Entertainment in County Durham

Spellbinding theatre and side-splitting comedy; intimate restaurants and chic café-bars; action cinema; art-house film and every kind of music from classical to rock. Days in County Durham are a hard act to follow, but we like to think our evenings are more than up to the challenge.

Durham's Gala Theatre and Consett's Empire Theatre both provide popular venues for both theatre and cinema, with comedy, live music, dance and children's shows staged alongside the latest blockbuster movies. Raby Castle and The Bowes Museum host open air theatre and classical music concerts in stunning parkland settings in summer and Sedgefield Racecourse hosts regular events such as family racedays and ladies' nights. If it's toe-tapping live music you're after, the Beamish Mary pub in Stanley is renowned for its lively gigs and resident folk club. Stanley also holds a Blues Festival every year which makes a fantastic day out. Find your nearest Tourist Information Centre for details and book your accommodation now.