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Top Things to Do in County Durham, England - County Durham Must-See Attractions

Things to do in county durham, explore popular experiences, popular cities in county durham.

Ways to tour County Durham

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

White Water Tubing

Durham Food Tour

Pub and History Tour of Durham with Alcohol Tasting

Walkabout Durham History Tour

Durham City Half Day Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Durham’s Landmarks and Legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Durham - The Cathedral and Old City

Durham Private Walking Tour

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• Durham Cathedral
• Raby Castle
• Auckland Castle
• Beamish Museum
• HMS Trincomalee
• Walworth Birds of Prey
• Crook Hall & Gardens
• Teesdale Alpacas (Open by Appointment Only)
• Hardwick Park
• Eggleston Hall Gardens
• Grassholme Observatory
• Tommy World War One Soldier Sculpture - Eleven 'O' One
• Hall Hill Farm

County Durham

• 1 Cities and towns
• 2.1 Local information
• 4.1 By plane
• 4.2 By train
• 5 Get around
• 11 Stay safe

County Durham is a county in North East England with a population of 510,800. It's north of Yorkshire and south of Newcastle, astride the main north-south transport route. The east is mostly farmland, interspersed by former mining towns. Darlington near its southern edge is the main conurbation, but Durham is its main visitor attraction. The west is hilly, with sheep farms and remote moorlands.

Cities and towns [ edit ]

• 54.783333 -1.566667 1 Durham has a well-preserved ancient centre, with a Norman castle and cathedral, and a large university.
• 54.522778 -1.557222 2 Darlington the largest settlement in the county was birthplace of the railways and always industrial.

Most of the county's other towns are between Durham and Darlington, in fertile low-lying country along the A1. Beneath them is the Great Northern Coalfield, mined since medieval times, stretching up into Northumbria. Hence the industry, the steam engines to pump those mines, and the railways to haul and consume the coals. The underground mines have all closed, leaving the towns to scratch what living they can from new trades.

Other towns in the north of the county are:

• 54.76 -1.33 7 Peterlee is a small former mining town near the coast. Shotton Colliery must be the world's only coal mine converted for skydiving.
• 54.86 -1.57 10 Chester-le-Street has the county cricket ground, a sizeable park, and an old church.

The western part of County Durham is in the Pennines, the long chain of hills that forms the backbone of England. There are lonely moors, and steep river valleys flowing out eastward, so the main road A68 follows a roller-coaster trajectory. Here are:

• 54.55 -1.92 12 Barnard Castle is a market town with the grandiose Bowes Museum.
• 54.85 -1.83 13 Consett is a former mining town on the northern edge of the county.
• 54.6229 -2.0779 14 Middleton-in-Teesdale in a scenic valley, with High Force waterfall.
• 54.7471 -2.006 15 Stanhope in Weardale is an old lead-mining town.

To the southeast, around the River Tees, is an industrial area which from 1974 to 1996 was a separate county, Cleveland . Then this was abolished, and its towns south of the Tees were re-assigned to North Yorkshire. (The assignation is notional since these towns are "unitary authorities", not governed by a County Council.) Towns to the north, re-assigned to County Durham, are:

• 54.683333 -1.216667 16 Hartlepool : a post-industrial port, with an interesting dockyard museum.
• 54.57 -1.32 17 Stockton-on-Tees straddles the Tees and includes the town of Billingham. It's industrial, but there's a southern rural district, Yarm , now considered part of North Yorkshire.

The same 1974 re-organisation also removed Sunderland from County Durham. It's now part of Tyne & Wear.

Understand [ edit ]

Within England, only County Durham contains the word "county" in its title (in the way many Irish counties do), because the powerful Norman "Prince Bishops" of Durham ruled it as a palatinate separate from the rest of England's counties. Originally it covered all the territory between the River Tees and the River Tyne, but over the centuries, and especially with modern changes to local government, it's been whittled down and continually re-organised. The name no longer precisely corresponds to a unit of local government, and probably the only two people who can say exactly where County Durham lies are the High Sheriff and Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, whose ceremonial duties relate to an older map of the world.

None of this is of the slightest concern to any traveller not gussied up in alderman's ermine or dress military uniform. For present purposes, "County Durham" on this page includes the post-2009 districts of Durham County (sic), Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees. It doesn't include Sunderland to the north or Middlesbrough, Redcar or Yarm to the south.

Local information [ edit ]

• County Durham Council website

Talk [ edit ]

Listen very carefully to the local language: you'll need to. First, believe it or not, it is English you're hearing. The minority populations and languages in this area are small: during the 20th century the county was shedding labour from mining and ship-building in an era when others (e.g., the textile towns) were drawing it in from UK and abroad. The only significant minority language is Polish, spoken by 1%.

The local English dialect is "Geordie", spoken in Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria; the word also means a resident of those areas. "Geordie" probably simply derives from "George", a very common name for a local coal-miner, and there used to be a miners' patois called "Pitmatic" or "Yakka" but it's almost died out. If you learn only one Geordie word, learn "Howay!", an all-purpose greeting, exclamation or warning.

But what makes Geordie a thing of fascination and wonder is that it is probably very close to English as spoken over thousand years ago, as it evolved from Anglo-Saxon. Read Beowulf and try to make sense of it, then have a local read it aloud in a heavy Geordie accent for a "Eureka!" moment. And attempts to translate the works of the Venerable Bede (8th century AD), who wrote in Latin, reveal that what he thought and dreamed in was Geordie. Howay, indeed!

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

55.038 -1.69 1 Newcastle Airport ( NCL  IATA ) has flights from London, Amsterdam, Paris and other west European cities. It's easy to reach, being on the metro.

Manchester Airport ( MAN  IATA ) is some 150 miles south but has excellent global connections, competitive fares, and an hourly train service to Darlington, Durham and Newcastle.

54.509 -1.429 2 Teesside Airport ( MME  IATA ) near Darlington is closest but it only has flights from Aberdeen , Amsterdam and seasonal Med resorts. An hourly bus calls on its way between Darlington and Stockton.

By train [ edit ]

This county saw the world's first public railway, opened in 1825. The central spine of the county has excellent railway connections, being on the East Coast Main Line. Frequent fast trains come up from London Kings Cross via York to Darlington (2 hr 30 min) and Durham. They continue north to Chester-le-Street, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Other trains link Stockton, Middlesbrough and Sunderland. A branch line train runs hourly from Darlington to Newton Aycliffe, Shildon and Bishop Auckland (30 min).

By car [ edit ]

The main north-south highway is A1(M), which is 2-3 lane motorway throughout the county. Other major routes are the A66 trans-Pennine route (beware snow and ice in winter, and the road closes in bad conditions); A19 along the coast; and A68 along the Pennines to Corbridge and Edinburgh.

By bus [ edit ]

Darlington and Durham have National Express coach services to London Victoria and Leeds. Angel bus 21 runs from Durham to Newcastle.

Get around [ edit ]

The central spine of the county is well-served by public transport as described above. Local buses (run by Arriva) fan out from Durham and Darlington to the other small towns, serving a string of communities along a river valley, but they seldom venture cross-country over the moors. Especially in the west of the county, you'll need a car, or you'll need to enjoy stiff gradients on your bike.

See [ edit ]

• Durham historic city needs a day or two to explore.
• Darlington has a railway museum, the "Brick Train" sculpture, and city amenities such as the civic theatre.
• Shildon south of Bishop Auckland has an even larger railway museum, "Locomotion".
• Hamsterley Forest west of Bishop Auckland is a popular area for strolling and hiking.
• Beamish has a wonderful outdoor museum showing life in a typical 19th-century Durham town.
• High Force is a waterfall on the River Tees near Middleton-in-Teesdale. The whole upper Tees valley is scenic.

Do [ edit ]

• Hike: the Pennine Way straggles along the crest between County Durham and Cumbria.
• Watch a county or international test cricket match at Chester-le-Street.
• Row on the river in Durham.
• Sledge or ski in the winter: Weardale near Stanhope even has ski-lifts, and a whole 186 metres descent.

Eat [ edit ]

Parmo is the local version of Chicken Parmesan. Unlike the classic New York or Italian styles, here it's closer to a schnitzel on a pizza base, with breaded chicken, and béchamel instead of Parmesan sauce; sometimes pork is also used. It's classic post-pub food in the northeast, and is especially common in the parts of County Durham nearest Middlesbrough.

Drink [ edit ]

Darlington and Durham offer many drinking opportunities and cater for a wide variety of clientèle. Darlington notably has the chick Seen and Harvey's bars to the west of the town centre where the vast majority of customers are middle class students. Most people head to the nearby club "Inside Out" which on popular nights opens all three rooms and opens until 4am. There is also an 80s bar / small nightclub on Skinnergate and there are countless thriving bars and pubs around the town centre.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are large selections of youth hostels in the rural areas to the west, as well as luxury B&Bs and hotels. The towns feature hotels and B&Bs. Notably the Bannatyne hotel in Darlington which is a luxury hotel serving the region, and Rockliffe Hall in the very affluent village of Hurworth-on-Tees to the south of Darlington on the North Yorkshire border.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Keep your wits about you in Darlington town centre on a weekend night.

Beyond that, the hazards are mostly natural rather than man-made: the Pennines can experience cruel weather.

Go next [ edit ]

To the north is Newcastle , the attractive coastline of Northumberland and Berwickshire / East Lothian, then spectacular Edinburgh .

To the west is Cumbria and the Lake District.

To the south is the walled city of York , the craggy coastline of North Yorkshire , and charming genteel Ripon and Harrogate .

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2023 Discover Durham Visitor Guide

Discover Durham Visitor Guide

Perhaps you’ve heard about Durham’s celebrated food scene, top-notch universities, or startup culture. Maybe you already know that we transcend category — and you’re coming back home. There’s something about this place: something intangible, but absolutely alluring.

We are that and more.

We are barbecue and biscuits, locally sourced small plates and craft cocktails. We’re a gritty tobacco-grown town that’s evolved into the City of Medicine. We’re activists, scholars, artists, and entrepreneurs. We’re always moving, creating, and blazing a new trail — you’ll feel that energy when you get here.

Durham is an experience to behold.

With our Visitor Guide, we invite you to dive in.

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DURHAM, MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY

Immerse yourself in history as you discover durham - a magnificent medieval city and landscape dotted with castles, museums and spectacular natural landmarks..

You get a sense of its historical importance as soon as you arrive in the city centre, where the majestic Durham Cathedral has dominated the skyline for the past 900 years.

With its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed castle and cathedral sitting atop a dramatic outcrop overlooking the still waters of the meandering River Wear below, climb the Cathedral Tower's 325 steps for spectacular views of the city and countryside. Or if you’re a fan of Harry Potter visit the Chapter House and Cathedral Cloisters for a Hogwarts experience. Take a student-led tour of Durham Castle: now a Durham University building, the Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1072 to defend the peninsula.

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Food & drink, landmarks & attractions, things to do.

Meander down cobbled streets into town and grab a picnic to enjoy on the riverbanks while watching boats glide past or choose to view the city - one of the ‘prettiest and most perfect little cities in one of the friendliest corners of the planet’ according to acclaimed bestselling author, Bill Bryson – from a different angle and hire a traditional rowing boat for a leisurely and relaxing trip along the river.

Away from the city, Durham’s dales, vale and coast provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the great outdoors and discovering the region’s cultural heritage. And none more spectacular than the vast expanse of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark, home to dramatic dales landscapes and source of two of the region’s other mighty rivers, the Tees and Wear.

Visit one of the many museums and castles that dot the county, packed with relics and antiquities from times gone by or explore the peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.

Make your own history – visit Durham

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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Durham

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Feb 15, 2022

The old center of Durham, with its magnificent cathedral perched high above the River Wear, is a never-to-be-forgotten sight. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old city center boasts 600 listed buildings, including Crook Hall, Kingsgate Bridge, Elvet Bridge, and the Town Hall.

Durham is one of the most visited of England's many beautiful cities and boasts plenty of fun things to do. Highlights include exploring its historic architecture to dining at its many restaurants, as well as shopping in locations such as the popular Indoor Market .

To learn more about why this is one of the best places to visit, be sure to read our list of the top attractions and things to do in Durham.

1. Take a Guided Tour of Durham Cathedral

2. the treasures of st. cuthbert, 3. durham castle, 4. durham university museum of archaeology, 5. oriental museum, 6. durham university botanic garden, 7. durham museum and heritage centre, 8. take a trip to the past at beamish, the living museum of the north, 9. durham town hall, 10. take the kids to wharton park, 11. finchale priory, 12. ivesley equestrian centre, a brief history of durham.

Durham Cathedral – or, to give it its full title, The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin, and St. Cuthbert of Durham – is famous for its beautiful British Romanesque-style architecture. Whether approached from the narrow streets of the Old City across Palace Green or from the banks of the River Wear over Prebends Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly awe-inspiring.

Completed between 1093 and 1133 (with a few 15th-century flourishes), the building is entered by the 12th-century northwest door once used by fugitives seeking sanctuary. Inside, visitors will be faced with many wonderful sights to explore. Highlights include the graceful Galilee Chapel , the Norman Nave with its massive piers and columns, as well as the Cathedral Tower (it's a 325-step climb to the top, so be prepared for a little exertion).

The cathedral also boasts the most intact set of medieval claustral buildings in the UK, including the 14th-century cloister featured in the first Harry Potter film. Guided tours of Durham Cathedral are offered daily and take 1.25 hours. The cathedral also has an excellent adult learning program for visitors wanting to know more about the area's history and includes lectures, workshops, and tours of the surrounding woods and riverbanks.

The Cathedral Library and Archive is also available to those interested in specific aspects of the cathedral's history. For those wanting to linger, a restaurant and gift shop are located on the premises.

Location: The College, Durham

Official site: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Located in a part of Durham Cathedral that once served as a monks' dormitory, The Treasures of St. Cuthbert include a variety of the attraction's most important collections and relics, representing more than 900 years of history.

Its oldest exhibits are the 7th-century wooden coffin of St. Cuthbert, a silver plate collection that once belonged to the Prince Bishops of Durham, and numerous ancient books.

Of special interest is the Conyers Falchion, an ancient sword used by Sir John Conyers to kill the legendary Sockburn Worm. These days, the only action the sword sees is when it's presented to each new Bishop of Durham upon entering the diocese at Croft Bridge for the first time.

The monks' quarters are themselves well worth seeing. A highlight is the monks' kitchen, which features a remarkably well-preserved octagonal ceiling and no less than eight fireplaces. Also of interest are the fascinating displays depicting the lives of the monks.

This popular tourist attraction also houses the original knocker used by sanctuary seekers in medieval times, a replica of which now graces the cathedral's main door.

Official site: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/open-treasure/treasures-of-st-cuthbert

Built as a fortress by the Earl of Northumberland in 1072, Durham Castle – also part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site – was presented by William the Conqueror to the city's prince-bishops. The most interesting rooms are the Norman Chapel, with its delightful carved archaic capitals; the large 14th-century dining-hall; the 16th-century chapel; and 17th-century Black Stairs complete with pineapple carvings.

The castle is also home to University College, the founding college of Durham University. More than 100 students live here, making this a truly unique building with more than 900 years of living history. For a truly memorable experience, look into availing yourself of the castle's unique B&B stays (during student vacations only). Tours of the castle are included with your stay.

Location: Palace Green, Durham

Official site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/

The Museum of Archaeology – located in Durham University's Palace Green Library – houses finds from the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman periods. The museum also boasts a sizable collection of medieval artifacts, many of them discovered in the old city center during major archaeological digs in the late 20th century.

The library is also home to the university's special collections, archives, and early printed books, including more than 70,000 volumes printed before 1850. Entry to the museum and library are free, as is admission to its lectures and educational programming.

Location: Palace Green Library, Durham

Official site: www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology.museum

The University of Durham's Oriental Museum on Elvet Hill, just a short distance from the old city center, has excellent art and archaeological collections from the Near and Far East. All of the major eastern cultures and periods are represented, from Ancient Egypt and India, to Tibet, China, and Japan.

Highlights include ancient pottery and jewelry, stone sculptures, and antique arms and armor. If possible, try to time your trip to coincide with one of the museum's special "touch tours ," when visitors are given the unique opportunity to handle some of their most precious artifacts.

A shop and café are located on-site for those wanting to extend their stay. And be sure to check the museum's website for news of visiting touring exhibits and special events.

Location: Elvet Hill Road, South Road, Durham

Official site: www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum

Occupying a 25-acre site just south of Durham City, Durham University Botanic Garden is well worth a visit. In addition to its many year-round programs and events, highlights include numerous plant collections from around the world, including China and South Africa. There's also a lovely woodland garden, an alpine garden, and a bamboo grove to explore.

The garden's impressive glasshouses are also worth checking out. These include collections of tropical rainforest plants, desert plants, and more familiar plants from the Mediterranean. Also interesting are the displays of tropical bugs, stick insects, scorpions, and tarantulas. Afterwards, pop into the visitor center with its café and gift shop.

Other notable gardens worthy of a visit are the English gardens at 13th-century Crook Hall , just a short walk from the cathedral. Tours and talks are available and are highly recommended.

Address: Hollingside Lane, South Road, Durham

Official site: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden/

The Durham Museum and Heritage Centre contains many informative and educational exhibitions relating to the town's rich heritage. Housed in a medieval church, it includes excellent audio-visual shows, brass rubbings, and a collection of beautiful stained glass windows.

Another great place to gather useful information about the city's past is the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre . Here, you'll find a variety of displays and exhibits relating the story behind the city's many historic buildings through film and interactive displays.

Location: St. Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey, Durham

Official site: http://durhammuseum.co.uk

This fantastic living museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside just 10 miles outside Durham, offers a look into the lives of those who lived in the area during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Costumed characters bring the displays to life and help tell the amazing story of how the Industrial Revolution transformed the region.

Incredibly, all the buildings at Beamish were brought brick-by-brick from across Durham County and rebuilt on-site. Beamish also hosts numerous exciting events , including The Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair, and The Great North Festival of Agriculture.

And if you expect to make a day of it (you certainly should!), you can enjoy a snack or meal at any one of the many different eateries at Beamish, along with some great shopping opportunities.

Official site: www.beamish.org.uk

The interior of the Grade-II-listed Durham Town Hall is well worth taking a peek at. Its modest, glass-fronted reception gallery hides a variety of period rooms, including the dramatic Main Hall, with its stained-glass windows and hammer beam oak roof.

Also worth seeing is the Crush Hall. Here, you'll find some fascinating memorabilia regarding the life of Count Boruwlaski. Just 39 inches tall, the once famous Count died in 1837 at age 98.

Address: Market Place, Durham

Covering 10 acres, Wharton Park is the perfect place to visit if you're traveling with kids in need of letting off some steam. Located just a short distance from Durham Cathedral and the city's busy train station, Wharton Park offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy.

Established in the mid-18th century, its setting on a hill makes it the perfect vantage spot to watch trains come and go, including historic locos and rolling stock as they trundle over the famous Durham viaduct.

It's also a great place to take photos of the cathedral and other city landmarks – even more fun when accompanied by a picnic! For the best views, look out for the mock battlements. Here, you'll find a number of well-placed viewing platforms.

The amphitheater here is also great to photograph – especially when in use (check out the facility's website for details of performances, concerts, and other events). There's also a fun mini race track where the kids can take control of their very own electric car. Fun educational workshops for young and old alike are also offered.

Address: 10 Princes Street, Durham

Official site: www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark

Finchale Priory is an English Heritage property located just minutes from downtown Durham. The charming remains of this once grand 12th century priory lie beside the River Wear and are well worth exploring.

Built in 1196 on an even earlier pilgrimage site, it served for some 400 years as a place of rest and relaxation for monks from nearby Durham Cathedral. Admission is free.

Location: Finchale Avenue, Framwellgate Moor, County Durham

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/finchale-priory

Ivesley, set amid 220 acres of beautiful countryside just six miles from Durham, is a must-visit for those interested in horses and equestrian sports. Amenities include an indoor school, show jumps, and several cross-country courses that can be accessed via professional teaching and schooling opportunities or rented out privately.

A highlight of a visit is the chance to explore the many nearby riding trails. The center is approved by the British Horse Society, and all instructors are BHS-trained. A variety of riding holidays are available, including stays in the center's B&B-style accommodations.

Location: Waterhouses, Durham

Official site: www.ivesleyequestrian.co.uk

Much of the city's early prosperity stemmed from its strategic position on the route to Scotland, as well as the powerful draw of St. Cuthbert's shrine. At the same time, the beautiful surrounding countryside was divided into large estates on which feudal barons erected splendid castles.

From the early modern period onwards, the coal industry came to play an increasingly important role, and pitheads and chimneys soon dotted the landscape. In the 19th century, the population swelled with an influx of immigrant workers, and while industrialists built grand houses, working class districts grew, and trade unions were founded. In fact, the annual Durham Miners' Gala is still a major event on the local calendar.

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Places to visit in Durham

The grand Norman-era Durham Cathedral (which plays a role in Harry Potter), and nearby fairy-tale, turreted castle have the words 'World Heritage Site' written all over them. The majestic north east city of Durham is a historical treasure trove; castles nestle in riversides, parks thrive with deer, and living museums radiate with industrial heritage, but that’s just a taste of the best places to visit in Durham. Bring your map to visit Durham County and the North Pennines where there are miles of heather-carpeted dales to explore. And sports fans aren't short of things to do in Durham – it’s 'cricket mad', especially when The Ashes come to town.

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Top things to do in County Durham

Tucked away in North East England, the lovely County of Durham has plenty of surprises up its sleeve.

Get back to nature at High Force waterfall

Explore a peaceful landscape of moors and hills, valleys, waterfalls and rivers dotted with picturesque villages and historic market towns.

Location: Durham Dales

Retrace Turner's footsteps in Durham

Durham’s landscapes and iconic buildings have inspired several of England’s great artists and writers, including the master painter JMW Turner.

Location: Durham Dales, Durham

Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle

Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.

Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir

Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.

Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales

A walking architectural history lesson.

Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales

Take your senses on a trip back in time at Beamish

Touch, taste, hear, see and smell history on an unforgettable journey into the past at England’s largest open-air museum.

Location: Vale of Durham

Sit in Harry Potter's classroom at Durham Cathedral

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to life via a number of locations across the UK, one of which was the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral.

Location: Durham City, Durham

July festivals: Durham Brass

Brass is given a modern twist with art installations in the streets and a dose of contemporary hip hop at BRASS Durham International Festival.

Location: Durham

Soak up the atmosphere and changing colours of Durham City

Wrap up warm and enjoy walks amongst a leafy Durham City this autumn, and discover the timeless magic of Crook Hall for a wonderfully English experience.

December events: Enjoy a city Christmas festival with a difference

Experience the timeless beauty of Durham City as you explore the traditional Durham Christmas festival this winter.

Watch the sunrise over the Durham Heritage Coast

Grab an early morning hot drink from the marina and watch the sunrise from the lively town of Seaham before setting off on a windswept walk with dramatic views.

Location: Durham Coast, Durham

Marvel at Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Be awestruck by Durham Cathedral and Castle, take a relaxing stroll on the banks of the River Wear, and soak up a city as beautiful as it is historic.

Enjoy a river tour of Durham City

Set off in your very own rowboat on the beautiful River Wear or enjoy a guided river cruise aboard the Prince Bishops River Cruiser.

Location: Durham City

Delve into Durham’s historic treasure troves

Step back in time and admire world-class art at captivating castles and manor houses across the county.

Location: Vale of Durham / Durham Dales

Discover 2,000 years of history at Durham Cathedral

Open Treasure is Durham Cathedral’s new world-class visitor experience, located in the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK.

Discover your wild side at 'Beamish Wild' in Durham

Swing from the treetops in ancient woodland, but keep your eyes on the prize as a refreshing real ale awaits in the micro-brewery & restaurant below.

Location: Vale of Durham, Durham

Fall in love in the Durham Dales

Explore the rugged beauty of the Durham Dales’s rolling pastures and open moorland among the falling leaves and changing colours of the landscapes on a romantic break.

Peep into Durham’s locomotive past

Discover Durham’s role in the development of the railways at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon.

Discover a castle fit for a prince

Explore artistic treasures in Auckland Castle, home of the Prince Bishops of Durham for 900 years, and set to host a spectacular new show from 2016.

Journey through British history at Kynren

Experience an epic storytelling journey through time at this spectacular live-action night show in Durham.

Location: Bishop Auckland, Durham

Set off in search of sea glass on the Durham Coast

Search for sea glass, walk the coastal footpath, visit the county’s only marina and enjoy dramatic views in a five-star luxury spa hotel.

Location: Seaham, Durham Coast

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You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham City

Bill Bryson called it ‘a perfect little city’, The Telegrapgh named it one of the best UK city breaks for 2023, and Condé Nast’s Traveller magazine readers voted it the ‘Best city in the UK’ – now Durham City warmly awaits your visit to receive another seal of approval.

A captivating city with winding cobbled streets and a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Explore the timeless quality of this quintessential old English University City, take some time out with a relaxing riverside walk or river cruise, or soak up the atmosphere with superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums.

Watch the world go by in one of the city centre cafés, shop for gourmet treats, locally produced food or original crafts in an array of shops and markets, or find city-centre calm at one of the city's many green spaces. 

Days in Durham City are a hard act to follow, but we like to think our evenings are also up to the mark. From spellbinding theatre to side-splitting comedy, intimate restaurants to chic café-bars, and action films to art house cinema, Durham City has entertainment galore - don't miss the city's prime entertainment venue, the Gala Theatre .

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22 Unmissable Things to Do in Durham, England – Travel Guide + Map 

Durham is most famous for its historic cathedral, which is the final resting place of St Cuthbert – the patron saint of North England . In fact, this cathedral city was built when the monks of Lindisfarne and their successors found this place in Dun Holm (means Hill island) in 995 AD, after 200 years of wandering with the Saint’s coffin. The current structure of the Durham cathedral was built in the late 11th century after the Norman conquest. Since then, until the early 19th century, the bishops had enormous power and they became known as Prince Bishops. Like a Royal family, they used to live in the Castle. The Cathedral and the adjoining castle are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This city is steeped in so much history that you would love to explore.

There are plenty of fun activities as well that you can do in Durham. You can row on the River or take a cruise on the Prince Bishop, you can take a walk along the river, enjoy some yummy treats on the Market Place. UK’s largest light festival, Lumiere Festival takes place here every two years. Plus, being a University town, It has great food and pub scene.  

Getting to Durham:

Hop on the LNER train which runs along the east coast of England. It takes almost 3 hours from London and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Edinburgh. If you are coming from Manchester, Transpennine Express runs frequent train services to Durham. It would take almost 2 hours 15 minutes.

Most of the attractions in this cathedral city are within walking distance from the city centre.

🇬🇧 22 Best Things to Do in Durham

1. visit durham cathedral.

The Cathedral is the most important attraction in Durham. It’s possibly the most famous cathedral in the whole of Britain. After the Norman Conquest of England, this cathedral was built in the late 11 th century. So, clearly, the architecture of the cathedral has significant Norman influence. Step inside this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore its 1000 years of fascinating history. A few must-see things in the cathedral:

1.1. The Treasures of St Cuthbert

St Cuthbert is the patron Saint of North England. In his 20s, he became prior of Melrose, and then the bishop of Lindisfarne before living as a hermit on the Inner Farne Island. After his death, he was buried in Lindisfarne. But with the Viking Raids in 700s AD, the monks of Lindisfarne and their successors carried his coffin over a couple of centuries before finding his final resting place in Durham in the late 900s AD.  

1.2. Venerable Bede’s Tomb

Bede was a legendary Anglo-Saxon scholar in the 7th and 8th century. He is considered the father of English History. He brought the idea of recording time in AD (Anno Domini) and popularised it in Europe. His bones are interred in the Galilee Chapel inside the cathedral.

1.3. The Cloisters

The impressive cloisters of the Durham Cathedral were featured in Harry potter film and Avengers: Endgame.

1.4. The Sanctuary Knocker

The Sanctuary Knocker appears on the Cathedral’s North door – resembles a ring hanging from the mouth of a beast. In past, a criminal seeking refuge in the cathedral would bang on the knocker and grab the attention of the watchers of the Cathedral. After entering the cathedral, the sanctuary seeker then had to change his clothes to a black robe with St Cuthbert’s Cross sewn on the left shoulder. Before 37 days of sanctuary ends, the criminal had to leave.

1.5. The Neville Screen

The Nevilles were one of the most influential families in Durham who fought the Scots earning English Victory in the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346. They gifted an ornamental screen, called the Neville Screen which was erected on the Cathedral in 1380. Neville families were allowed to be interred in the cathedral, a very rare honour at that time.

1.6. Stained Glasses

Durham Cathedral has some of the finest stained glasses in the UK. Take a walk in tranquillity and admire the glassworks. Some of them are 700 years old.

1.7. Highest Cathedra

The bishop’s throne (called Cathedra) in the cathedral is an inch higher than the Pope’s. Legend has it Bishop Thomas Hatfield sent some of the monks to the Vatican city to measure the height of the Pope’s thrones so that he could build the highest cathedral throne in the world.

2. Visit Durham Castle

Located on a small hill overlooking the River Wear, Durham Castle is one of the top attractions in this city. This Norman Castle was built in 1072, and since then, it served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop. After 1832, Auckland Palace became the official residence of the bishop. Then this castle was donated to the University of Durham. In 1986, The castle along with the cathedral received the UNESCO World Heritage site status.  

You can only access this castle today by guided tours . If you fancy a stay in this castle, they have B&B accommodations during University vacations when. They have a couple of State Rooms available to stay throughout the year.

3. Durham Riverside Walk

No visit to Durham would be complete without the Riverside walk. A stroll around the River Wear would be a great way to feel this cathedral city. You will get a stunning view of the Cathedral overlooking this river. It would take you about 1.5 hours to complete the 3-mile circular walk. Riverside Walk is one of the best things to do in Durham.

From the stone arched bridges – Framwellgate Bridge, Prebends Bridge, Elvet Bridge – you would get a fantastic view of the River Wear and the surrounding landmarks.

You can also hire a rowing boat or take a cruise along the River Wear on the Prince Bishop.

4. Durham Market Place

Come any Saturday in Durham. You will find a bustling outdoor market in Market Place at the heart of this cathedral city. There are plenty of independent shops and crafts where you can pick a bargain.

If you are in for street foods, you are in luck. There are a number of yummy pop-up food stalls in this market. We bought ourselves a couple of gyros from a Greek food vendor. It was really good.  

Also, watch out for the statue of Neptune and the Man on the Horse on the Market Place.

5. Durham Town Hall

Durham Town Hall is definitely one of the top attractions in this city. Originally Built in the 1300s, the building went through several alternations and extensions over centuries. The centrepiece of the Durham Town Hall is The Great Hall – 72 ft long wood-panelled hall with wooden plaques and coats of arms of prominent local families.

It’s free to visit. You will get to know a great deal of local history about the Prince Bishops, Trade Guilds, Józef Boruwłaski – a Polish-born dwarf musician (popularly known as the Little Count) who retired in this city.

6. Visit Finchale Priory

About four miles north of Durham City Centre, you would find the impressive ruins of Finchale Priory (pronounced ‘finkale’). Nestled on the bank of River Wear, this priory was founded in the late 12 th century. It was used as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham Cathedral until the dissolution of monasteries in the 16 th century.

Cross over the bridge adjacent to the priory and walk over the other side of the River Wear. You would get a magnificent view of the priory. It’s free to visit. If you are coming here by public transport, take bus service 62 from the city centre. You would have to walk about 15 minutes from the nearest bus stop.

7. Take a culture trip to Oriental Museum

This museum boasts of having more than 36,000 Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean artifacts. Laid out in four different floors, the museum is a treasure trove of Egyptian collections – It’s definitely worth a visit. This museum under Durham University is about 20 minute’s walk from the city centre. It’s totally free to visit.

8. Visit Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

A short walk from the cathedral lies Durham Museum and Heritage Centre. Long ago, it was a parish church of the North Bailey. You would get to learn some fascinating stories about Prince Bishops and a great deal of local history including the mining industry of the city and its surrounding areas. 

In the churchyard, you would find impressive wood sculptures of St Cuthbert and Gaia by Fenwick Lawson – a renowned sculptor of North-East England. Entry fee to this museum is £2.50 per adult.

9. Pay a visit to Durham Market Hall

Don’t miss this historic indoor market at the heart of city centre. Established in 1851, this is one of the very few privately owned markets in the country. You would find a wide range of local produces, clothing, butchery shops. It’s open six days a week from Monday to Saturday. There is a nice café upstairs as well.

A few yards off the Market Hall stands Prince Bishops Place – an array of department stores, retail shops and cafes.

10. Explore the historic buildings around Palace Green

Though the name gives you the impression about a palace, this is actually a green space between the Durham Cathedral and the Castle. This was the site of the old market place consisting of wooden houses until the 12 th century. Then, it was moved to its current location to prevent the potential fire hazards. Not only the Cathedral and the castle, there are a number of historic buildings around the Palace Green. Explore Bishop Cosin’s Hall – a Georgian house, Pemberton Building and Palace Green Library.  

11. Wander around Wharton Park

Durham Wharton Park is located very close to the train station. This open green space is named after William Lloyd Wharton – a local wealthy coal mine owner and barrister, who built the park in the mid 1800s. This park gives one of the best views of the city skyline dominated by the cathedral.

12. Visit Museum of Archaeology

Located in Palace Green Library, Museum of Archaeology displays artifacts from prehistoric to Roman period in Durham. Highlights include Lanchester Diploma, discovered in 2016 – first of its kind in the country. It’s quite small museum but worth a visit if you are interested in history. You don’t have to pay a penny to visit this museum.

13. Enjoy a fun-packed day in Beamish Museum

Located halfway between Durham and Newcastle , Beamish is a 350 acre open-air museum where you can time travel to the Victorian and Edwardian eras of North East England. It’s like you are in the set of a period drama. Hop on to the vintage bus (free service – included in the ticket) and explore different sections of the museum. You can also shop and taste many nostalgias of the past like Victorian lemonade, Rowntree’s chocolates, bakeries made with Edwardian recipes. Truly a gem of North East England, this Living Museum of the North is a perfect package of entertainment and education for all ages.

Beamish is just about 15 minutes’ drive from Durham. There are frequent public bus services as well from the city centre. Entrance fee to the museum is £19.50 per adult which includes your yearly pass. You can visit the museum as many times as you want in a year without paying anything extra.

14. Explore the seaside town of Seaham, Durham County

Seaham lies about 14 miles northeast of this city in Durham county. Visit the Seaham Harbour, founded by the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, Charles William Vane Stewart. Through his marriage, he became a coal mine owner. When his plan to export Coal via the River Wear was denied, he built this harbour for exporting coal quarried from the nearby Collieries. Most of the collieries closed their doors by the end of the 20th century. Today Seaham is a picturesque coastal town.

Seaham has a history with world-renowned poet, Lord Byron who was married at Seaham Hall in the early 19th century. He stayed in this town for a brief period with his in-laws. Now, Seaham Hall is a luxury hotel and Spa with award-winning restaurants. Also, the shopping Mall at the heart of this small town is named after Byron.

On the coast, don’t miss the 10 feet tall sculpture, ‘Tommy’ that commemorates the soldiers in the First World War.

15. Take a walk along the scenic Durham Heritage Coast

Durham coastline runs from Sunderland in the North to Hartlepool in the south. There are two famous beaches on this coast not too far from the Seaham town centre – Chemical Beach and Blast Beach.  They are separated by a headland, called Nose’s Point. Though the names sound quite scary, the beaches have healed the past scars of industrial waste dumps. They have been beautifully restored by a major clean-up project called ‘Turning the Tide’. The Durham Coast has received Heritage Coast Status.

Today, you would get to enjoy impressive magnesium limestone cliffs on your coastal walk.

16. Explore some lovely cafes in Durham

Durham has a very vibrant café culture. We heard very good reviews about this one – Flat White Kitchen . Very popular with tourists and locals alike, you would always find some people waiting outside this café. They have a wide range of choices for breakfast and brunch. We popped in there for breakfast. Moumita had an Egg Florentine, and I had a pancake with blueberry compote – Amazing food, lovely welcoming staff and cool atmosphere. would definitely recommend a visit.

We went to another nice café, Cafedral Durham for light lunch. Located a few yards away from the castle, their scones were really tasty. Very good service and friendly staff. Worth a visit.

17. The Statue of Neptune

Located on the Market Place, The statue of Neptune (a Roman god associated with the sea) symbolises an ambitious 18 th -century plan to make the River Wear navigable from Durham to Sunderland altering the course of the river. But that plan never materialised as it was deemed impractical.  

18. The Man on the Horse

The equestrian statue on the Market place is of Charles William Vane Stewart, the 3 rd Marquis of Londonderry. He had a colourful military career in the 1800s and the statue shows him in military uniform. He founded the Seaham harbour.

His statue was created in 1861 by an English sculptor of Italian origin, Raphael Monti. A story goes that the sculptor was so proud of his work that he challenged that if anyone can find the slightest fault in his work, that person would be rewarded. Apparently, a blind man found out that the horse doesn’t have a tongue. That completely upset the sculptor and he committed suicide. Though today it’s highly doubted about the accuracy of this story.

19. Take a Sip with Riverside View

Durham has a bustling pub scene. There are plenty of amazing pubs and restaurants dotted on the banks of River Wear and the city centre. We were at Cosy Club, which has a few stores in the UK – we are big fans of their décor and atmosphere. We took a couple of cocktails and a few tapas. Nothing beats refreshing cocktails on a summer day! They have a few spots at the balcony as well where you can sip the cocktail with a smashing view of the cathedral overlooking the River Wear.

The Bishops Mill, Ye Old Elm Tree, The Library, Market Tavern are also some of the popular pubs in this cathedral city. Apart from the usuals, they have a great selection of local beers brewed by the Durham Brewery.

20. Attend Festivals and Events

UK’s largest light festival, Lumiere Festival takes place in this cathedral city in November every two years. That’s the most popular event in Durham. Plus, the Pride event happens every summer. On our trip, we got to catch a glimpse of this event attended by around 25,000 people.

Durham Book Festival is held every October in the local historic buildings that include the Cathedral and the Town Hall. This city also hosts a very unique event, Miner’s Gala.  

21. Visit other attractions in County Durham

Auckland Castle, Raby Castle, Bowes Museum, Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum, Eggleston Abbey are some of the other top attractions in County Durham. Those are excellent choices to extend your trip by a couple of days.

22.Take a day trip to Newcastle

After soaking up the cultural heritage of Durham, want to have some fun and party hard? Head towards Newcastle – the city of seven bridges and the party capital of North England.   Newcastle is around 15 minutes by train and half an hour by car from Durham. This bustling city has been voted the third best nightlife destination in Europe. Newcastle has its historic Grainger Town, an amazing waterfront, a Chinatown, a medieval castle. Not only that, some of the best beaches in the country are also not too far from Newcastle. With so many things to do and see, you could easily spend a few days (even a week) in Newcastle.

• Read More: Our Complete Guide on 30 Best Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne

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