County Durham Events
What's On In County Durham
July events by date
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Bethany Black & Jon Pearson
Today
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on July 4th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Quoits Weekend 2026
Today and Sun 5 Jul
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
It’s competition time as we host the World Quoits Championship in our 1900s Pit Village. Join us to see members of the National Quoits Association...
The Radiohead Project
Today
The Forum, The Causeway, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS23 2LJ
The Radiohead Project is a powerful live music experience built for those who know and appreciate Radiohead’s profound catalogue of hits most...
Crank It Up! 2026
Today and Sun 5 Jul
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Join us for a host of science, technology, engineering and maths-related activities taking place over this special weekend!...
St Margaret's Allotments, Church, Churchyard & Centre - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 5 Jul
St Margaret's Allotments, Church, Churchyard & Centre, Durham City DH1 4QU
Almost 100 allotments against the spectacular backdrop of Durham Cathedral, with the chance to speak to gardeners, many using organic methods...
Join our choir in Durham for a FREE taster session
Mon 6 Jul, Mon 14 Sep
Elvet Methodist Church, 8 Old Elvet, Durham, Co. Durham DH1 3HL
Do you want to find a local choir to join near you?
The Durham Rock Choir is led by local vocal tutor Rob Slater...
FREE taster session with the Chester le Street Rock Choir
Tue 7 Jul, Tue 15 Sep, Tue 22 Sep, Tue 29 Sep
Cornerstones Centre for the Community, North Burns, Chester le Street, Durham DH3 3TF
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!...
Napoleonic Muster 2026
Sat 11 Jul and Sun 12 Jul
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Enjoy an impressive Napoleonic muster as we are joined by The Old 68th Durham Light Infantry Society and Display Team!...
July Meccano Exhibition 2026
Sat 11 Jul and Sun 12 Jul
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Visit the 1950s welfare hall to see marvellous Meccano creations. There’ll be a selection of construction sets on display dating from the early 1900s...
Middleton Hall Retirement Village - Open Garden for NGS
Sat 18 Jul
Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Darlington DL2 1HA
Main features are natural woodland and parkland walks within the 45 acre estate. There is a Japanese themed garden, alongside wetland, ponds, a bird...
Attelage Horse Weekend 2026
Sat 18 Jul and Sun 19 Jul
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
See a remarkable carriage driving competition by the Concours d’International d’Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) take place around the museum...
Oakdene Lodge & 37 Southend Avenue - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 19 Jul
Oakdene Lodge & 37 Southend Avenue, Darlington DL3 7HR
Garden established from 2008 and is bordered by large mature trees within neighbouring Green Park. The garden was developed to complement the house...
Brancepeth Castle Summer Craft Fair 2026
Fri 24 Jul to Sun 26 Jul
Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth DH7 8DE
A three-day craft fair at Brancepeth Castle, with around 70 unique stalls, delicious home-made hot and cold food and cakes served in the castle...
Premium
Ayclive Music Festival 2026
Fri 24 Jul and Sat 25 Jul
OakLeaf Sports Field
School Aycliffe Lane
Newton Aycliffe
Co. Durham DL5 6QZ
Ayclive Festival is a community-driven music event in Newton Aycliffe, organised by passionate volunteers to bring live entertainment and support...
St Cuthbert's Hospice - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 26 Jul
St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham DH1 3QF
5 acres of mature gardens surround the Hospice. In development since 1988, the gardens are cared for by volunteers inc a Victorian-style greenhouse...
Things to do around County Durham
If you're planning a day out in County Durham, this northernmost county in England offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Here are some delightful activities to consider:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!
:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!