Whats happening in County Durham this weekend?

Murder Mysteries, Concerts, LEGO and sunflowers! As we continue to experience another heatwave around the North East, here's our roundup of whats happening across County Durham this weekend - In association with This is Durham!

Walk: Barnard Castle to Egglestone Abbey via Abbey Bridge
Leaving from Scar Top down the footpath by the castle wall, you will cross the river by The
Green Bridge, and from the south side will get panoramic views of the river and modern
apartments converted from former mills. The walk will then lead you through the caravan
site, across fields, down the lane past Egglestone Abbey and over Abbey Bridge. You will
then return on the north side of the river, through woods and across fields.
https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/barnard-castle-to-egglestone-abbey-via-abbey-
bridge-p1061371

Ride: Brandon to Bishop Auckland Railway Path (Walking and Cycling Route)
A 9-mile route from Broompark Picnic Site, just outside Durham City to Bishop Auckland,
residence of previous Bishops of Durham, running past Brancepeth, Willington, Sunnybrow,
Hunwick and Toronto. https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/brandon-to-bishop-
auckland-railway-path-walking-and-cycling-route-p666761

Beauty Spot: Crimdon Dene Beach
With its sandy beaches, Crimdon has been a popular place for holiday makers for many
years. From the 1920’s miners came to Crimdon for their annual summer holidays.
Crimdon beach is a very important breeding ground for the Little Tern, one of Britain’s rarest
sea birds. These birds arrive every year in May from West Africa and the site is monitored by
volunteer wardens who erect temporary fencing to protect the eggs and chicks from
predators.
The dene is essentially a limestone gorge carpeted with layers of glacial clay, sand and
gravel. It was carved by the water from melting ice at the end of the last period of glacial
activity.
https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/crimdon-dene-beach-p1079751

Attraction: The Story
The Story offers a gateway to the history of Durham and its people. Bringing together our
diverse collections of records and objects for the first time, The Story charts thousands of
years of everyday life in Durham. Visit us to explore history from a new perspective with free
permanent and temporary exhibitions or join us to research your own story in our state-of-
the-art research facilities. You can even create a new story by getting married or registering
the birth of your new one here. And when it’s time to take a break, our café offers the perfect
place to grab a cuppa and enjoy our beautiful grounds. https://www.thisisdurham.com/things-
to-do/the-story-p1121361

Events: 

• Marshall Gilmour Webbs in Concert at The Bowes Museum – 15 th August 2026 – for more information, and to book, please visit: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/marshall-gilmour-webbs-in-concert-at-the-bowes-museum/
• Murder Mystery Dinner: Murder & Matrimony at Lumley Castle – 15 th August 2026 – for moreinformation, and to book, please visit: https://lumley.wearegifted.co.uk/murder-mystery-dinner-murder-matrimony
• Sunflower Trail at East Grange Farm – 15 th - 23 rd August 2026 – for more information, and to book, please visit: https://www.eastgrange.com/sunflowers
• Forky Pens & Alien Goo Creations at Lanchester Garden Centre – 16 th August 2026 – for more information and to book, please visit: https://lanchestergardencentre.co.uk/event/forky-pens-alien-goo-creations/
• Brick Fairytales, Enchanted Bishop Auckland at Bishop Auckland Town Hall – 17 th - 30 th August 2026 – for more information, and to book, please visit: https://bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk/brick-fairytales-competition-2026/