Destination management organisation
Welcome to Visit County Durham - the tourism management agency for County Durham which works on behalf of businesses and public agencies to support the growth and development of the county's visitor economy.
Visit County Durham has strategic responsibility for tourism and performs the functions of destination management and marketing in the county. Many others are involved in delivering a vibrant visitor economy, one organisation cannot do it alone, which is why we are a partnership.
Our aim is to place the visitor at the heart of everything we do.
Destination performance
17.91m
(Visitors Annually)
4.6m
(75 Attractions)
9%
(Overnight Stays)
11,724
(Jobs Within the Industry)
£1.04bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
Four of North East England’s Tourism Trailblazers Announced as Finalists at National Awards
15 Apr 2024
A tranquil boat tour business, a luxury hotel, a fine-dining restaurant housed in a 13th century friary and a national park unsung-hero are among the finalists at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence which recognises exceptional visitor economy businesses and individuals from around the UK. County Durham’s Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, […]
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More than 150 traders confirmed for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
10 Apr 2024
Curries, crepes, cocktails and mocktails will be among the mouthwatering delights on offer at next weekend’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival. Durham County Council, which organises the festival, has confirmed more than 150 traders from County Durham and beyond will be taking stalls at the event on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April. And alongside the […]
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Specialist markets coming to 11 County Durham centres
5 Apr 2024
New markets ranging from street food to Christmas markets will be coming to locations across County Durham. Durham County Council has procured specialist social enterprise Baccanalia to organise bespoke markets at 11 centres across the county. Ranging from craft markets, street food, farmers’ markets, vintage fayres and Christmas markets, the events will run across the […]
Read More about Specialist markets coming to 11 County Durham centresSuppliers to industry
Humble Bee
At Humble Bee we are proud to support honeybees and pollinators in the Durham area. Come and join us for our incredible Bee Experience set in 60 acres of wildflowers and get hands on with our Local Honeybees. Pick up a ‘pot of Sunshine' with our Award-winning Honey, produced just outside the city centre by […]
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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 risk management and insurance solutions to businesses of all sizes for decades. Whatever your business, it is essential to carry out a periodic review of […]
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Coghlans Artisan Bakery
Coghlans at Barningham's Artisan Bakery has been created within the old stable block and coach house at Barningham Park, a classic estate where the bakehouse and kitchen hosts a range of artisan products from bread and chocolates and your daily essential needs. Coghlans handmade bread use no preservatives food colours or artificial flavours, just a natural product from […]
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Host & Stay Property Management
Born in 2017, we are a family-owned property management company with a desire to lead the change in an age-old industry. Founded in the family’s home region of North Yorkshire, our mission has always been to help holiday homeowners unlock the potential in their homes with new methods for new times. We’re here to change […]
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Visit County Durham latest
VCD Blog - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
Today (Friday 8 March) is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is a chance to reflect on the remarkable feats of women, past and present, while also recognising the amazing women we encounter in our own personal and professional lives. Ultimately, International Women’s Day […]
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VCD Blog - Working together for Durham and the North East
At Visit County Durham we are proud to be a part of a proactive network of regional partners working together to promote and develop Durham and North East England as destinations. As one of the three Local Visitor Economy Partnerships piloting England’s first Destination Development Partnership, we work closely with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Visit Northumberland, […]
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A destination for all: Accessibility takes centre stage at tourism conference
Ensuring an excellent welcome for all visitors was the key theme of Visit County Durham’s 2023 Industry Conference.
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Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spend
Visit County Durham’s national destination marketing campaign, Memorable Moments, generated £86.6 million in visitor spend, research has revealed.
Read More about Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spendSocial wall
📣 This week's Grapevine is out now, read the latest about-
▪️ How's Business Survey
▪️ Sniperley Park and Ride
▪️ VE Attractions Survey
▪️ Partnership Renewals
Find out more here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/yc8ba8nk
Redevelopment of the £35 million Hopetown Darlington visitor attraction is taking shape. Due to open in summer 2024, the attraction celebrates and promotes Darlington's rich rail heritage, and will play a part in the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary celebrations in 2025.
...
Find out more about Hopetown Darlington here 👇
www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk
Businesses can request copies of the brand new 2024 Durham Pocket Guide, free of charge, to make available to their customers.
Copies of the county’s official tourism publication will be distributed throughout the region, playing an important role in inspiring visitors and residents, by ...providing information on things to see and do, and places to eat.
Request your copies by emailing 👇
visitor@thisisdurham.com
The Pocket Guide can also be downloaded here 👉https://www.visitcountydurham.org/official-visitor-guide/
Supplier Partner Every Season Pest Control are a local, professional family run company with over 17 years’ experience in Wildlife and General pest control.
Find out how they can give recommendations on proofing and hygiene as well as advice on how to remain pest free here 👇
...https://www.visitcountydurham.org/supplier/every-season-pest-control/?parent=suppliers-to-industry/
Great to welcome The Manor House Hotel and Spa, West Auckland into our #DarkSkies Accreditation scheme.
If you wish to join them and other Durham businesses in promoting your business as Dark Sky friendly, check out our the helpful resource here 👇
http://tinyurl.com/5ydc2rxu
...
#astrotourism
The search is back on for Durham’s Tourism Superstars! 🌟
We are asking for nominations for people working in any part of the visitor economy, who are able to represent their profession.
Find out more and nominate here 👇
...https://www.visitcountydurham.org/durham-tourism-superstar/
Visit County Durham Partners, could your business benefit from leaflet distribution through our Visitor Information Network?
Get your literature in front of both visitors and residents alike in leaflet racks at approximately 40 key locations across the county, including attractions, ...accommodation and transport hubs.
Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/partner-marketing-opportunities/