Plan a Weekend in Durham (27 & 28 Feb)

Plan a Weekend in Durham - 27/28 Feb

Durham Fire & Ice takes place on Fri 27 & Sat 28 Feb this year (2026). If you'd like to make the most of this fab day out, this post shares lots of ways you can extend your visit.

💤 Durham Travelodge is currently £55.99 for a family room sleeping 2A, 2C on Fri 27 Feb with free on site parking available (checked 27 Jan - prices do fluctuate) 🚘 If driving, I like to use a Park & Ride. I use Belmont which is just off the A1 (postcode DH1 1SR). It's free to park and an adult day bus ticket is £2 / £2.20 (free for under 16s if travelling with an adult).
🔥 The FREE Fire & Ice Trail takes place around Durham City on 27 & 28 Feb. There will be stewards handing out maps on the day, you can locate 12 ice sculptures and enjoy free entertainment including live sculpting across the day

🛝 Wharton Park is just behind the train station and a fab place to burn off some energy with play equipment for various ages and a cafe

🪲 On 27 Feb you can drop into Oriental Museum Durham between 1 & 3pm and create your very own Scarab Beetle from clay (it’s free)

👑 And on 28 Feb you can drop into Oriental Museum Durham between 1 & 3pm and create your very own Emperor or Empress Doll to take home (it’s free)

🐴 On the evening of 28 Feb between 6 & 8pm, Oriental Museum is hosting a Spring Festival to welcome in the year of the Horse. Expect crafts, food, stories, music and a lantern parade and lion dance performance. Book a ticket via their website (£3 each)

📚 Visit The Story - a FREE entry museum sharing the history of Durham

⛪ On 27 Feb, Durham Cathedral is hosting FREE family-friendly tours across the day and there will be colouring tables set up by the Font. Kids Eat Free in the Cathedral Cafe too (t&cs apply)

🌿 Explore Durham Botanic Gardens

🛍️ Enjoy Shopping in Durham Market Hall (+ there’s an outdoor market every Saturday)

🎯 Play Darts, Bowling, Pool, Back Shuffle, Batting Cage or Arcades at Lane 7

🤣 Book Comedy 4 Kids at Durham Gala Theatre (28 Feb - sold out but look out for last min cancellations)

🎥 Book to see a Film at Odeon DeLuxe

🎩 Book an Immersive Magic Show at The Magic Corner

🐱 Visit the Pawsome Cat Cafe

📚 Explore Durham’s Independent Book Shops including The People’s Book Shop, Collected and BookWyrn

🦆 Walk the Riverside Walk and say Hello to the Ducks

🍔 There’s lots of choice when it comes to places to eat - I can personally recommend Bells Fish & Chips, Fat Hippo & Riverview Kitchen (the best hot chocs)