Free events: the perfect solution to school holiday boredom. Here's what's on in Durham, July 29 August 4 2019.

While there's always plenty happening in Durham, sometimes you don't want to have to splash out on tickets. These are the best of the free events in Durham this week.

#1: Blackhill and Consett Park - Wild About the Park

Blackhill and Consett Park on Laburnum Avenue, Blackhill near Consett, is holding a Wild About the Park family holiday programme. Try a range of outdoor and indoor activities which mix learning and fun. The sessions are designed for families with younger children.

Blackhill and Consett Park Wild About the Park is on Mondays July 29, August 5 and August 12, 10am to 12pm and 1-3pm.

It's free but you'll need to book in advance - call 03000 262 480.

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#2: Killhope - Kids Go Free Days

Killhope Lead Mining Museum at Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, gives free entry to children on Mondays during school holidays (admission fees apply for all others).

Call 01388 537505 for more information.

#3: Crafts at Derwent Waterside Parks

Derwent Waterside Park at Edmundbyers, Durham is holding an activity day on Wednesday July 31 from 10am to 2pm. There'll be a range of crafts available, from making cobwebs to artwork with hand prints that can be turned into a beautiful butterfly.

There will also be some special appearances from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Police's Dog Section and Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, and Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol will be going along to say hello.

Don't forget about the free Derwentside parking which is nearby too.

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#4: Dalton Park summer shindig

Dalton Park, the retail outlet near Seaham, is holding a summer shindig from Friday to Sunday August 2-4 from 12-4pm, with free activities in four domes.

In the garden area next to M&S, the kids' area will host giant garden games, arts and crafts workshops plus the chance to Dalton the mascot. At the taste dome near the central entrance will be free samples from some of Dalton Park's eateries, plus complimentary prosecco for adults.

At the live dome will be live music, and in the trend dome shoppers can get their purchases personalised with names. The Dalton Park pingpong parlour is also there.

Call Dalton Park on 0191 526 6500 for more information.

#5: Durham Dales Craft Fair, Stanhope

The Durham Dales Craft Fair at the Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope, is hosting its monthly craft fair on Friday August 2, from 11am to 3pm. Run by Wolsingham Gift and Craft Fair, there will be local stalls selling a variety of offerings.

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#6: Durham family fun Fridays

Durham Marketplace is holding two Durham family fun Fridays, on August 2 and 9 from 11am to 3pm.

On Friday August 2 there'll be Saltwell Park radio controlled boats, a vintage bus, Diggerland excavator, the Community Fire Service with their fire engine, and an exhibition of Capoeira martial arts. Call 0191 384 6153 for more information.

#7: Northern Crafts, Witham

The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle is hosting a craft sale with locally-made items for sale including jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags, and vintage items.

Northern Crafts takes place on Saturday August 3 at the Witham in Barnard Castle, and entry is free. Call 01833 631107 for more information.

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#8: Story Busking Sessions, Witham

Town crier Ian Kirkbride is at the Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle to read stories, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow. The Witham storytelling is on Saturday August 3 at 10am.

#9: Ranger Fun, Hardwick Park

Hardwick Park is holding free Ranger Fun events every Sunday afternoon, 1-3pm. You can take part in den building, pond dipping and bug hunting. No booking is required. Call 0300 026 2899 for more information.

#10: Wharton Park Summer Brass Series

The Wharton Park brass concerts continue on Sunday August 4, 1-3pm. Just go along to the auditorium.

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