Walk this May – From the rolling hills of the Durham Dales, to the beautiful beaches on the Heritage Coast, there’s walks for everyone to enjoy in Durham this spring.
Picture yourself strolling along the River Wear, admiring the picturesque views of Durham Cathedral towering above the city skyline. Wander along sandy shores and breathe in the crisp sea air on the Durham Heritage Coast. Or, perhaps, venture into the Durham Dales, where emerald-green meadows and cascading waterfalls create a peaceful backdrop for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking rugged trails or looking for a family-friendly shorter stroll, Durham has walks for all ages and abilities to enjoy this National Walking Month.
New Hall Opening – Join the celebrations at Locomotion for the opening of New Hall. Get a close up view of an additional 47 vehicles, making Locomotion home to the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe! Enjoy music, pop-up science and more from 25-27 May.
May Half Term
May Forest Club – Hardwick Park, Sedgefield – Family Fun – Woodland play-based session. 28 May, 10:00-12:00.
Megaslam Wrestling: 2024 Live Tour, Barnard Castle – Children/Family events. If you are looking for spectacular family entertainment with the WOW factor, look no further than Megaslam! 28 May, 19:30.
Peace Doves – Durham Cathedral – Children/Family events. This summer, Durham Cathedral will welcome Peter Walker’s installation – Peace Doves. 1 Apr to 20 July.
Play with Prints – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Durham – Family Fun. Inspired by the art in our newest gallery, come and try your hand at making your own pieces of printmaking. 28 to 29 May, 10:30.
North Pennines NatureFest: Outdoor Toddlers – Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin – Children/Family events. Outdoor Toddlers are morning events for children under the age of five along with their parents/carers. 30 May, 10:00-12:00.
Perfect Perfume at The Oriental Museum, Durham City – Children/Family events. Explore our beautiful Ancient Egyptian perfume jars, make up items and jewellery. 1 June, 13:00-15:00.
North Pennines NatureFest: Making Bug Hotels, Newbiggin – Children/Family events. Come and help us in this family friendly session to rebuild our bug hotel at Bowlees Visitor Centre, ‘Buggingham Palace’ is in need of some renovation. 29 May,14:30-16:00.
North Pennines NatureFest: Outdoor Toddlers – Harehope Quarry, Bishop Auckland – Children/Family events. Outdoor Toddlers are morning events for children under the age of five along with their parents/carers. 28 May, 10:00-12:00.
Opening Celebration: Upper Walled Garden and Faith Garden, Bishop Auckland – Family Fun. Join us in a day of celebration! 25 May, 11:00-15:00.
Young Creatives Art Club – The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle – This is a chance for young artists to explore, observe, experiment and express ideas in a creative and innovative way. 1 June, 10:30-14:30.
Makers in May – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Durham – Family Fun. Celebrate the May Half Term break here at Ushaw. 25 May to 2 June.
Easington Colliery Band – The Living Museum of the North, Beamish – Family Fun. Tap your foot along to the sound of Easington Colliery Band. 27 May, 14:00-16:00.
Mythical Beasts at The Oriental Museum, Durham City – Children/Family events. Can you spot any mythical beasts or lion dogs in our galleries? 31 May, 13:00-15:00.
Hair Braids & Milkshakes, Lanchester – Children/Family events. Join us for some more hair-raising fun with another helping of our Hair Braids & Milkshakes event. 29 May, 10:00-16:00.
Family Story Tour: Curious Conversations, Barnard Castle – Children/Family events. Let’s get curious in our exciting Curiosity and Conversation Spaces. 27 & 31 May.
Roman Army Day – Binchester Roman Fort, Bishop Auckland – Bank Holiday Weekend – The Roman Army returns to Binchester Roman Fort to do battle against the enemy! 27 May, 10:00-16:30. Plus much, much more.