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.

GLT Award 2025 logoLVEP logo

Durham visitor economy approaches record ยฃ1.5 billion

Durham visitor economy approaches record ยฃ1.5 billion

Tourism figures show visitor expenditure rising to ยฃ1.48 billion during 2025.

Visit County Durham 20th Anniversary

Visit County Durham 20th Anniversary

Celebrating two decades of growth and success.

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
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 countyโ€™s many amazing attractions, food and drink experiences, breathtaking landscapes, fun things to do and more!

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.

Destination performance

Visitors
Visitors in Durham

21.98m

(Visitors Annually)

Visits to Attractions
Attractions in Durham

Over 8m

(75 Attractions)

Staying Visitors
Accommodation in Durham

8%

(Overnight Stays)

Employment
Tourism employment in Durham

14,069

(Jobs Within the Industry)

Visitor Economy
Durhams Visitor economy

ยฃ1.49bn

(Annual Income)

Latest news

Future is bright for The Light following opening weekend

24 Aug 2026

Visitors of all ages took their first steps into The Light, Durhamโ€™s brand-new cultural attraction, as it officially opened its doors to the public. An unforgettable programme of activities was […]

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The Light opens its doors with a spectacular weekend of culture and creativity

24 Aug 2026

The Light has officially opened its doors in Durham City, welcoming visitors to a spectacular weekend of culture, creativity and community. The new Durham County Council venue at Aykley Heads […]

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Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant leads star-studded Durham Book Festival line-up celebrating stories forged in the North

21 Aug 2026

Durham Book Festivalโ€™s 2026 line-up features some of the UK's most exciting writers, thinkers, performers and broadcasters exploring literature, politics, history, music, and poetry. Taking place from 9โ€“11 October, mainly […]

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Suppliers to industry

Tall Tales Mysteries

Tall Tales Mysteries

Murder mystery company based in the North East with teams of actors working from Northumberland to South Yorkshire.If you want intrigue and mystery to draw customers new and old to […]

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Northern Print Distribution

Northern Print Distribution

Northern Print Distribution: Putting your leaflets precisely where you want them. At Northern Print Distribution we can help you implement an effective leaflet marketing campaign that will drive crucial footfall […]

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Every Season Pest Control

Every Season Pest Control

Do you have a business or property in Durham that requires regular/ routine pest inspections? Do you put your pest contract out to tender every year or are you simply […]

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Towergate Insurance Brokers

Towergate Insurance Brokers

Towergate have been insuring businesses in the North East of England since 1973. With our expertise in the Leisure and Hospitality Sectors, we have been offering both packaged and bespoke […]

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Visit County Durham latest

VCD Blog -ย A new chapter for tourism in North East Englandย 

VCD Blog -ย A new chapter for tourism in North East Englandย 

The creation of Experience North East England (ENEE) is an important milestone for tourism across our region. It signals a shared ambition to raise the profile of North East England, […]

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Staycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeย 

Staycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeย 

The latest VisitBritain research shows that staycations are on the rise, fuelled by the uncertainty of overseas travel. 8 in 10 opted to holiday at home in 2025, generating ยฃ25.3m […]

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Partner Update July 2026

Partner Update July 2026

The latest bi-annual partner update is now available. This special 20th anniversary edition highlights Visit County Durhamโ€™s latest projects, results, and destination news. And as the destination management organisation celebrates two […]

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Ushaw catering supervisor crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026

Ushaw catering supervisor crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026

A member of staff renowned for his exceptional customer service, genuine warmth and dedication to visitors has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026. Kyle Gregory, Catering Supervisor at Ushaw Historic […]

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