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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Durham: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Durham
- Durham's mediaeval city is a sight not to be missed, with its grand cathedral standing high above the River Wear.
- Crook Hall, Kingsgate Bridge and the Town Hall are among the 600 listed structures in the old city centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Durham is one of England's most popular tourist destinations, with plenty of entertaining things to do.
- Exploring its historic architecture, dining at its many restaurants, and shopping in places like the renowned Indoor Market are all highlights.
- Imagine gorgeous landscapes, crowd-free beauty spots, astounding natural wonders like High Force, one of England's most dramatic waterfalls, picture-perfect towns and villages, and a landscape filled with cultural gems.
- International Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Population - 283,506
- Currency: GBP Pound
- Time: UTC+0
- Driving side: right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: English
- Religion: Christian
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Durham
- Take a tour of Durham Cathedral with a guide.
- The Treasures of St. Cuthbert exhibit features a number of the attraction's most notable treasures and relics, which span over 900 years of history.
- Durham Castle, part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built as a stronghold by the Earl of Northumberland in 1072.
- The Museum of Archaeology, housed in Durham University's Palace Green Library, houses Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman artefacts.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Durham
- Durham City is located in the North East of England and is recognised for famous sights such as the Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.
- Durham has a temperate oceanic climate, with a relatively pleasant summer and mild to freezing winters.
- As a result, the city rarely suffers extreme weather, attracting travellers all year. Durham's weather is as variable as the rest of the country, which means you can experience parts of all four seasons in a single day!
- July is usually the hottest month, while January is the coldest.
- The year's rainfall is evenly distributed, with November being the wettest
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Durham
Durham Cathedral
- The splendid British Romanesque-style architecture of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin, and St. Cuthbert of Durham are well-known.
- Whether viewed from the Old City's narrow streets across Palace Green or from the banks of the River Wear across Prebends Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly breathtaking.
- Inside, guests will be greeted with many fascinating attractions to discover.
- The beautiful Galilee Chapel, the Norman Nave with giant piers and columns, and the Cathedral Tower are also highlighted.
- The cathedral also houses the UK's best collection of mediaeval abbeys, notably the 14th-century cloister featured in the first Harry Potter film.
- Durham Cathedral offers daily guided tours that last 1.25 hours.
- The cathedral offers an excellent adult learning programme that includes lectures, workshops, and trips to the surrounding woodlands and riverbanks for those interested in learning more about the area's history.
- Those interested in some regions of the cathedral's history can use the Cathedral Library and Archive. A café and gift shop exist on the site for visitors who wish to stay longer
The Treasures of St. Cuthbert
- The Treasures of St. Cuthbert are housed in a section of Durham Cathedral that used to be a monks' dormitory and now houses a number of the attraction's most notable collections and relics, which span over 900 years of history.
- Among the museum's earliest exhibits is St. Cuthbert's wooden coffin from the seventh century, a silver plate collection once owned by the Prince Bishops of Durham, and innumerable ancient books.
- The Conyers Falchion, an old blade used by Sir John Conyers to kill the mythical Sockburn Worm, is critical.
- The sword now only sees action when delivered to each new Bishop of Durham upon entering the diocese for the first time at Croft Bridge.
- The monks' quarters are fascinating in and of themselves. The monks' kitchen, with its exceptionally well-preserved octagonal roof and no less than eight fireplaces, is a highlight.
- The fascinating exhibitions showing the lives of the monks are well worth seeing.
- The original knocker used by asylum seekers in mediaeval times is housed at this renowned tourist attraction, and a replica of it currently graces the cathedral's main door.
Durham Castle
- Durham Castle, which is now part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built as a castle by the Earl of Northumberland in 1072 and was given to the city's prince-bishops by William the Conqueror.
- The Norman Chapel, with its magnificent carved archaic capitals; the vast 14th-century dining hall; the 16th-century chapel; and the 17th-century Black Stairs with pineapple carvings are the most exciting chambers.
- University College, Durham University's founding college, is also housed in the castle. More than a hundred students live here, making it a unique structure with over 900 years of history.
- Consider staying at one of the castle's unique B&Bs for an unforgettable experience (during student vacations only). During your stay, you will be given tours of the castle.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Durham Off the Beaten Track
Durham University Museum of Archaeology
- The Museum of Archaeology, housed in Durham University's Palace Green Library, houses Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman artefacts.
- A substantial collection of mediaeval relics is also on show at the museum, many of which were uncovered during major archaeological digs in the old city centre in the late twentieth century.
- With almost 70,000 volumes printed before 1850, the library contains the university's special collections, archives, and early printed books.
- Admission to the museum and library, as well as talks and educational events, is free.
Oriental Museum
- On Elvet Hill, the University of Durham's Oriental Museum offers excellent art and archaeology collections from the Near and Far East.
- All primary eastern cultures and periods are represented, from Ancient Egypt and India to Tibet, China, and Japan.
- Ancient ceramics and jewellery, stone sculptures, antique weaponry and armour are highlighted.
- Take a "touch tour" of the museum, which allows visitors to get up and personalise with some of the collection's most precious exhibits.
- The on-site shop and café are available to those who choose to extend their stay.
Durham Museum and Heritage Centre
- Many instructive and educational displays on Durham's rich legacy may be found at the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre.
- It features superb audio-visual shows, brass rubbings, and a collection of exquisite stained glass windows and is housed in a mediaeval church.
- The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre is another excellent resource for learning about the city's history.
- Here, you'll find a range of displays and exhibitions that use video and interactive displays to tell the narrative of the city's many historic structures.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Durham Culture and Traditions
- Durham is one step closer to becoming the coveted City of Culture in 2025.
- The Department for Digital, Culture and Sport confirms the county as one of just four locations nominated from the UK.
- Following the announcement, Durham County Council, Durham University, and Culture Durham's partners spearheading the Durham 2025 campaign wasted no time expressing their gratitude to the thousands of people, businesses, and organisations who have supported and helped shape the bid.
- Durham now aims to follow in the footsteps of Coventry, which was chosen as the UK's City of Culture 2021, barely defeating Sunderland, which was also a finalist last year.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Durham: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Flat White Kitchen
#FOOD
- The Flat White Kitchen, housed in a 17th-century townhouse, is more than just a café serving outstanding coffee and cakes.
- It's also one of the city's best brunch venues, with dishes like avocado toast with poached egg and chilis and baked eggs with tomato, red pepper compote, and chorizo.
- This cosy café has earned its reputation as a favourite among foodies and Instagrammers because of its ample quantities and stunning food presentation.
- If you're unsure what to acquire, you can always ask the helpful staff for suggestions.
Tealicious Tearoom
#FOOD
- Tealicious Tearoom has a unique selection of tea blends that will appeal to tea connoisseurs.
- Choose from various delectable sandwiches, fresh fruit and cheese scones, and handcrafted cakes and tartlets to accompany your cup.
- The teashop also sells coffee and cold beverages and its excellent tea varieties.
- The staff is kind, and the decor is simple and inviting, making this an excellent setting for a quiet, peaceful moment in Durham's historic city centre.
Kennels Café
#FOOD
- Kennels Cafe combines historic ambience with delectable food.
- This café is known for its banoffee pie, serving beautiful scones cooked fresh every morning.
- Its quiches and pastries are also well-received. You can order a range of teas, hot chocolate, latte, or even Prosecco as a beverage.
- Take in the attractive atmosphere of this establishment while you enjoy your lunch.
- Kennels Cafe, housed in a 16th-century building, has a stunning interior with towering beams, crooked ceilings, ancient fireplaces, and vintage sewing machine tables.
Prince Bishops Shopping Center
#Fashion
- The Prince Bishops Shopping Center is a stylish and modern shopping centre in the centre of Durham.
- It is easily accessible because it is located on an older street in the city centre.
- Walking down this specific route is always delightful because it is just for pedestrians.
- The mall houses a variety of stores, including national and international brands
Arnison Center
#Fashion
- Arnison Center is one of the largest shopping malls in Durham, a historic city.
- It's in Arnison Shopping Park, one of Durham's top out-of-town retail locations, so you're in for a fantastic shopping experience.
- In addition to a profusion of international brands, the mall features a wide array of prominent UK retail names.
- Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Next, and Asda, among others, are among the stores that occupy some of the mall's most prominent locations.
Durham Market Places
#Fashion
- Durham Market Places is about picking up a few unusual things and souvenirs.
- As demonstrated by the presence of old Victorian structures, its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
- The shopping experience has an inexplicable allure given the area's historical significance.
- You'll also appreciate the fact that the marketplace contains various historic attractions.
- As a result, you may take part in several tourist tours without leaving the area in addition to shopping.
Diggerland Durham
#FUN
- If your fidgety kids are constantly taking out every toy truck and digger they own, take them to Durham's Diggerland theme park to see the real thing.
- Their eyes will light up when they sit in the driver's seat of authentic diggers, dumpers, and other full-sized construction machinery, including 20 different attractions and over 100 machines on-site.
- Mini diggers are a fun way to search for buried treasure, while Dumper Trucks are a crowd favourite with their custom-built course.
- Drive the Mini Tractors, Go-Karts, or Mini Landrovers with your foot on the pedal!
Holmside Park
#FUN
- Stay all day with 20+ indoor and outdoor activities in one location for one price! Holmside Park's 50,000ft2 is the perfect destination for an enjoyable family day out.
- Regardless of the weather, having won two TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards for customer satisfaction.
- They have something for everyone, including the adults, with giant inflatables, a new and improved soft play area, a roller skating rink, an archery range, toddler inflatables, a real helicopter and a fire engine to explore.
- The special toddlers only area and the soft play zone where they can interact with their siblings and sisters are available to tiny adventurers ages 1-3. Join us for our Dinosaur Rextacular Events (available seasonally), where giant dinosaurs invade our forests for your little ones to engage with for an even more fantastic experience!
- Explore our dinosaur trail to discover everything about these prehistoric creatures, pose for photos with enormous dinosaur statues, and participate in event-only activities like den building and dino fossil digging.
- A massive moving and screaming t-rex are waiting deep beneath our Jurassic woodlands!
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Durham: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Durham University Botanic Garden is a 25-acre property just south of Durham City that is well worth a visit.
- Highlights include several plant collections from throughout the world, including China and South Africa, and its many year-round programmes and events.
- A wonderful forest garden, an alpine garden, and a bamboo grove are all available.
- The spectacular glasshouses in the garden are especially worth seeing. Collections of tropical rainforest plants, desert plants, and more common Mediterranean species.
- The exhibits of tropical bugs, stick insects, scorpions, and tarantulas are fascinating. After that, explore the visitor centre, including a café and a gift shop.
- The English gardens of 13th-century Crook Hall, just a short walk from the cathedral, are well worth visiting.
- There are tours and talks offered, and they are both highly recommended.
- Wharton Park, which spans ten acres, is ideal for families travelling with children who need to burn off some energy.
- Wharton Park, located near Durham Cathedral and the city's crowded train station, offers a range of activities for families to enjoy.
- Its hilltop location dates from the mid-eighteenth century. It provides the ideal vantage point for watching trains come and depart, including historic locos and rolling equipment, as they pass over the iconic Durham viaduct.
- It's also an excellent site for photographing the cathedral and other local landmarks, which is made even better with the addition of a picnic!
- Look for the faux battlements for the greatest views. A variety of well-placed viewing platforms can be found here.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Durham Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Durham Christmas Festival 2022 will take place from December 2nd to December 4th, 2022.
- Experience over 200 independent businesses' Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment for the whole family.
- With four markets and three days of entertainment throughout the city in 2022, it will be a terrific way to kick off the Christmas season in Durham!
- They are now accepting Expressions of Interest from traders interested in participating in the Durham Christmas Festival 2022.
- For links to our forms for the Craft & Gift Marquee on Palace Green and the Regional Food and Drink Producers' Market in Durham Cathedral's Cloisters, scroll down to the snowman.
- Program Commissions About Us Reviews of Podcasts Please help us out.
- . Many of their commissions are still viewable online, from a climate-change-themed self-guided walk along Durham's Heritage Coast to Lisette Auton's heartbreaking film Writing the Missing – All at Sea, which pushes the creative frontiers of access, language, and kindness.
- You can also listen to some fantastic podcasts on our site: In Our Element, a series in which poet Linda France explores climate change in collaboration with a spectrum of activists, engineers, conservationists, and philosophers from around the world, and Sleep Stories, a series starring writers Salena Godden, Jenn Ashworth, and Andrew McMillan.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Durham Holiday
Places similar to Durham to visit
Places similar to Durham to visit
Places similar to Durham to visit