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
AI in the Visitor Economy
12 Nov 2025
Curious about how AI can genuinely help your tourism, hospitality or visitor-facing business? Join this free online session to discover how AI can boost marketing, customer experience and productivity. Delivered by Service Design North and Northern Latitude on behalf of Destination North East England, this practical 'taster' session will share real examples, tips and ideas […]
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Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town announces full event programme for fifth annual celebrations
12 Nov 2025
The ‘Christmas Capital of the North’ returns December 4-7, with an expanded programme of outdoor entertainment and festive family fun Bishop Auckland, Durham, November 12 - Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is back, for a fifth consecutive year, with organisers promising to again transform County Durham into the “Christmas Capital of the North,” from December 4 to 7. This […]
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Raby Castle to welcome Future Countryside 2026 a national forum shaping rural Britain’s future
11 Nov 2025
Future Countryside, now in its fourth year, has become the leading national forum for leaders, policymakers and rural communities to debate and shape the future of Britain’s countryside. Uniting a unique coalition of organisations and individuals, it drives a shared commitment to a sustainable, resilient countryside that is a cornerstone of national progress and belongs […]
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First Choice Bookkeeping and Financial Consultancy Ltd
First Choice Bookkeeping & Financial Consultancy Ltd is a UK-based firm providing complete financial and business management solutions for entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, and international investors establishing a presence in the United Kingdom. Our services cover every stage of your business journey — from company formation and registered office address provision to bookkeeping, accounting, VAT and […]
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TMJ Legal Services
Local, competitively priced legal services. TMJ Legal Services has been helping individuals and businesses since 1986. We offer appointments in Hartlepool, Durham, Peterlee and Wingate, and will give you a tailored quotation for the cost of your case wherever we can. We have many solicitors who are accredited specialists in their area of work and […]
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The Canny Candy Gadgies
The Canny Candy Gadgies is a third generation, family, confectionery business on the heritage coast. We are a fast growing, light hearted brand with a product portfolio of the highest quality, hand crafted, value for money, artisan confectionery available. Our ranges include award winning fudges, honeycombs, nut brittles and all things from melt in the […]
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Pulse Accountants & Tax Advisers Limited
Pulse Accountants & Tax Advisers Limited is a forward‑thinking, technology‑driven accountancy practice based at Units 8 & 9, Parsons Court, Welbury Way, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham (DL5 6ZE) Founded in 2013, Pulse delivers reliable, personalised accounting, tax advisory and financial services to small and medium‑sized businesses across the North East of England At the core […]
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Visit County Durham latest
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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National campaign encourages holidaymakers to make Durham their Next Stop
Visit County Durham has launched a major national destination marketing campaign to inspire consumers to make Durham their next stop for a staycation, positioning the county as a must-visit destination for UK holidaymakers. Running from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, ‘Next Stop, Durham’ will highlight the county’s wealth of world-class attractions and events, outdoor adventures, […]
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Renowned Irish TV Chef shines a spotlight on North East England in upcoming TV series
North East England’s best culinary hotspots and heritage attractions are set to reach an international audience, as award-winning Irish chef Neven Maguire films a brand-new series of his popular television programme across the region. Neven and his crew were in the North East in September filming across the region for his show “Neven’s North East […]
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World Tourism Day 2025
This World Tourism Day, (27 September) the spotlight is on Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, highlighting tourism’s critical role not just as an economic driver, but as a catalyst for social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Tourism today faces a pivotal challenge: how to grow responsibly while protecting the very heritage, culture, and biodiversity that […]
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