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.
Destination performance
21.56m
(Visitors Annually)
Over 6m
(75 Attractions)
8%
(Overnight Stays)
13,795
(Jobs Within the Industry)
£1.38bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
The Story progresses to national finals
9 Jul 2025
County Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its design and contribution to the community in two prestigious awards. The Story has marked its first year with commendations in the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) and regional Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) awards. The Durham County Council venue was in the […]
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Kynren's preview night a roaring success ahead of milestone season
8 Jul 2025
Kynren’s 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew wowed friends and family on Saturday night during the final dress rehearsal for the spectacular tenth anniversary season of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England. The summer run officially begins on Saturday 19th July in Bishop Auckland. The breathtaking show unfolded seamlessly as impressive choreography, stunning costumes, epic […]
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Eight years of excavations reveal Bishop Auckland’s medieval palace
3 Jul 2025
After almost a decade of digging, and over 1,000 diggers, Durham University’s Department of Archaeology and The Auckland Project are coming to the end of a campaign of archaeological research to uncover the medieval past buried in the historic grounds of Auckland Palace. Since 2018, volunteers, students and aspiring archaeologists of all ages have taken […]
Read More about Eight years of excavations reveal Bishop Auckland’s medieval palaceSuppliers to industry
Durham Catering
Durham Catering offers a unique personal service to both Businesses and Private Individuals throughout the Durham Dales, Durham City and Beyond. Specialising in Simply cooked Locally Sourced Foods concentrating on freshness, presentation and superb service we are perfectly placed for a factory opening Ceremony, a celebration dinner for 200 or a small intimate dinner party […]
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Shaka-International
Shaka International Bio UVision Lamp: Ensuring Guest Safety Through Sanitation Excellence In today’s hospitality industry, ensuring impeccable hygiene standards is not just a compliance measure—it’s a brand differentiator. The Bio UVision Lamp is a state-of-the-art UV inspection tool engineered specifically for fast, accurate detection of biofilms, bacteria, viruses, moulds, and other contaminants. Ideal for hotels, […]
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The Tea Enthusiasts
The Tea Enthusiasts have a lot to offer business customers large or small. Our personalised hands-on approach to service means your orders will not only be competitively priced within the market but customised to meet your needs. Bring your drinks upmarket and on trend with artisanal teas of the highest quality at prices you wouldn't believe. Business to Business sales are […]
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Reed in Partnership
Reed in Partnership provides the Restart Scheme in County Durham. The Restart Scheme is a support service for long-term unemployed jobseekers. The service gives Universal Credit claimants who are out of work enhanced support to find jobs in their local area. Jobseekers who fit the eligibility criteria receive up to 12 months of intensive personal […]
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Visit County Durham latest
Group travel partnership to showcase Durham
Visit County Durham has partnered with Group Travel World to showcase the county to key group travel organisers, tour and coach operators. Following a visit to The Auckland Project, preview of the 2025 season of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and accommodation at Park Head Hotel, we hosted the group so they could […]
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Raby Castle volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025
A loyal member of one of County Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025. 86-year-old Jimmy Nicol has been a volunteer at Raby Castle since 2018 and works as a Room Steward, meeting and greeting visitors and sharing his vast knowledge about the Castle. He was nominated by a colleague at Raby […]
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Visit County Durham receives sustainable tourism award
Visit County Durham has been awarded a prestigious green accolade for its commitment to sustainability. The Bronze Green Tourism Award recognises the businesses eco-friendly practices and dedication to protecting the climate and supporting the local community. The Green Tourism certification is judged by a panel of expert assessors, ensuring that travel and hospitality businesses reach the criteria […]
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VCD Blog - The Durham Story
The focus of my latest blog is The Durham Story, the launch of Durham’s new place brand. It is an exciting new approach to promoting the county that was recently unveiled to over 80 stakeholders at a launch event at Gala Durham. The event, hosted by Durham County Council and Durham University, was the culmination […]
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