Visit County Durham

Visit County Durham (VCD) is the destination management organisation for County Durham and one of a portfolio of nationally supported, strategic, and high-performing accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnerships. We provide strong local leadership and governance, and are committed to the promotion, management, and development of County Durham as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.

Visit County Durham works in partnership locally, regionally, and nationally on shared priorities and targets. Our mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships and clear planning.

Our vision is to create the conditions for our residents, businesses, and the environment to benefit from sustainable growth in our visitor economy. By supporting and marketing our distinctive heritage, landscapes, culture and warm welcome, we will grow both day and overnight visits and make County Durham a compelling, global destination for tourism, culture, and business.

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Durham’s Visitor Economy Exceeds £1 Billion Milestone

Durham’s Visitor Economy Exceeds £1 Billion Milestone

Tourism contributed £1.23 billion to Durham’s economy, the latest industry research has revealed.

Durham Story

Durham Story

Discover more about our exciting new approach to promoting the county.

Join Us

From attractions and accommodation providers to places to eat, things to do and local suppliers, Visit County Durham Partnership brings benefits through promoting and developing any type or size of business.

Join Us

Filming Friendly Durham

Supporting production companies, filmmakers and photographers, make Durham your next destination.

Filming Friendly Durham
Seasonal Marketing Opportunities

Seasonal Marketing Opportunities

Throughout the year Visit County Durham partners can take advantage of a programme of free, and cost-effective promotional opportunities for your business.

Image Library

Image Library

The online media centre is free to use and allows you to access key photography and videography from across the county. All of which showcases the county’s many amazing attractions, food and drink experiences, breathtaking landscapes, fun things to do and more!

Destination performance

Visitors
Visitors in Durham

21.56m

(Visitors Annually)

Visits to Attractions
Attractions in Durham

Over 6m

(75 Attractions)

Staying Visitors
Accommodation in Durham

8%

(Overnight Stays)

Employment
Tourism employment in Durham

13,795

(Jobs Within the Industry)

Visitor Economy
Durhams Visitor economy

£1.38bn

(Annual Income)

Latest news

 Raby launches wellness series for the New Year

Raby launches wellness series for the New Year

11 Dec 2025

A leading north east lifestyle destination has introduced a new wellness programme, designed to encourage renewal, reflection and reconnection in the new year. Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has teamed up with holistic wellness brand, Guid-ed, to create the Raby Reset, a four-part series featuring workshops and meditation sessions to encourage attendees to slow down, […]

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20 years of Durham Brass Festival

8 Dec 2025

A North East music festival promises to be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region. Durham Brass Festival is back next year, from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 July, for a week packed with spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts, […]

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The Light offers a bright future for County Durham culture

5 Dec 2025

The name of a new cultural venue that will boost Durham City’s visitor offer and provide a home for creativity and innovation has been announced. The Light will bring together art and science in an engaging space where visitors will be able to view internationally significant exhibitions; artists will be able to create and collaborate, […]

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Suppliers to industry

Dalton Moor Farm - Vegan Fruit Farm

Dalton Moor Farm - Vegan Fruit Farm

Food & Drinks from Dalton Moor Farm Dalton Moor Farm produces Award Winning Apple Juice and Fruit Juices, Traditional ‘Real’ Cider, Apple Cider Vinegar, ‘Bee Free Vegan HUNNY’, a range of Fruit Jams, Chutneys and Marmalades, and herbal teas. We choose single-use-plastic-free packaging. All our products are made with fruits and herbs grown veganically on […]

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n-gage.io

n-gage.io

The all-in-one, cloud based attraction management software and audience mobile app, helping the global attraction, leisure & entertainment industry to enhance audience engagement, gain valuable insights & drive revenues. Built from the ground up for the experience economy, the n-gage.io platform and mobile visitor app is helping attractions of all sizes and types to simplify their approach […]

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Shout Loud Social

Shout Loud Social

We aim to simplify digital marketing for businesses by providing comprehensive services all in one place. Based at Ushaw House on the outskirts of Durham City, our team specialises in a wide range of services, including: Our approach is designed to alleviate the burden on business owners and senior leadership teams who may find digital […]

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Envision Design Group

Envision Design Group

Based in vibrant Newcastle, we are a dynamic architectural and interior design firm serving diverse industries nationwide. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we collaborate closely with our clients to deliver inspired solutions tailored to their unique needs. Whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial projects, we bring creativity, expertise, and a […]

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Visit County Durham latest

North East Combined Authority sets growth plans for the North East visitor economy

North East Combined Authority sets growth plans for the North East visitor economy

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has published Cabinet papers ahead of its meeting on 9 December, outlining proposals regarding growth plans for the North East visitor economy including organisational arrangements for a new regional tourism body – provisionally titled Experience North East England. The new body is intended to work collaboratively with Local Authorities, the […]

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Government Consultation on a Potential Tourism Levy – Have Your Say

Government Consultation on a Potential Tourism Levy – Have Your Say

The UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals that would enable Mayoral Combined Authorities to introduce a tourism levy. If implemented, the levy could be applied to visitor accommodation to raise funds for local services and visitor economy investment. Summary The consultation seeks views on the design of a new Mayoral power to create […]

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Durham Cricket partnership shortlisted for national award

Durham Cricket partnership shortlisted for national award

The inspiring partnership between the county’s new place brand, The Durham Story, and Durham Cricket’s first professional women’s team, has been recognised nationally after being named as a finalist in the ECB Business of Cricket Awards 2025. To ensure long-term success, Durham Cricket needed the right partners, those who not only aligned with their values, […]

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County Durham showcased as a cultural, heritage and investment destination during US Civic Delegation visit

County Durham showcased as a cultural, heritage and investment destination during US Civic Delegation visit

A civic delegation from Durham, North Carolina, USA – sister city to Durham, UK – has been welcomed to County Durham as part of a cultural exchange programme. The event was hosted by Durham County Council and supported by the council’s international team within Visit County Durham, working alongside key partners. The visit, which built […]

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