County Durham is blessed with a historic landscape, lending itself to history, culture and natural beauty.
Over the summer, with the weather hotting up, it would be the perfect time to get out and explore our great region.
Here are seven must do activities and places you should experience across County Durham this summer.
Seeing the Magna Carta at Durham Cathedral
The Magna Carta at Durham Cathedral (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in British History.
Signed in 1215 by King John, it was the first document to put into writing that the king and his government was not above the law.
Three clauses of the Magna Carta still hold legal standing in the UK, most well-known being that everyone is entitled to a trial in front of their equals.
2025 marks the 800th anniversary, with visitors to Durham Cathedral able to view three centuries-old special copies of the Magna Carta, including the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta and editions from 1225 and 1300.
Tickets are priced at £7.50 and the exhibition runs until November 2.
High Force Waterfall, Forest-at-Teesdale
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country is located in the heart of County Durham.
High Force Waterfall draws artists, photographers and nature enthusiasts alike to its beauty.
In summer, the waterfall is open daily from 10 – 8pm, with adult tickets (16+) priced at £3.95, children (4-15) £2.45, with under 4s going free. There is also a summer saver family ticket (two adults, two children) available for £10 online.
Until September 7, there is also the Little Bumble Bees’ Trail, where children can learn about and explore nature.
This again is open from 10 – 8pm and is included in the price of the waterfall ticket.
Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester
Hall Hill Farm (Image: HALL HILL FARM) Based in Lanchester and over 700 acres in size, Hill Hall Farm is a great day out for the entire family.
It first opened to visitors in 1981, and there is a huge range of activities to do. You can feed animals, go on tractor rides, go on a barrel train, play crazy golf, the list of activities is endless.
The farm is open daily from 10.30am – 5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm until September 30.
Adult tickets are priced at £12.95, with children (2-15) priced at £11.95. Over 60s and student tickets are £12.25, and there are also family tickets available.
Weardale Way
Another great activity for the weekend would be taking a walk along the picturesque Weardale Way.
In its entirety, it stretches 74 miles from Cowshill in upper Weardale to the mouth of the River Wear and coast at Sunderland.
It passes through Weardale and historic Durham City among places, with walkers able to enjoy a wealth of natural viewing points.
It is also a free activity, so you won’t be counting the pennies at the end of it.
Hopetown, Darlington
With this year marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, now is as good a time as any to make a trip to Hopetown.
With various events on throughout the summer commemorating the significant anniversary, and free entry, the museum offers everything from exhibitions to a play centre.
You can even see a model of Locomotion No 1 which was recently installed as part of the 200-year celebrations.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm throughout the school holidays, with last entry at 4pm.
Seaham Beach
Seaham Beach (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Only 30 minutes from Durham by car, lies Seaham Beach, seen by many as one of the most underrated in the North East.
It boasts a picturesque stretch of shoreline and is perhaps best known for its collection of sea glass — small, jewel-toned fragments smoothed by decades of tidal motion.
At the northern end of the beach lies Nose’s Point, a dramatic cliff-top nature reserve offering sweeping views of the coastline.
And for history lovers, Seaham offers a tribute in the form of “Tommy,” a hauntingly lifelike statue of a World War I soldier.
Binchester Roman Fort, Bishop Auckland
Approximately one-and-a-half miles north of Bishop Auckland lies Binchester Roman Fort.
It is one of the largest Roman military installations in northern Britain and boasts two well-preserved bathhouses.
This bank holiday weekend, there is also Roman army re-enactments taking place. See demonstrations of archery, slingstaffs and firing of the full-size replica of the artillery catapult known as the ballista.
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You will also be able to visit tented encampment and inspect the weapons, armour and equipment of Roman soldiers as well as the stalls of civilian traders and artisans.
The programme of activities starts at 11am and are repeated at 2pm.
General admission entry is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £4 for children. Under 4s go free.
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