Durham
Durham is a charming cathedral city in Northern England set on a loop of the River Wear. Visitors are drawn to its UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle, cobbled lanes, and Harry Potter filming locations. Nearby attractions include the open-air Beamish museum, Auckland Castle and Raby Castle, making it an ideal destination for heritage and scenic exploration.
- Coach tours
- 7
- From
- £229
- Next departure
- 5 Oct 2026
- Duration
- 3–5 days
- Operator
- Shearings
Few coach breaks capture the magic of Northern England quite like a trip to Durham. This charming cathedral city is perched on a dramatic loop of the River Wear, topped by its stunning UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle. You can spend your time wandering through cobbled lanes toward the bustling Market Place, soaking up history on Palace Green, or capturing that iconic postcard view of the cathedral from the riverbanks. Harry Potter fans will also have fun spotting some familiar filming locations throughout the city. Since everything is so close together, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed few days of sightseeing.
The real joy of a Durham coach trip is how much you can explore in the surrounding countryside. Many of our tours pair the city with Beamish, a wonderful open-air museum that brings life back to the 1820s through to the 1950s. Others include visits to the grand Auckland Castle or the scenic grounds of Raby Castle. Whether you're dreaming of gentle riverside strolls, a dive into local heritage, or a proper afternoon tea, we've made the planning simple. Browse our latest departures and let us take care of the driving.
7 tours visiting Durham
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Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast for Solo Travellers
Operated by Shearings
Visiting › Newcastle, Alnwick, Windsor, Durham, Holy Island +2 more
- Day 3 · Durham Durham Explore Durham, a city found in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’ and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand Norman-era Durham Cathedral forms part of the World Heritage Site and towers over the river that…
- 5 days
- Leaves 5 Oct 2026
- 5 dates
from £689
View tour -
Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast
Operated by Shearings
Visiting › Lindisfarne, Seahouses, Durham, Newcastle, Alnwick
- Day 3 · Durham Durham and Newcastle Explore Durham, in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand Norman-era Cathedral dominates the landscape and there is a plethora of delightful shops and cafés to enjoy in the…
- 5 days
- Leaves 5 Apr 2027
- 27 dates
from £519
View tour -
Vera's Northumberland Tour: Step into the Drama
Operated by Shearings
- Day 1 · Durham Durham Regional departure by coach, then we travel northwards. We will make a stop in historic Durham, offering you the opportunity to visit the city with its impressive cathedral and medieval streets. We will then check in to…
- 3 days
- Leaves 16 Apr 2027
- 2 dates
from £229
-
Historic Durham and Beamish Open-Air Museum
Operated by Shearings
Visiting › Durham
- Day 2 · Durham Durham Trip to Durham in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, whose Cathedral and Castle has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county.
- Day 3 · Beamish Open Air Museum Beamish Open-Air Museum Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Beamish Open-Air Museum. A living, working museum set in 300 acres of Durham countryside, costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Telling the…
- +1 more day here
- 5 days
- Leaves 3 May 2027
- 9 dates
from £519
View tour -
Historic Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall Country
Operated by Shearings
Visiting › Seahouses, Durham, Hexham
- Day 3 · Durham Durham Explore the historic city of Durham, where the dramatic skyline is dominated by the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Castle. Bill Bryson called Durham 'a perfect little city' and with churches…
- 5 days
- Leaves 24 May 2027
- 3 dates
from £519
View tour -
Redworth Hall, Beamish and Delightful Durham
Operated by Shearings
Visiting › Durham
- Day 2 · Beamish Open Air Museum Beamish Open Air Museum Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Beamish Open Air Museum. In this living, working museum, set in 300 acres of Durham countryside, costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Learn…
- Day 3 · Durham Morning to Durham, Afternoon at Leisure This morning we take a trip to Durham, in the 'Land of the Prince Bishops'. The cathedral and castle have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dominate the riverside. Explore the delightful cobbled streets…
- +1 more day here
- 5 days
- Leaves 24 May 2027
- 5 dates
from £639
View tour -
Durham and Kynren Spectacular: A Journey Through History
Operated by Shearings
- Day 1 · Durham Durham Regional departure by coach then we head to Durham to spend an afternoon in this historic city. You will have free time at leisure to discover the impressive Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and…
- Day 2 · Kynren - An Epic Tale of England Newcastle and Kynren Outdoor Stage Show This morning we take a short drive to Newcastle. We will pass the impressive "Angel of the North" one of the Uk's most iconic public sculptures and then enjoy some free time in the city centre. Walk to the quayside to…
- 3 days
- Leaves 23 Jul 2027
- 6 dates
from £249
View tour
Image Attribution
- Newcastle and the Tyne Bridge — (Photo by Ryan Booth on Unsplash )
- Lindisfarne Castle — (Photo by Graham Durham on Unsplash )
- Durham cathedral and the city skyline — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )
- Seahouses — (Photo by Charlie Green on Unsplash )
When to go
Coach tours visiting Durham, by departure month.
- Sept 2026 No tours
- Oct 2026 1 tour from £689
- Nov 2026 No tours
- Dec 2026 No tours
- Jan 2027 No tours
- Feb 2027 No tours
- Mar 2027 No tours
- Apr 2027 2 tours from £229
- May 2027 5 tours from £519
- Jun 2027 2 tours from £519
- Jul 2027 4 tours from £249
- Aug 2027 5 tours from £249
Places of Interest
Barnard Castle
Discover the charming market town of Barnard Castle, with its medieval ruins, riverside walks, and the stunning Bowes Museum
Nestled in the rolling hills of Teesdale, the lovely market town of Barnard Castle is a hidden gem in County Durham. You can stroll through cobbled streets filled with independent shops and cozy cafes, explore the medieval castle ruins overlooking the River Tees, and spend some time at the Bowes Museum, a stunning French-style château full of art and treasures.
Beamish Open Air Museum
Step back in time at Beamish, the North East's magical open-air museum
Step back in time at Beamish, the North East's favorite open-air museum. Stroll along cobbled streets, ride a vintage tram, and chat with costumed characters who bring the 1820s, 1900s, and 1950s to life. Whether you're visiting the old-school sweet shop or exploring the working farm, there's something charming to discover everywhere, making it a fantastic day out for the whole family.
The Bowes Museum
A magnificent French-style château in Barnard Castle, home to world-class art and the enchanting Silver Swan automaton.
Get ready to explore this stunning French-style château in the heart of Barnard Castle. Opened in 1892 to showcase the incredible collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine, it is easily one of the North East's most surprising gems.
Inside, you'll discover world-class art including masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, and Canaletto, as well as beautiful displays of porcelain, textiles, clocks, and costumes. However, the real highlight is the Silver Swan—a life-sized 18th-century automaton that fascinates visitors of all ages as it preens its feathers and catches a fish.
With its grand galleries and elegant atmosphere, The Bowes Museum offers something new to see at every turn, making it a truly memorable stop on any trip.
Events
Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
18 Jul 2026 – 12 Sept 2026
An epic 90-minute outdoor spectacular in Bishop Auckland, telling 2,000 years of English history under the stars.
Get ready for a night to remember! Kynren is a stunning open-air production that brings 2,000 years of English history, myth, and legend to life under the stars. Set across a massive 7.5-acre arena in Bishop Auckland, this award-winning 90-minute show features breathtaking live action, thundering horses, pyrotechnics, and water effects, all powered by a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers.
Following the journey of Young Arthur, a boy from the North East searching for his roots, the story sweeps you from Viking invasions and knights to queens and epic battles, all on a cinematic scale. Every one of the 8,000 seats offers a perfect panoramic view, and you can wander through the atmospheric Viking Village before the show kicks off.
Running every Saturday and select Fridays from 18 July to 12 September 2026, it's the ideal highlight for an unforgettable evening out.
Where tours stay in Durham
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Redworth Hall Hotel & Spa
★★★★Step back in time at this magnificent Jacobean country house, dating all the way back to 1693. Tucked away amid landscaped gardens and peaceful woodland, Redworth Hall is the perfect base for exploring County Durham and the North East.
After a day of sightseeing, unwind in the award-winning Retreat Spa, with its 14-metre heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, or treat yourself to a relaxing ESPA treatment. When it's time to dine, the elegant 1744 Restaurant serves up delicious Modern European dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Comfortable rooms, warm hospitality and a genuine sense of history make this a wonderful stop on your travels.
Durham coach holidays: FAQs
How much does a coach holiday to Durham cost?
Coach holidays visiting Durham start from £229 per person. That's the lowest price across the 7 coach tours with upcoming departures; each tour's own dates and prices are listed above.
How long are coach holidays to Durham?
Coach holidays visiting Durham last between 3 and 5 days, travel days included.
When do coach tours to Durham depart?
Upcoming departures run from October 2026 to October 2028.
Which coach holiday companies go to Durham?
Tours visiting Durham are run by Shearings. You book directly with the operator.
Coach tours nearby
Image Attribution
- Durham cathedral and the city skyline — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )
- Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland — (Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash )
- Newcastle and the Tyne Bridge — (Photo by Ryan Booth on Unsplash )
- Hexham — (Photo by Guy Downes on Unsplash )
- Goathland — (Photo by James Genchi on Unsplash )