Camping in County Durham

Lying beside the meandering River Wear, a few miles south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham is a pretty cathedral city and the county town of County Durham. Durham is teeming with steep cobbled streets and historic architecture. Here are our top recommendations of things to do.

1. Visit Durham Cathedral

Soaring above the bustling city below, Durham Cathedral is regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world and home of the iconic Shrine of St Cuthbert. The relics of St Cuthbert were transported to Durham by Lindisfarne monks in the 9th century. It is one of Durham’s major tourist attractions and welcomed nearly 700,000 visitors last year.

In 1986, the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Durham Castle.

2. Discover Durham Castle

Constructed in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror, six years after the Norman Conquest, Durham Castle is a fantastic example of the early motte and bailey castles favoured by the Normans. Today, the castle is open to the public but only through guided tours, as it is owned by Durham University.

3. Explore Crook Hall and Garden

Built around 1217, making it one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham, Crook Hall and Garden is a medieval manor house exhibiting Jacobean and Georgian architectural styles. Explore the house and gardens, before stopping for tea and cake at the Garden Gate cafe.

4. Ramble in the North Pennines

After exploring the busy streets of Durham, get off the beaten track and take some time to explore the surrounding countryside.

County Durham is home to a sizeable section of the North Pennines - designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988. It’s within the Pennines range of hills that you’ll find the famous High Force Waterfall. Located in Forest-by-Teeside, the High Force Waterfall is a spectacular landscape. Take a stroll around the walkway and marvel as the water builds from a slow trickle and eventually plummets 21 metres into the plunge pool below. The walkway is open all year round and tickets can be purchased from the High Force Hotel.

5. Walk to Barnard Castle

Within walking distance of our Barnard Castle Club Site, Barnard Castle was built during the latter half of the 12th century and sits high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. In the 16th and 17th century, the castle underwent two sieges. Today, you can visit the castle’s sensory gardens and experience breath-taking views of the Tees Gorge.

6. Step back in time at the Bowes Museum

Located in the same bustling market town as the castle and our Club Site, the Bowes Museum is a French chateau home to a magnificent collection of fine and decorative European art. Built in the 19th century by John Bowes and his French wife, the museum tells their romantic story as you wander through the graceful Grade I listed building.

7. Appreciate the ruins of Egglestone Abbey

Located beside the winding River Tees, Egglestone Abbey is an abandoned Premonstratensian Abbey that was once home to a small monastery. Today, the abbey makes for an ideal spot for a stroll or pack a picnic and take shade under the ruins. Explore the surviving 13th century church and envision what life was like for local monks over 700 years ago.

8. Enjoy a day out at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Based on a 300-acre estate in the heart of County Durham, the Beamish Living Museum of the North expertly exhibits the transition of northeast England during the Industrial Revolution. Wander through the traditional Edwardian town and discover what life was like in the local area during this era.

9. Train fanatics, head to Locomotion

Previously known as the National Railway Museum, the newly-named Locomotion is a fun and informative day out in County Durham. Combining science and engineering, both essential to railways, brings Locomotive to life through magical story telling. Marvel at the diverse collection of trains and learn the unique story behind each one.