centre in Brasside, Adventure Valley is the North East\u2019s biggest family adventure park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlights:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily animal encounters \u2013 feed meerkats, stroke rabbits, and walk with lemurs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massive indoor play barn (perfect for rainy days).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go-karts, crazy golf, tractor rides, and outdoor adventure play areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New for 2025: expanded dinosaur trail with animatronic beasts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open 362 days a year \u2013 a lifesaver during school holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Step Back in Time at Beamish \u2013 The Living Museum of the North<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>A 25-minute drive from Durham City, Beamish is routinely voted one of the best family days out in the UK. This open-air museum brings the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s to life.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ride vintage trams and buses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy sweets from an old-fashioned sweet shop using pre-decimal \u201cold money\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch costumed demonstrators making bread, fixing horseshoes, or teaching in a 1913 school.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New in 2025: 1950s Spain\u2019s Field Farm expansion with hands-on farming experiences.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlimited free return visits within 12 months with a ticket \u2013 incredible value for families.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Discover Locomotion \u2013 The National Railway Museum at Shildon<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Train-mad kids? Locomotion in nearby Shildon (15 minutes away) is completely free and brilliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See Mallard\u2019s sister engine, the Deltic prototype, and even the royal carriages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular family events including Mini Brick engineers workshops and science shows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huge outdoor play train and picnic area.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combine with a ride on the Weardale Railway heritage line for the ultimate train day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Walk, Cycle or Picnic at Durham\u2019s Riverside &amp; Country Parks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Durham is surrounded by beautiful green spaces that are perfect for families:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-level riverside walks along the Wear (look out for the \u201cCount\u2019s House\u201d and cathedral views).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hardwick Park (Sedgefield) \u2013 restored 18th-century park with lakes, temple, and adventure playground.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wharton Park \u2013 right in the city centre with a new splash pad, miniature car track and caf\u00e9 with stunning views.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All have free parking and are pushchair-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Let Off Steam at Down at the Farm (formerly Hall Hill Farm)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the region\u2019s favourite traditional farm attractions near Lanchester (20 minutes from Durham).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cuddle guinea pigs, bottle-feed lambs (seasonal), and take tractor-trailer rides.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huge outdoor play area with zip wires and trampolines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor barn with pedal tractors and soft play.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very popular with pre-schoolers and primary-age children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Dive into History at the Oriental Museum &amp; Durham University Botanic Garden<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often overlooked, the Oriental Museum on the university campus is free (donations welcome) and surprisingly child-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Egyptian mummies, samurai armour, and interactive Chinese dragon dances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular craft sessions and storytelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next door, the Botanic Garden has a superb insect house, glasshouses, and woodland walks, and outdoor sculptures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for a quieter day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Catch a Show or Workshop at Gala Theatre &amp; Cinema<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Right in the heart of Durham City on Millennium Place, the Gala offers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family-friendly theatre shows, pantomimes, and children\u2019s cinema screenings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular craft and drama workshops during school holidays.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attached Moorhouse\u2019s Caf\u00e9 with excellent kids\u2019 menu and high-chair provision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the website early \u2013 popular shows sell out fast!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Bonus Tips for Visiting Durham with Children<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parking: Prince Bishops or the Park &amp; Ride are easiest with kids.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating Out: Treats at Flat White, Leonards Coffee, or the indoor Market Hall (great street food stalls).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rainy Day Backup: The Gala, Oriental Museum, and Adventure Valley\u2019s indoor play barn.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best time to visit: May\u2013September for festivals (Durham Book Festival, Brass, Miners\u2019 Gala) or December for the magical Christmas markets and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lumiere-festival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lumiere light festival<\/a> (every other year).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Durham might be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to <\/span><b>family-friendly activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whether your children love history, animals, outdoor adventures, or simply running wild, there really is something for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So pack the wellies, book a few tickets in advance (Diggerland, Beamish, and the Cathedral tower especially), and get ready for an unforgettable family break in one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Durham isn\u2019t just a city break destination \u2013 it\u2019s a playground for all ages.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for the best things to do in Durham with the family? Whether you\u2019re local to the North East or planning a weekend break, Durham City and the surrounding county offer an incredible mix of history, nature, adventure, and hands-on fun that appeals to toddlers, teenagers, and adults alike. From the world-famous Durham Cathedral and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":200541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[730],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-200540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=200540"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200540\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/200541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=200540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=200540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebarnoakenshaw.co.uk\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=200540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}