Durham: The Complete Guide

Visiting Durham in the North East of England offers a striking blend of charm, tradition, and scenic beauty. The compact city centre is wrapped in a loop of the River Wear, which lends itself to peaceful riverside walks and spectacular views of the cathedral and castle perched high above. With its cobbled lanes and independent shops, Durham is a great city to explore on foot, offering a relaxed yet atmospheric escape from busier urban centres.

The city is rich in culture and intellectual life thanks to the presence of Durham University. This contributes to a lively calendar of events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. Visitors can explore everything from literary talks to choral concerts in historic chapels, while the Botanic Garden and university museums provide quiet, contemplative spaces. The student presence adds youthful energy, but the pace of life in Durham remains refreshingly unhurried.

Beyond the centre, the surrounding countryside opens up to reveal a landscape dotted with villages, heritage railways, and walking trails. The nearby Durham Dales and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are ideal for day trips and scenic drives. Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend or a cultural city break, Durham delivers a satisfying balance of heritage, nature, and community spirit in an easily navigable setting.

History of Durham

Durham in the Early Medieval Period

Durham’s recorded history begins in the 7th century with the spread of Christianity through the north of England. After the death of St Cuthbert, his followers moved his remains several times to protect them from Viking raids. Eventually, in 995 AD, they settled on the rocky peninsula of Durham. The strategic natural defences of the site and its spiritual significance made it an ideal place to found a religious community, and a modest church was erected to house the saint’s relics.

Durham in the Norman and Medieval Eras

Following the Norman Conquest, Durham grew rapidly in religious and political importance. In 1093, construction of Durham Cathedral began—an immense Romanesque building that still dominates the skyline today. Alongside the cathedral, Durham Castle was established to reinforce the power of the Normans in the north. Both structures became central to the unique political status of Durham, where the Prince-Bishops held almost kingly authority in the region. The city developed into a key ecclesiastical centre, with monastic and scholarly life thriving throughout the medieval period.

Durham in the Post-Medieval and Industrial Period

The power of the Prince-Bishops waned following the Reformation, but Durham maintained religious significance. In the 19th century, the city evolved again with the growth of coal mining in the wider region. Though Durham itself remained relatively small and traditional in layout, it became the seat of Durham University in 1832—one of the oldest in England. This cemented the city’s intellectual and cultural role, as students and academics became an integral part of its identity.

Durham in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Durham entered the modern age with a strong sense of heritage. While nearby towns industrialised heavily, the city retained much of its medieval character. Preservation efforts, especially in the cathedral and castle complex, helped secure World Heritage status in 1986. In recent decades, Durham has invested in tourism, education, and cultural programming, enhancing its reputation as a small city with exceptional historical continuity and architectural splendour.

Visiting Durham for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Durham on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 11th century, this masterpiece of Norman architecture is renowned for its massive columns, rib-vaulted ceilings, and stunning stained glass. The shrine of St Cuthbert, housed within, makes it one of the most spiritually significant sites in northern England. Its elevated position above the River Wear creates unforgettable views, especially when approached via the riverside walk.

Visitors can explore the nave, cloisters, and the stunning Chapter House, which featured in the Harry Potter films. Entry to the cathedral is free, though donations are encouraged. For panoramic views, visitors can climb the central tower (entry: £7.50 adult; open Monday–Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 12:30pm–4pm). Guided tours and exhibitions further enrich the experience.

2. Durham Castle

Located directly across from the cathedral, Durham Castle forms the other half of the World Heritage Site. Originally a Norman fortress, the castle evolved into a palace for the Prince-Bishops of Durham and now serves as part of Durham University. The castle’s architecture reveals centuries of additions, including medieval halls and a Norman chapel.

Access is via guided tour only, which is run by the university (adults £5; open most days but limited during term time). The tour provides insight into both the medieval history and its current role as student accommodation. Highlights include the 11th-century Norman chapel and the impressive Great Hall.

3. Durham University Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden lies about 1.5 km south of the city centre and covers 25 acres of woodlands and themed gardens. It’s a peaceful escape that features global plant collections, including Himalayan, tropical, and desert species. The garden is also home to interesting sculptures and a visitor centre with seasonal exhibitions.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm), with tickets priced at £4.50 for adults. It’s a particularly rewarding visit in spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. Families appreciate the space for kids to explore safely, and there’s a small café for refreshments.

4. Oriental Museum

Tucked near the university campus, the Oriental Museum is a small but remarkable venue dedicated to the art and archaeology of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. It’s a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, including Egyptian mummies, Chinese jade, and Japanese ceramics. Interactive displays and family-friendly activities are also available.

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Entry is £3 for adults. Its manageable size makes it ideal for a short visit, and it’s especially popular with students and researchers due to its specialised collections.

5. Wharton Park

Overlooking Durham’s railway viaduct, Wharton Park is a recently renovated green space that combines historical charm with modern amenities. It features landscaped gardens, a heritage centre, a café, and children’s play areas. The park was originally designed in the 19th century and offers impressive views of the cathedral from its upper terraces.

It’s open year-round and free to enter. During the warmer months, it hosts occasional community events and outdoor performances. For visitors arriving by train, it’s conveniently located just uphill from the station.

6. Finchale Priory

Located 6 km north of Durham along the River Wear, Finchale Priory is a picturesque English Heritage site set among woodlands. These 13th-century ruins once formed a retreat for the monks of Durham Cathedral. With its riverside setting and atmospheric remains, it’s a favourite for photographers and walkers.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm (April–October). Admission is free. The priory can be reached via car or a scenic riverside walk from the city. While there’s no visitor centre, informative plaques explain the site’s history.

7. Crook Hall and Gardens

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Crook Hall is a medieval manor house surrounded by romantic themed gardens. Though the historic house is currently undergoing refurbishment under the National Trust, the gardens remain open to visitors. They include a secret walled garden, Shakespeare garden, and orchard walk.

Garden-only entry is approximately £8.50 per adult; open daily from 10am to 5pm. Seasonal events such as Easter trails and Christmas lights are also offered. It’s a delightful stop for those seeking peace and heritage close to the centre.

8. Durham Riverside Walk

The circular riverside walk around Durham is one of the city’s great pleasures. Stretching about 3 km, the path follows the River Wear through wooded areas and beneath the towering cathedral and castle. It’s ideal for casual walking, jogging, or photography and provides ever-changing views in every season.

Free and open all year, the walk passes by Prebends Bridge, the Old Fulling Mill, and St Oswald’s Church. Benches and grassy patches allow for impromptu picnics, and you’ll often encounter rowers from the university clubs.

9. Beamish Museum

About 10 km northwest of Durham, Beamish is an award-winning open-air museum that tells the story of life in the North East from the 1820s to the 1950s. It features working trams, a reconstructed 1900s town, a 1940s farm, and interactive exhibits with costumed interpreters. It’s an immersive step back in time.

Open daily 10am to 5pm (March–November). Tickets cost £23.50 for adults but are valid for unlimited visits for a year. Beamish is accessible by car and by bus from Durham, making it a full-day destination perfect for families and history enthusiasts.

10. Durham Heritage Coast (just under 10 km)

While technically at the edge of the 10 km radius, the Durham Heritage Coast is well worth including. Stretching from Seaham to Hartlepool, the coastline offers rugged cliffs, wildflowers, and expansive beaches. It’s ideal for walking, especially along the coastal footpath from Nose’s Point to Hawthorn Dene.

Access is free and open all year. Seaham Beach, about 10 km from Durham, is famous for sea glass and its peaceful atmosphere. It’s best reached by car or local bus, and the nearby town of Seaham offers pubs and tearooms to round off your coastal visit.