The summer holidays in County Durham have arrived which means weeks of entertainment are on the horizon.

But it can be tricky to make so many plans for all the family, especially as the cost of living crisis isn’t going away anytime soon and the weather remains unsettled.

If you’ve got time off with the kids and are stuck for some ideas when it comes to activities that won’t harm your bank account too much, we have got you covered.

Here are some budget-friendly things to do with the family in the county this summer, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

7 budget-friendly things to do with the family in County Durham

Beamish Museum

Location: Stanley, DH9 0RG

Rating: 4.5/5

One family who visited said: “Beamish has always been a family favourite, plenty to see and do. We love the old fashioned village with the traditional sweetie shop, the fun Fair with the merry go round and the coconut shy and swing boats. We have been to visit at Christmas and I have to say it is one of the best Santa experiences our kids have been to. Visiting the farm houses and the the pit village with the school and playground, is a must. I would recommend.”

@northeastnostalgic I'm obsessed 😍 #beamish #beamishmuseum #beamishcountydurham #countydurham #didyouknow #learnontiktok #northeastengland #1940s #1940shair #1940sstyle #vintagestyle #victoryrolls #durham ♬ In The Mood - Glenn Miller

Durham Cathedral

Location: Durham, DH1 3EH

Rating: 4.5/5

Someone who went on a tour with their toddler, wrote: “The Durham Cathedral is a “must see” experience. Our guide pointed out many interesting architectural features and had many interesting stories of the history. He was very patient with our toddler in the group!”

The Bowes Museum

Location: Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP

Rating: 4.5/5

This person commented: “Beautiful building housing a very interesting collection of paintings, furniture, ceramics, clothing, metalware and of course the famous swan. Quite a lot to see so to do it justice you'll need a good few hours. Well worth a visit.”

Raby Castle

Location: Staindrop, Darlington, DL2 3AH

Rating: 4.5/5

A grandparent said: “We visited Raby castle and the new attraction the plotters forest and we are so glad we did our two grand children had a fantastic time even though it rained I highly recommend this place it's a little gem.”

Durham Castle

Location: Durham, DH1 3RW

Rating: 4.5/5

A family member left this review: “The tour guide was very knowledgeable and open to all questions including the numerous silly ones offered by my children.

“You don't actually see much of the castle though as it is occupied by students and the tour consists of viewing the oldest stone faced room in the castle followed by a tour of a corridor and a large dinning room. Nevertheless, the place is truly splendid with the dining room screening of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films.

@northeastnostalgic Come on a tour of Durham Castle with me! #durham #countydurham #durhamcastle #northeastengland #ukhistory #durhamuniversity #castle #medievaltiktok #medievalcastle #didyouknow #learnontiktok ♬ Medieval Times - Daniel Summer

Oriental Museum

Location: Elvet Hill Road, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TH

Rating: 4.5/5

Someone who was impressed, said: “This museum was certainly much more impressive than we expected, given that entry is free. Exhibits are all interesting, very well presented and displayed. It is probably the best museum we have ever visited for providing seating and there was thoughtful attention to the needs of disabled visitors. Very well worth a visit.”

Locomotion

Location: Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, DL4 2RE

Rating: 4.5/5

This museum is recommended for young children, as one parent commented: “Great for all ages our 2 year old boy loved every minute of it, plenty of trains and even had seam train rides, it’s free but we donated when we left.”