Illustrated scene of Sawmills Lane, Durham

What's on in Sawmills Lane

The pub quizzes, craft fairs, and village fêtes the big sites miss — here's what's on around Sawmills Lane.

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Likely freeTheatre

Outdoor theatre with Illyria: Pinocchio

Carlo Collodi’s classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood – a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show. The running time is approx. 95 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Free entry for carers, one per paid booking. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted.

Thu 23 Jul19:15Crook Hall Gardens(3.2mi)

via Crook Hall Gardens

Community

Friday Night

24th July 2026

Fri 24 JulDurham Community Church(1.8mi)

via Durham Community ChurchCurated

Food & Drink

Around £7.50

Lunch and a Drink

Come join us at The Library Durham for our delicious Lunch and a Drink daily deal, available Monday to Friday! Indulge in our mouthwatering burgers paired with a refreshing drink, all at a fantastic price. Looking for a great lunch spot? Look no further! Our Lunch and Drink offer starts from just £7.50, making it the perfect midday treat for you and your friends. With a variety of options to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this amazing deal at The Library Durham - where great food meets great value. Grab your friends and head over for a delightful dining experience that won't break the bank!

Fri 24 JulThe Old Library(2.7mi)

via The Old LibraryLocal gem

Community

The Wedding Walk – 150 Years of Wedding Dresses Repeating Event Event Summary: The wedding dress fashion show is a...

Ushaw, Durham, DH7 7DW

Fri 24 JulUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens(2.9mi)

via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated

Community

Around £12

The Wedding Walk - 150 Years of Wedding Dresses

On Friday 26 June & 24 July, join us for an unforgettable evening, which will bring to life astounding examples of wedding dress design from the past century, in the stunning surroundings of Ushaw Historic House. The wedding dress fashion show is a special, exclusive event to compliment our wedding dress exhibition providing the opportunity to view additional gowns, not displayed in the exhibition. Models will demonstrate a series of gowns. This catwalk-style event will be accompanied by collector and designer Kevin Thornhill’s lively commentary. Event information: – Doors will open at 5pm to discover 150 Years of Wedding Dresses exhibition. – You’ll also have the opportunity to relax with a drink in the Francis Thompson Bar. Please note, drinks are not permitted in the chapels. – The fashion show will begin at 7.15pm and will run for approximately 90 minutes.

Fri 24 JulUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens(2.9mi)

via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated

Workshops & Classes

Around £75.00

Embroidery General Day Class

Learn traditional or contemporary hand embroidery techniques in Tracy’s studio in Fowlers Yard, Durham City.

Fri 24 JulTracy A Franklin(2.9mi)

via Tracy A FranklinLocal gem

Community

Around £29

Nature Nook

Join us for a fun, crafty session making your own willow basket in a relaxed, hands-on two-hour workshop! Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Fri 24 JulBookWyrm(2.9mi)

via BookWyrmLocal gem

Likely freeCommunity

Friday Friends at 10 FF@10

FF@10 is a weekly meeting for anyone interested in relaxed company, refreshments, conversation and regular activities. Do come along to join a friendly and accepting group of people. Meet old friends and make new ones. Everyone is welcome. No charge or cost to join in. Come along and see for yourself.

Fri 24 Jul10:00St Mary the Virgin, Shincliffe(3.4mi)

via St Mary the Virgin, ShincliffeLocal gem

Community

Ladies Meeting

Something's afoot at Langley Park Baptist Church and it goes by the name of Ladies Meeting. Their site has the particulars.

Fri 24 Jul10:30Langley Park Baptist Church(3.7mi)

via Langley Park Baptist ChurchCurated

Community

Nature Nook

Durham Market Place

Fri 24 Jul11:00BookWyrm(2.9mi)

via BookWyrmLocal gem

Children & FamilyTheatre

Summer of Play at Crook Hall Gardens 2026

This year at Crook Hall Gardens Summer of Play is bigger than ever! When you visit choose to get involved with a led pop-up event or play in your own time with our self-led activities available every day from July to September. There'll be different games you can pick up and play with dotted around the gardens including dress-up areas, nature-based creative activities or football, sack racing and more. On top of all this, check back on our events page soon for our pop-up activities (dates TBC). As a sneak peek here's what to look out for: • Free family yoga sessions with Kalma Life UK • Free games of rounders and dodgeball • Free nature crafts • SEND sports and games with Smile Through Sport • Axe Throwing with B Outdoors With imaginations running wild and competitive fun happening throughout the gardens you'll head home tired yet refreshed from connecting with beautiful nature.

Fri 24 Jul11:00Crook Hall Gardens(3.2mi)

via Crook Hall Gardens

DanceSports & Fitness

Around £5

Dance fitness. £5 a session

Dance fitness. £5 a session is happening at Waterhouses Village Hall. We've got the when and where — their site has the why and the how much.

Fri 24 Jul11:00Waterhouses Village Hall(3.5mi)

via Waterhouses Village HallCurated

Community

Around £30.50

Friday Pizza Party

Soccer Saturday Saturday 25th July 11:00 - 20:00 Come join us at The Library Durham for our Friday Pizza Party! Enjoy a delicious deal with 2 pizzas and 2 drinks for just £30.50. Indulge in mouth-watering pizzas while sipping on your favorite beverages in a cozy and vibrant atmosphere.

Fri 24 Jul12:00The Old Library(2.7mi)

via The Old LibraryLocal gem

History & Heritage

Crook Hall Gardens tour: horticulture

Expert garden volunteers share their knowledge about the seasonal flowers, plants and shrubs which give each garden its unique character. With insights into a nature-friendly, sustainable approach to gardening. Please note: Garden tours are run by a small volunteer team, so occasional dates need to be cancelled each month. If you are visiting to attend a tour, please confirm it is going ahead by calling in advance on . Free, included with admission to the gardens. Donations welcome.

Fri 24 Jul12:00Crook Hall Gardens(3.2mi)

via Crook Hall Gardens

Community

Social Evening

Spotted Social Evening on Waterhouses Village Hall's listings. We do the finding, they do the hosting. Team effort, really.

Fri 24 Jul22:00Waterhouses Village Hall(3.5mi)

via Waterhouses Village HallCurated

Community

Fight Night Live

Come witness the ultimate showdown at The Library Durham! Get ready for an electrifying Fight Night featuring the highly anticipated match between Joshua and Prenga. The atmosphere will be charged with excitement as these two fierce competitors go head-to-head in the ring. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action and experience the thrill of live boxing at its best. Grab your friends and join us for a night of adrenaline-pumping entertainment, delicious drinks, and unforgettable moments. This is an event you won't want to miss! Book your table now and secure your spot for Fight Night Joshua vs Prenga at The Library Durham. It's going to be a night to remember!

Sat 25 JulThe Old Library(2.7mi)

via The Old LibraryLocal gem

Community

Around £20

Treasures of Ushaw: A Library Experience

Explore Ushaw’s literary heritage in this captivating 90-minute experience. Enjoy special access to the magnificent Big Library, a breathtaking space designed by Joseph Hansom, followed by a curated viewing of up to 20 fascinating books and archival treasures. You’ll discover pieces rarely seen by the public, each with its own story to tell. This is a unique opportunity to explore Ushaw’s hidden treasures, ask questions, and savour the atmosphere — ideal for anyone with a passion for history, architecture, or the written word. Please note: due to the historic nature of the building, the Big Library is reached via 40 wide, shallow steps. We are actively working to improve accessibility and appreciate your understanding.

Sat 25 JulUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens(2.9mi)

via Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensCurated

See what else is on

Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.

Venues with events near Sawmills Lane

A few local places from the listings above, all within three miles.

The Old Library2.7 miles away Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens2.9 miles away BookWyrm2.9 miles away

More about Sawmills Lane

Durham, England

Sawmills Lane is in Durham, with local places and neighbouring communities close by. Its events calendar is usually shaped by practical local spaces such as local halls, churches and community spaces, rather than big set-piece attractions. Near Here brings Sawmills Lane events into one place so you can see what is coming up without a long search. Check the listing details before you go, especially times, booking notes and access information.

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What's on in Sawmills Lane