You don't always have to splash out - here are some free events in Durham to enjoy this week.

From children's activities to music events, there's often something happening in Durham city and county that won't cost you a penny. Here's what Durham free events are on this week.

You can also find more events on our dedicated arts, culture and museum events page.

Greenfield Arts in Newton Aycliffe (DL7 5LF) is holding an exhibition that chronicles the journey of Norman Cornish and the great determination and resilience he showed to become a professional artist.

Featuring personal quotes from Cornish and an interesting narrative, the exhibition highlights key moments of his career and showcases work that was produced when materials or conditions were not optimal.

Norman Cornish - A Man of Destiny is on every Monday to Thursday from October 10 to December 11, 10am to 9pm and Fridays 10am to 4pm. Call 01325 379 048 for more information.

Read next: Music concerts, theatre and comedy this week in Durham

Free Durham events this week #2: Durham Cathedral: Special service

On Wednesday October 9 is a special service in Durham Cathedral to mark the 200th anniversary of HM Prison Durham. All are welcome and it starts at 5.15pm.

Free Durham events this week #3: Re-opening the Medieval Castle, New Elvet

This free talk is entitled Re-opening the Medieval Castle: micro-stories from material culture, and is on Saturday October 12 from 2.30-4.30pm. It is a lecture for the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland by Dr Karen Dempsey of Reading University, and all are welcome.

It's at Elvet Riverside Room 140, New Elvet in the city centre (DH1 3JT). Call 0191 2116218 for more information.

Free Durham events this week #4: Demons, Vikings, pagans and terror in the early Middle Ages, Alington House

The final event in Late Summer Lectures 2019 will feature a pair of talks about terror in literature, past and present. Free and open to all, from students and schools to academics.

It's on Wednesday October 9 at 5.30-6.30pm, at Alington House on North Bailey, at the bottom of Owengate. Contact latesummerlectures@gmail.com for more information.

Read next: World's first atlas among exhibits in latest exhibition