Durham: Spring events for everyone to enjoy

Find out what's going on in and around Durham throughout March, April and May, and start planning your Radisson Blu Durham break now!

Discover a wonderful range of Durham events and activities this spring.

Our magnificent home, Durham City and the wider County Durham, offers a variety of spring events and Easter activities for visitors to enjoy throughout March, April and May.

Here is our rundown of what’s on in Durham this spring:

Durham spring events

Calling all Lord of the Rings fans! On 13th March, Durham Cathedral is hosting The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore. This Precious concert will transport you straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe. Find out more here

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary: from 28th March The Bowes Museum is hosting is a multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion’s most provocative and imaginative designers. Spanning the early 1980s to 2000s, it charts Westwood’s journey following her punk rebellion with Malcolm. Find out more here.

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle
The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is hosting a major exhibition on Vivienne Westwood. Image courtesy of Visit County Durham

Brace yourselves for the Utterly Revolting Science Show – a hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry! 17th April at Gala Durham. Find out more. 

Durham Castle is celebrating World Heritage Day on 18th April, with free entry and a History Fair in the Great Hall.  Come and meet local history and heritage societies and enjoy talks, walks and presentations from groups, the youth ambassadors and guest speakers.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival (18th & 19th April) returns for a weekend of sizzling street food, delicious desserts and fun-filled family entertainment. Find out more.

If you’re an Ed Sheeran fan, then this is the moment you’ve been Thinking Out Loud about! The Music Of Ed Sheeran By Candlelight at Durham Cathedral is guaranteed to be the PERFECT night. 7th &  8th May – Find out more

Durham Cricket – England Women V New Zealand Women ODI (10th May): cricket fans can enjoy international cricket at Banks Homes Riverside Stadium, one of the country’s most picturesque and fan-friendly venues. Find out more.

Banks Homes Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street. Image courtesy of Visit County Durham

Year-round attractions with a spring twist

Durham City truly blossoms in the spring, offering a fantastic array of things to do in Durham that cater to all ages.

With our beautiful Cathedral and Castle and winding cobbled streets, the historical charm is simply magical. Beyond the major events we have listed, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the river, taking in some breathtaking spring views.

Durham Cathedral and Castle visible over the River Wear in Durham City Centre
Durham Cathedral and Castle tower over the River Wear in Durham City Centre. Image courtesy of Visit County Durham

Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral is a central part of the city’s spring experience. In addition to regular services, it hosts special Easter services, which are a beautiful way to celebrate the festival.

Durham Cathedral in LEGO®: After a few years in storage, the LEGO® version of Durham Cathedral has been re-built and is back on permanent display inside the museum.

Durham Castle: Another part of the UNESCO site, you can take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. The historic setting is particularly beautiful during the spring.

River Wear Walks: Take a scenic spring walk along the River Wear, enjoying views of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and Castle.

Durham’s Museums and Galleries: Explore the city’s cultural side with a visit to places like the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre or the new history centre, The Story at Mount Oswald.

Easter fun for families

Durham offers a host of fun for families over the Easter holidays, with a variety of events and activities designed to delight all ages:

Enjoy an Easter Egg hunt at Crook Hall Gardens (3rd & 6th April): Make your way along the trail around the beautiful gardens and find activities for the whole family. Includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. Find out more.

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North: A short trip outside of Durham, Beamish transforms for its Easter Celebrations (3rd-19th April). Visitors can travel back in time to discover how Easter was celebrated in the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s with a whole host of egg-citing activities. Find out more.

Gala Durham is hosting not one but two fantastic family-friendly shows over the school holidays, Wrongsemble’s Rapunzel (8th April) and Little Red Riding Hood (11th April).

Other activities

Markets: there are many regular markets to enjoy in Durham, including the Saturday Outdoor Market and the Durham Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market.

Explore the wider county: If you have time, consider exploring the Durham Dales for breathtaking spring landscapes, or visit nearby attractions like the Raby Castle, Bowes Museum or Locomotion Museum in Shildon.

There’s also a full programme of events coming up right here at the hotel over the next few months. Check out our What’s On page for full details.