Top 3 Itineraries in Durham

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Durham.

If you only have a few days, Durham weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Durham offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Durham are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Durham’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Durham offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Durham truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Durham belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Durham are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Durham and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Durham itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Durham for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Durham without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Durham!

A scenic 6-day road trip through London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leavesden, Bestwood Village, and Rufford is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 6-day itinerary means that Durham can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leavesden, Bestwood Village, and Rufford by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 6 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Newcastle upon Tyne

• Arrival city: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Grey's Monument

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Newcastle upon Tyne. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Newcastle upon Tyne

• Destinations: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 219.12 km, approx. 3 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Exhibition Park, Great North Museum: Hancock, Life Science Centre, and Discovery Museum
• Recommended tour: Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Exhibition Park, Great North Museum: Hancock, Life Science Centre, and Discovery Museum. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Newcastle upon Tyne, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Newcastle upon Tyne.

Day 3: Discover London and Leavesden

• Destinations: London and Leavesden
• Driving distance: 279.58 km, approx. 4 hours and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in York, e.g., The Grand Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Buckingham Palace
• Recommended tour: North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Spend the day exploring St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and Buckingham Palace. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central York.

Day 4: Experience London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 216.6 km, approx. 3 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Scarborough, e.g., The Salisbury - Luxury Apartments by Stay In Scarborough
• Sightseeing: Tower of London, The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge
• Recommended tour: Black Widow Ghost Tours in Scarborough

Continue your journey through London, where you can explore Tower of London, The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Scarborough.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bestwood Village, Rufford, Gedling, and Bassetlaw

• Destinations: Bestwood Village, Rufford, Gedling, and Bassetlaw
• Driving distance: 272.1 km, approx. 3 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, e.g., INNSiDE Newcastle
• Sightseeing: Bestwood Country Park, Rufford Abbey, Newstead Abbey, and National Trust - Clumber Park
• Recommended tour: Lightfoot Tours: Historical Tour

Drive through Bestwood Village, Rufford, Gedling, and Bassetlaw, stopping to visit Bestwood Country Park, Rufford Abbey, Newstead Abbey, and National Trust - Clumber Park. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Newcastle upon Tyne

• Destinations: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 1.75 km, approx. 24 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Scarborough, e.g., The Salisbury - Luxury Apartments by Stay In Scarborough
• Sightseeing: Tyne Bridge

Spend time discovering Tyne Bridge, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Scarborough.

Day 6: Bid Farewell to Newcastle upon Tyne

• Departure city: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Driving distance: 1.75 km, approx. 24 minutes
• Sightseeing: Tyne Bridge

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Newcastle upon Tyne. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 477 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Durham.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Durham for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Durham with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Durham without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Durham

Arrive in Durham and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Wharton Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Spice Lounge is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Durham's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Durham by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Durham Cathedral, Prebends Bridge, and National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Durham in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Durham

Spend your last few hours in Durham soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Durham, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Durham travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Durham offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Durham itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Durham weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Durham

Arrive in Durham around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Wharton Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Durham’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Durham with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Durham Cathedral early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens, stopping by Prebends Bridge for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Durham

No itinerary in Durham is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Adventure Valley.
• Afternoon: Explore Finchale Priory, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Durham

Make the most of your last few hours in Durham before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Durham. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Durham itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Durham, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Durham for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Durham in a way that feels truly unforgettable!