Durham
Why we love Durham
A place for roaming Romans, valiant Vikings and even a playground for wizards, Durham is a city bursting with untold stories and magical moments. Cast a spell at Durham Cathedral as you walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter or captain your own boat down the River Wear.
Sip on the city’s favourite tipples on insider distillery tours, or try local flavours with a city foodie exploration. Head off the beaten track through the Durham Dales to the soaring cliff tops of the Durham Heritage Coast or watch history come to life at Kynren, an unmissable open-air performance.. No matter the adventure, Durham’s spellbinding charm is not to be missed.
Durham Cathedral
There’s over 1000 years of history to discover at Durham Cathedral. Book your spot on a Cathedral tour and hear the stories of the people who have influenced its history, and head up the 325 steps to the top of the central tower. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure you visit the Cloister and the Chapter House where filming took place.
The Bowes Museum
Designed with French style as inspiration, The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, eludes elegance. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the museum now boasts collections featuring ceramics, sculptures, paintings and more. Opt for a daily spotlight tour for a friendly, informal and informative introduction to the museum’s exhibitions, collection and building, delivered by a team of visitor assistants, curators and volunteer guides.
The Durham Distillery Experience
A distillery with stories to tell, unearth the tricks of the distilling trade on a Durham Distillery Experience. Delve beneath the surface on a subterranean tour, mix it up for yourself with a gin making class, or get spicy with a cocktail course in the underground bar.
Things to do in Durham
Featured things to do
Captivating culture at The Auckland Project
Uncover a fusion of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, as part of The Auckland Project. Look over the historic deer park from Auckland Tower’s 15 metre high viewing platform, discover artwork at the Spanish Gallery or uncover 6,000 years of stories at the Faith Museum.
Visit The Auckland Project
Growing gardens
Nature awaits at Durham’s Botanic Garden, located within Durham University. Take in the greenery of the Native Woodland for British trees, spot tropical flora in the Glasshouses and spy unique artwork around, from local artists and beyond.
See florals at Durham's Botanic Garden
Tuck into a food tour
A foodie’s haven, dip into the flavours of Durham on a food tour that visits the city’s famous indoor food market and popular eateries. Triple A Food Tour’s offer a journey through Durham’s local produce, alongside a Gin Tour where you’ll sample gins with cheese and charcuterie.
Book a Triple A Food Tour
Visit Locomotion
In the exact place where the world’s first steam-powered public railway started, delve into the world of trains and railway history at Locomotion. Feel the power of bold ideas and imagination at the Innovation Platform exhibition, plus, get up close to historic locomotives.
Full steam ahead at LocomotionPlaces to stay in Durham
Durham City
Durham’s city centre is where you’ll not only find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, but also hip coffee shops, cultural art spaces and indie boutiques. Choose to stay in one of its central hotels, or look to a B&B or self-catering apartment.
Durham Dales
Let your sense of adventure take hold with a stay in the Durham Dales. A beautiful blend of tranquil landscapes and high adrenaline activities, explore everything from the moors, hills and valleys to flowing rivers and historic towns.
Durham Coast
From coastal hikes to National Nature Reserves, this area boasts some pretty serious scenery and flora. Follow the 8.5 mile (14 kilometre) coastal path for unmissable moments beside the North Sea. Hunker down for the night in eco-coastal pod, or choose a luxury stay.
Explore nearby
Getting to Durham
Durham is well connected to locations across the UK by train, coach and bus. It is under a three-hour journey by train from London Kings Cross Station, while a direct train journey between Durham and Edinburgh Waverly Station takes under two-hours. Newcastle International Airport is the nearest airport, from which you can travel directly to Newcastle Central Station on the Metro, before taking a train direct to Durham. You can take a National Express Bus or Megabus direct to Durham from London Victoria Coach Station. Travelling by bus can take considerably longer due to traffic so make sure you are prepared for the journey.
Getting around
By bus
Arriva and Go North East provide public bus transport around the city. An Explorer Ticket offers travel across the region.
By bike
County Durham is made to be explored by bike. The area offers over 310 miles (500 kilometres) of bridleways and cycle routes down railway paths. You can use Sustrans to plan your cycling journey.
By foot
Durham can be easily explored by foot. Routes can be tailored around the city dependent on time and difficulty.
Want to know more?
Head to This is Durham for insider tips from those in the know.