Discover some of the best free days out in County Durham, from historic landmarks and country parks to waterfalls, woodland, reservoirs and the coast. Explore the Dayventures below and find somewhere new to visit.
Castle Eden Dene is a place for a proper woodland walk, with steep-sided paths, dense trees, rocky outcrops and a landscape that can feel surprisingly wild. It’s a good choice when you want to spend a few hours exploring rather than following a flat, predictable park trail.
County Durham is packed with places to explore, combining historic towns and landmarks with open countryside, woodland, rivers and a dramatic coastline.
From Durham City and the Durham Dales to the North Pennines and Durham Heritage Coast, there's a huge variety of places to visit. Explore castles and historic sites, discover waterfalls and reservoirs, wander through country parks and woodland, or spend the day by the sea.
Every Dayventure featured here is free to enter, although some locations may charge for parking. Our guides include practical information such as parking, facilities, accessibility and what to expect when you visit.