Durham: Best Things to Do

Image by Randolfo Santos from Google Maps - Photo by Randolfo Santos

Durham is a city located in North East England famous and known as historic city with amazing river view.

This historic city lies on the River Wear making it has great panoramic view to offer.

It attracts the visitors for well known Norman cathedral and 11 century castle.

The old city centre of Durham has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area boasts 600 listed buildings with great architectures.

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SIGHTSEEING

Palace Green is a must visit destination when you go to Durham. This is a large area of grass located in the city center. Sets in a lovely historic area, this place is surrounded by wonderful buildings and Durham Cathedral. It is really great for you to spend your day here, strolling the building or sit on the grass. Do not skip to get around the heritage center and the Palace green library there.

Palace Green

Sizable lawn at Dunham University bordering the 17th-century library housing an archeology museum.

DOWNTOWN

The downtown of Durham is walkable and full of vibrant is filled with eating, dining, and shopping places. In this center, you will also find Durham's significant sites, architectures, and public art. The Museum of Durham History is one of the downtown attractions. This is 21st-century museum promoting Durham history throughout the year. You can learn that history from interactive displays and photos.

Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

Converted church housing models of the medieval city, 19th-century market a Victorian prison cell.

Address : 40 N Bailey, Durham DH1 3ET, United Kingdom

SHOPPING

You will find several shopping places in the heart of Durham. Prince Bishops Shopping Centre is one of them It is the city's premier shopping venue. You can find some stores selling high-end fashion brands, gadgets, health and beauty products, and many more. With over 40 leading retailers along the area, you will easy to find all your necessaries.

Prince Bishops Shopping Centre

Polished gallery of stores lining pedestrian walkways with a department store, boutiques & cafes.

Address : City, Durham DH1 3UL, United Kingdom

FOOD & DRINK

The city of Durham has one of the most varied food from any Southern town. Basically, biscuits and barbecue are two of regional favorites. You may try Epiphany tart and Lamas bread as two of their traditional foods. Those food has become popular since the middle ages until the English Christians have Epiphany and Lamas baking celebration.

CULTURE

Durham is a wonderful city that has diverse cultural activities and attractions. The city holds a rich Christian heritage, seen from several great churches. In addition, major traditional festivals like Bimbe Cultural Arts and Bull Durham Blues Festival are still existing here.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time for exploring Durham is during warmest times. Those range from June to August. You will get pleasant weather at that time, making a comfortable trip for you.

HOTEL

Durham offers lots of accommodations ranging from luxury to budget hotels. If you want to stay in a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, you can go to Aloft Durham Downtown. Staying here will give you easy access to several attractions such as Durham performing Art Center and Bulls Athletic Park. While for the budget stay, HomeTowne Studios Raleigh will best suit you. This hotel is designed for longer stays and provides all your necessities including laundry and ironing facilities.

RESTAURANT

Dame's Chicken & Waffles is where you should go to try local cuisine. situated in a strategic area, this restaurant has excellent food. Enjoy the Jazz performance while having your meals. Don't forget to try the best burger in Durham at Fat Hippo. This restaurant serves amazing food with a big portion, but still, the burger here is unbeatable. This is also a great restaurant with a cozy and charming atmosphere.

Durham at Fat Hippo

Casual dining restaurant offering serious comfort food such as burgers & chips in a cool space.

Address : 36 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU, United Kingdom

CAFE

Flat White Cafe is truly the finest choice to get relaxed after strolling the city center. This cafe has excellent coffee taste that worth visiting for coffee lovers. Besides, there are also some menus for vegetarian and meat lovers, as well as cakes lovers. Parker and Otis is a stunning cafe and a gift shop in downtown Durham. It's a favorite place for having breakfast, grab a black coffee, and find some books or souvenirs. In addition, this cafe also attracts visitors for its beautiful wooden floors.

Flat White Cafe

Rustic wood tables line this cosy coffee shop for artisan roasts, light lunches and homemade cakes.

Address : 21A Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA, United Kingdom

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

Old Tom's Gin Bar becomes everyone's top priority when comes to nightlife destination to go. Sets in a Tudor building from 15th century, this bar is more like a museum. It also influenced by Old Tom that has a significant role in the history of gins. Besides its interesting history, its wide range of alcohol is excellent. Half Moon Inn is also good to start the night in Durham. This is a traditional pub located in the heart of the city. This bar offers fantastic outside drinking area with River Wear view.

Old Tom's Gin Bar

Old Tom's Gin Bar is such a wonderful little old pub located in the middle of the city.

Address : 33 Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4SL, United Kingdom

Half Moon Inn

Tudor building, open fire and traditional feel led TV to use this pub for the series George Gently.

Address : 86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ, United Kingdom

INTERESTING PLACE

Take a visit to one of cultural World Heritage Site in England, the Durham Castle. It is a Norman castle occupied by University College in 1837. Its location on top of a hill gives you scenic view of the city. You will feel like in a medieval city of Durham from its building and fascinating narrow streets. It is also great to explore the Finchale Priory, the remaining building of a Priory. Stand on the banks of the River Wear and in a beautiful wooded area, this attraction will bring back you to the 11th century look.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been occupied since 1837 by University College.

Address : Durham DH1 3RW, United Kingdom

Finchale Priory

Extensive, free-entry ruins of a 13th-century priory, originally founded around 1196.

Address : Finchale Ave, Framwellgate Moor, Durham DH1 5SH, United Kingdom

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

Durham Cathedral is a great spot for your Instagram feed worthy. This stunning building presents the medieval era of Durham city. It becomes the finest spot to see because of the Romanesque architecture. Another one is Framwellgate Bridge. It is the oldest bridge constructed in 1127. Besides enjoying the structure of the medieval bridge, there are plenty of beautiful things to capture at its surroundings.

Framwellgate Bridge

Pedestrian-only river bridge with 2 arches, constructed in the early 15th century.

Address : Silver St, Durham DH1 4PW, United Kingdom

Durham Cathedral

Architecturally innovative Norman CofE cathedral with St Cuthbert's shrine and a treasury museum.

Address : Durham DH1 3EH, United Kingdom