You might not know that Durham is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting stunning architecture and rich history. The city’s historic cathedral, a magnificent structure built in the late 11th century, is the final resting place of St Cuthbert, the patron saint of North England.
As you visit this charming city, you’ll be captivated by its vibrant atmosphere, shaped by its university town status and the scenic River Wear that winds through the city center. Whether you’re looking for a guide to historic sites, cultural attractions, or simply a relaxing getaway, Durham has something for everyone.
This charming city in the north east offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for your next trip.
Discovering Durham’s Historic Heart
The historic city of Durham is home to some of England’s most revered sites, showcasing a rich tapestry of history and architecture. As you explore Durham, you’ll discover that its historic heart is centered around two of its most iconic landmarks: Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.
Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Treasure
Durham Cathedral stands as one of Britain’s most magnificent examples of Norman architecture, dating back to the late 11th century following the Norman Conquest. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a must-visit attraction in Durham, boasting an impressive history spanning over 1000 years.
The cathedral houses numerous treasures, including the tomb of St. Cuthbert, the Venerable Bede’s tomb, and impressive stained glass windows, some of which are 700 years old. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s cloisters, which have appeared in films like Harry Potter and Avengers: Endgame, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
Durham Castle: From Prince Bishops to University Students
Located on a small hill overlooking the River Wear, Durham Castle is another top attraction in the city. Built in 1072, this Norman Castle served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop until 1832. Today, it functions as part of Durham University, making it one of the few universities in the world where students can live and study in a medieval castle.
Guided tours of the castle provide insight into its historical significance and architectural evolution over nearly a millennium, offering a unique glimpse into Durham’s rich history.
Riverside Experiences in Durham
Durham’s River Wear is a treasure trove of scenic delights waiting to be explored. As you walk along the river, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Walking the Scenic River Wear Path
The River Wear forms a horseshoe bend around Durham’s historic peninsula, creating a natural moat that once served as a defensive feature for the cathedral and castle. A leisurely 3-mile circular walk takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and offers some of the most picturesque views of Durham’s skyline dominated by the cathedral.
Three stone arched bridges – Framwellgate Bridge, Prebends Bridge, and Elvet Bridge – span the River Wear, each providing unique vantage points for photographers and sightseers. Prebends Bridge is particularly famous for offering what many consider the perfect postcard view of Durham Cathedral rising majestically above the tree-lined riverbanks.
Boat Trips and River Cruises
During summer months, visitors can hire rowing boats for a self-guided experience on the water or join a river cruise aboard the Prince Bishop. This allows you to enjoy Durham’s landmarks from a different perspective while engaging in various activities on the river.
Exploring Durham’s Market and City Center
The heart of Durham’s city center beats with a rich history, reflected in its bustling Market Place and historic buildings. Every Saturday, the Market Place comes alive with a vibrant outdoor market, offering a variety of independent shops, crafts, and local produce.
Durham Market Place and Historic Town Hall
Durham’s Market Place has been the commercial heart of the city for centuries. The historic Durham Town Hall, originally built in the 1300s, is a key attraction, featuring the impressive Great Hall with its 72-foot-long wood-paneled interior adorned with coats of arms of prominent local families.
Palace Green and the Historic Quarter
Palace Green, despite its name, is not a palace but a verdant open space between Durham Cathedral and Castle. It was once the site of the old marketplace until the 12th century. The area is surrounded by numerous historic buildings, including Bishop Cosin’s Hall and Palace Green Library, adding to the rich history of the area.
Walking through Durham’s city center reveals a network of charming medieval streets and vennels lined with independent shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it perfect for exploration on foot.
Must-Visit Museums in Durham
With a collection of fascinating museums, Durham is a haven for history buffs and casual visitors alike. The city’s museums offer a deep dive into its rich history, cultural significance, and global connections.
Oriental Museum: Eastern Treasures
The Oriental Museum, operated by Durham University, is a must-visit attraction, boasting an impressive collection of over 36,000 artifacts from Egypt, China, Japan, India, and Korea. Spread across four floors, the museum is particularly renowned for its Egyptian collections.
Museum of Archaeology
Located within the Palace Green Library, the Museum of Archaeology showcases the region’s rich archaeological heritage, featuring artifacts from prehistoric times through the Roman period. A highlight is the Lanchester Diploma, discovered in 2016, which is the first of its kind in the country.
Durham Museum and Heritage Centre
Housed in a former parish church, the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre offers fascinating insights into local history, including exhibits on the powerful Prince Bishops and Durham’s industrial mining heritage. Visitors can explore the stories behind the city’s historical significance.
These museums not only provide a deeper understanding of Durham’s historical significance within northeast England but also highlight its connections to global history and trade. Many of Durham’s museums offer free or low-cost admission, making them accessible attractions for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Parks and Gardens in Durham
Durham’s serene parks and gardens are a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Crook Hall Gardens
Crook Hall Gardens offers a peaceful retreat just a short walk from Durham’s city center, featuring a series of interlinking themed gardens surrounding a 13th-century Grade I listed medieval hall.
Now cared for by the National Trust, these gardens create a tranquil atmosphere that feels worlds away from the urban environment, making it perfect for a relaxing day out.
Wharton Park
Wharton Park, located near Durham train station, provides one of the best panoramic views of Durham’s city skyline dominated by the cathedral’s towers.
This place is ideal for a family outing, with plenty of space for children to play and explore.
Durham, England: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Food and Drink
As a university town, Durham boasts a lively atmosphere that extends to its food and drink options. You can experience a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional English pubs to contemporary cafés and international cuisine.
Cafés and Brunch Spots
Durham’s café culture is thriving, with popular spots like Flat White Kitchen offering exceptional breakfast and brunch options. You can enjoy delicious homemade scones and light lunches at Cafedral Durham, located near the castle.
Pubs and Restaurants with a View
For a refreshing drink with a view, several pubs and restaurants along the River Wear offer outdoor seating where you can admire the cathedral and castle. The Cosy Club provides a stylish setting for cocktails and tapas, with balcony spots offering spectacular views of Durham Cathedral overlooking the River Wear. You can also visit traditional pubs like The Bishops Mill and Ye Old Elm Tree, which serve local beers from Durham Brewery.
Durham’s food scene is characterized by its emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the surrounding countryside. You can explore the city’s markets, such as Durham’s Market Hall, to sample local produce and street food, making it easy to assemble a picnic to enjoy in one of the city’s parks.
Day Trips to Durham’s Countryside
Just beyond Durham city lies a wealth of natural beauty and historic landmarks waiting to be discovered. The Durham Dales and surrounding countryside offer spectacular day trip opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty and historic estates of County Durham.
Raby Castle and Deer Park
Raby Castle, built in the 14th century by the powerful Nevill family, stands as one of England’s most impressive medieval castles. The castle is set within 200 acres of deer park where visitors can observe wild deer roaming freely among ancient trees.
High Force Waterfall
High Force Waterfall in the North Pennines is one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, where the River Tees plunges 21 meters into a pool below, surrounded by dramatic rock formations. The walk to High Force through ancient woodland is particularly stunning in autumn.
Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum near Bishop Auckland is housed in a French-style château and contains an internationally significant collection of fine and decorative arts spanning several centuries. The museum’s most famous exhibit is the Silver Swan, an 18th-century automaton that still performs daily.
These countryside attractions can be combined into a single day trip from Durham city, or explored individually for a more leisurely experience of the Durham Dales region.
Exploring Durham’s Coastal Treasures
Durham’s coastline is a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. As you explore this area, you’ll discover the fascinating history and stunning landscapes that make it a must-visit destination.
Seaham Beach and Sea Glass Hunting
Seaham Beach, located about 14 miles northeast of Durham city, is renowned throughout North East England as one of the best places in the world to hunt for sea glass. The colorful sea glass found on Seaham’s shores comes from the former Londonderry Bottleworks, which operated until the 1920s and dumped excess glass into the sea.
Durham Heritage Coast Walk
The Durham Heritage Coast Walk stretches 11 miles from Sunderland to Hartlepool, offering spectacular views of the North Sea and magnesian limestone cliffs that are unique to this part of North East England. This walk is a great way to experience the natural beauty and heritage of the area.
The Durham coastline has undergone a remarkable transformation through the “Turning the Tide” restoration project, earning it Heritage Coast status. Today, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and historic sites that make County Durham a special place to visit.
Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Durham reveals its hidden treasures. Beyond the main city center attractions, there are several unique experiences that provide deeper insights into the region’s rich history and culture.
Finchale Priory
Located about four miles north of Durham city center, Finchale Priory features impressive ruins of a 12th-century monastery that once served as a holiday retreat for monks from Durham Cathedral. The peaceful riverside setting makes it a perfect escape from the busier tourist sites.
Beamish Museum: Living History
Beamish Museum, often called “The Living Museum of the North,” is an immersive 350-acre open-air museum where visitors can experience life in Northeast England during the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s. You can ride on vintage trams, explore reconstructed period buildings, and taste authentic foods made using historical recipes.
Durham’s Lumiere Festival
Durham’s Lumiere Festival, the UK’s largest light festival held every two years in November, transforms the city into a spectacular outdoor gallery with innovative light installations illuminating buildings, streets, and bridges.
These unique experiences offer visitors the chance to see different sides of Durham and can easily fill additional days in your itinerary. Many of these hidden gems are less crowded than the primary tourist sites, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience of Durham’s heritage.
Where to Stay in Durham
From luxurious retreats to cozy guesthouses, Durham has a wealth of choices for where to stay. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the city or exploring the wider North East region, there’s an accommodation to suit your needs.
Luxury and Boutique Accommodations
For luxury seekers, Seaham Hall on the Durham coast provides an exceptional five-star experience with spa facilities, sumptuous suites, and award-winning restaurants. In the heart of Durham city, boutique options like Forty Winks Guesthouse offer stylish, individually designed rooms in historic buildings.
Budget-Friendly Options
Budget-conscious travelers can find comfortable accommodations at The City Hotel and other affordable options within walking distance of Durham’s main attractions. Staying in Durham city center allows you to maximize your time exploring the historic sites.
Planning Your Visit to Durham
To experience the best of Durham, from its scenic River Wear to its vibrant cultural scene, planning is key.
You can easily reach Durham by train, with direct services from major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The city’s compact nature means most attractions, including Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, are within walking distance.
If you plan to explore the wider County Durham region, including the Durham Dales and North Pennines, having a car is beneficial. Allocate at least two full days to see Durham city’s highlights, and consider additional days for nearby attractions like Beamish Museum and Bowes Museum.
Don’t forget to check the weather and book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. With this guide, you’re ready to make the most of your visit to one of England’s most historic cities.
