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News, guides, and stories from Durham.

What's On This Weekend in Durham
EventsUpdated daily

What's On This Weekend in Durham

Family Activities: Bowl of Wonders at the Oriental Museum, October Half-Term at Beamish Museum, Interface Arts at The Story, and 1 more

Christmas Lights Switch-On in Durham 2026
Events

Christmas Lights Switch-On in Durham 2026

Durham Christmas Sparkle, the city's Christmas lights switch-on, is on Sunday 29 November 2026 from 5pm to 6.15pm in the Market Place. It is free, run by Durham BID, and falls the weekend before the Christmas Festival.

Best Financial Advisers in Durham
Professional Services

Best Financial Advisers in Durham

From a chartered independent practice at Mandale Business Park to St. James's Place partner practices and a Claypath mortgage office, a guide to FCA-regulated financial advisers in Durham and how to choose one.

Best Estate Agents in Durham
Professional Services

Best Estate Agents in Durham

From a century-old independent on Old Elvet to the agents lining New Elvet and a student-housing specialist, a guide to estate and letting agents in Durham city and how to choose one.

How to Find a Good Tradesperson in Durham
Community

How to Find a Good Tradesperson in Durham

Hiring a builder, electrician or plumber in Durham? How to check credentials, get fair quotes, handle listed buildings and conservation areas, and avoid rogue traders, plus where to find trusted local trades.

Meditation in Durham: Groups, Quiet Days and Calm Spaces
Sports

Meditation in Durham: Groups, Quiet Days and Calm Spaces

Where to meditate in Durham, from a Plum Village sangha and Quaker silent worship to quiet days at St Antony's Priory, the Cathedral's online retreats and meditative yoga classes.

Beer Festivals Near Durham: CAMRA Festivals and Pub Events
Events

Beer Festivals Near Durham: CAMRA Festivals and Pub Events

A guide to the beer and cider festivals in and around Durham, from the long-running CAMRA Durham Beer Festival at the Racecourse to Darlington, Newcastle and a brewery pub in Consett.

Best Streets to Live in Durham: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide
Community

Best Streets to Live in Durham: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide

From Georgian Gilesgate and Hallgarth Street to the Victorian terraces of Western Hill and family homes in Neville's Cross, an honest guide to Durham's most liveable streets, student lets included.

Find a Tutor in Durham
Education

Find a Tutor in Durham

From Kumon at Neville's Cross and free university student tutoring to evening language courses, youth theatre and guitar lessons in the Market Hall, here is how to find a tutor in Durham.

EV Charging Points in Durham
Transport

EV Charging Points in Durham

Where to charge an electric car in Durham, from council chargers at the Park and Ride sites and Neville's Cross to InstaVolt rapids at Gilesgate and the Tesla Supercharger at Bowburn.

Allotments and Community Gardens in Durham
Community

Allotments and Community Gardens in Durham

How to get an allotment in Durham, from the county council waiting lists to parish-owned plots above Flass Vale and the historic St Margaret's site, plus gardens where you can volunteer and learn.

Volunteer Groups in Durham
Community

Volunteer Groups in Durham

From welcoming visitors at the cathedral to sorting food parcels, tending hospice gardens and clearing riverbanks, here is where to start volunteering in Durham city and how to sign up.

Best Places to Work Remotely in Durham
Community

Best Places to Work Remotely in Durham

From a free city library with WiFi and late weekday opening to bookable hot desks at Aykley Heads and cafes tucked up quiet vennels, here is where to work remotely in Durham.

Durham University and Microsoft Open an AI Skills Centre of Excellence
Education

Durham University and Microsoft Open an AI Skills Centre of Excellence

A new AI skills hub run by Durham University with Microsoft has opened, starting with students and staff, with workshops for regional businesses and public bodies planned in later phases.

Whorlton Bridge Reopens After Seven Years and a Major Restoration
Heritage

Whorlton Bridge Reopens After Seven Years and a Major Restoration

The Grade II*-listed suspension bridge over the Tees near Barnard Castle has reopened to traffic after 2,621 days closed, following a restoration that ran well beyond its original budget.

Biedronka: A Michelin-Pedigree Polish Restaurant Opens at South Causey
Food & Drink

Biedronka: A Michelin-Pedigree Polish Restaurant Opens at South Causey

Former Hjem head chef Marek Dziedzic opens his first restaurant, a Polish-British tasting-menu venue in the farmhouse at South Causey Inn near Stanley, on 1 October.

Corporate Christmas Party Venues in Durham
Events

Corporate Christmas Party Venues in Durham

Where a Durham business can actually book a Christmas party: shared party nights at Ramside and the Riverside, exclusive function suites at the Radisson Blu, and the one venue option no other city has, a college dinner inside Durham Castle.

Christmas Markets in Durham
Shopping

Christmas Markets in Durham

Durham Christmas Festival runs from 4 to 6 December 2026 across Palace Green, the Cathedral Cloisters, the Market Hall and the Market Place, with a ticketed craft marquee of over 180 stalls and a lantern parade on the Sunday.

Bonfire Night in Durham 2026: Fireworks by the River and Beyond
Events

Bonfire Night in Durham 2026: Fireworks by the River and Beyond

Durham has a display of its own again, fired over the Wear from the rowing club boathouse. Here is that night, the big county display at Chester-le-Street, and everything else within reach in 2026.

Solicitors in Durham: Conveyancing, Wills & Family Law
Professional Services

Solicitors in Durham: Conveyancing, Wills & Family Law

A practical guide to solicitors in Durham City, covering conveyancing, wills and probate, family law, Court of Protection, and how to choose an SRA-regulated firm.

Best Accountants in Durham
Professional Services

Best Accountants in Durham

A guide to chartered accountants and accountancy firms in Durham City, covering accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, audit and business advice for individuals and businesses.

Best Plumbers in Durham
Trades

Best Plumbers in Durham

From Gas Safe heating engineers covering the city centre to established family firms in the surrounding villages, a guide to trusted plumbers in Durham for everything from a dripping tap to a full central-heating install.

Best Electricians in Durham
Trades

Best Electricians in Durham

From an NICEIC electrician in the heart of the city to certified renewables and EV-charger specialists, a guide to trusted electricians in Durham for rewires, testing, fault finding and safety checks.

Best Builders in Durham
Trades

Best Builders in Durham

From an FMB award-winning family firm to a DH1 building and joinery contractor, a guide to trusted builders in Durham for extensions, renovations, conversions and new builds.

Best Cleaners in Durham
Professional Services

Best Cleaners in Durham

From a domestic cleaning franchise with employed, insured staff to carpet and commercial cleaning specialists, a guide to trusted cleaners in Durham for homes, end-of-tenancy jobs and business premises.

Who Represents You in Durham: Your MP, Councillors and Council
Community

Who Represents You in Durham: Your MP, Councillors and Council

A plain-English, non-partisan guide to who runs Durham: the county council, the City of Durham Parish Council, your MP and local councillors, and how to have your say.

Durham School Holidays and Term Dates (2026/27)
Education

Durham School Holidays and Term Dates (2026/27)

The official Durham County Council school term dates and holidays for 2026/27 and 2027/28, set out as clean tables so you can plan the year ahead.

The Light Opens at Aykley Heads: Durham's New Cultural Venue
Heritage

The Light Opens at Aykley Heads: Durham's New Cultural Venue

After a decade closed and a £17m rebuild, the former DLI Museum has reopened as The Light, a new home for art, heritage and community events at Aykley Heads.

Veera Indian Dining Opens on Durham's North Road
Business

Veera Indian Dining Opens on Durham's North Road

The well-known former Alishaan site on North Road has reopened as Veera Indian Dining & Bar, a contemporary Indian restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Durham.

Have Your Say on Durham's World Heritage Site Plan to 2035
Heritage

Have Your Say on Durham's World Heritage Site Plan to 2035

In the 40th anniversary year of its UNESCO listing, Durham County Council is consulting on a new management plan for Durham Castle and Cathedral looking ahead to 2035.

£27m Development Zone Launched for Aykley Heads Innovation District
Business

£27m Development Zone Launched for Aykley Heads Innovation District

A new Mayoral Development Zone at Aykley Heads aims to unlock around 400,000 sq ft of high-tech workspace on the former County Hall site by Durham's railway station.

STACK Street Food Venue Coming to Durham's Former M&S
Business

STACK Street Food Venue Coming to Durham's Former M&S

Work is under way to turn the former Marks & Spencer on Silver Street into STACK Durham, a street-food and leisure venue with food outlets, bars and a rooftop terrace.

Halloween in Durham
Children

Halloween in Durham

Spooky season in the city: family castle tours, Kynren's Halloween fireworks spectacular, a grown-up cocktail masterclass and a big family Halloween at Beamish nearby.

The Best Wedding Venues in Durham
Community

The Best Wedding Venues in Durham

From a wedding in Durham Castle to a country barn in 100 acres, our guide to the best wedding venues in and around Durham City for every style and budget.

The Best Hotels in Durham
Community

The Best Hotels in Durham

Where to stay in Durham, from a country golf and spa resort to a boutique hotel on Old Elvet and a budget-friendly base in the heart of the city.

The Best Ice Cream and Dessert Parlours in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Ice Cream and Dessert Parlours in Durham

Where to find ice cream, gelato and sundaes in Durham, from a retro parlour above Elvet Bridge to the bright dessert bars down at the Riverwalk.

The Best Chinese and Thai Restaurants in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Chinese and Thai Restaurants in Durham

From an award-winning pan-Asian kitchen by the Law Courts to proper Sichuan cooking on North Road, our guide to the best Chinese and Thai food in Durham.

The Best Italian Restaurants in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Italian Restaurants in Durham

From Durham's longest-running independent trattoria on Saddler Street to a cosy Claypath favourite, our guide to the best Italian restaurants in the city.

The Best Pizza in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Pizza in Durham

Where to go for pizza in Durham, from a grand PizzaExpress on Saddler Street to a family Italian in an old railway station and a proper Gilesgate takeaway.

The Best Indian Restaurants in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Indian Restaurants in Durham

From a fine-dining pumphouse to a 30-year-old bistro under the cathedral, our guide to the best Indian restaurants and curry houses in and around Durham City.

The Best Butchers in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Butchers in Durham

A guide to the independent butchers in and around Durham City, from award-winning family shops to the traditional stalls in the Market Hall.

Skate Parks in and around Durham
Sports

Skate Parks in and around Durham

An honest guide to skateparks in and around Durham City, from the concrete park at Pity Me to well-regarded options a short drive away in Chester-le-Street and Chilton.

Family Activities in Durham: Days Out with the Kids
Children

Family Activities in Durham: Days Out with the Kids

A roundup of the best family days out in Durham, from riverside walks and rowing boats to museums, soft play and big attractions just outside the city.

Summer Sports Camps in Durham: Active Holiday Fun
Children

Summer Sports Camps in Durham: Active Holiday Fun

A guide to organised summer sports camps in Durham for children, from multi-sport days at Maiden Castle to football, tennis and cricket coaching across the city.

Summer Holiday Activities in Durham: Keeping the Kids Busy
Children

Summer Holiday Activities in Durham: Keeping the Kids Busy

Six weeks of summer to fill? Here is our guide to the best days out, attractions and organised holiday clubs in and around Durham, from free council schemes to paid family favourites.

Birthday Party Venues in Durham: Where to Celebrate
Children

Birthday Party Venues in Durham: Where to Celebrate

The best places to hold a children's birthday party in and around Durham, from soft play and bowling to trampolining, climbing, farm parties and leisure-centre pool sessions.

Children's Party Entertainers in Durham
Children

Children's Party Entertainers in Durham

A guide to children's party entertainers covering Durham, from face painting and balloon modelling to mascots, discos and bouncy castle hire, plus how to check they are insured and DBS checked.

After-School Clubs in Durham: Wraparound Care and Activities
Children

After-School Clubs in Durham: Wraparound Care and Activities

A practical guide to wraparound care and after-school activities in Durham, from Ofsted-registered nurseries and sports coaches to leisure-centre clubs and tax-free childcare.

The History of Durham's High Street and Historic Shopping Streets
Heritage

The History of Durham's High Street and Historic Shopping Streets

From the medieval Market Place to Silver Street, Saddler Street and the Victorian Market Hall, a guide to the streets where Durham has shopped for nearly a thousand years.

What to Do When Someone Dies in Durham: A Practical Guide
Community

What to Do When Someone Dies in Durham: A Practical Guide

A calm, step-by-step guide for bereaved families in Durham: getting the medical certificate, registering the death within five days, arranging a funeral, and finding support.

Quiz Nights in Durham: Where to Test Your Trivia
Food & Drink

Quiz Nights in Durham: Where to Test Your Trivia

A neighbourly guide to Durham's pub quizzes, from smartphone rounds on Saddler Street to snug little £1 nights. Quiz nights move, so always confirm the current time with the pub.

Date Night in Durham: Romantic Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do
Food & Drink

Date Night in Durham: Romantic Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do

Where to eat, drink and wander together in Durham, from riverside fine dining and hidden gin bars to a twilight walk beneath the cathedral.

The Lost Buildings of Durham: The City That Isn't There Anymore
Heritage

The Lost Buildings of Durham: The City That Isn't There Anymore

Gaols under a bridge, a great north gate, a hotel lost to a bypass. A guide to the vanished and demolished buildings of Durham and the history they leave behind.

Durham in World War Two: The Night the Bombers Came
Heritage

Durham in World War Two: The Night the Bombers Came

The story of Durham in the Second World War, from the famous 'mist miracle' that supposedly saved the cathedral to the county's own regiment, the Durham Light Infantry.

Interesting Facts About Durham: A City Like No Other
Heritage

Interesting Facts About Durham: A City Like No Other

A saint carried around the North for a century, prince bishops with their own army, and a cathedral that doubled as Hogwarts. Fascinating facts about the city of Durham.

Martial Arts in Durham: Clubs and Classes for All Ages
Sports

Martial Arts in Durham: Clubs and Classes for All Ages

Karate, taekwondo, krav maga and more. A guide to martial arts clubs in Durham for children and adults, whatever style you want to try.

Football in Durham: Clubs, Teams and Where to Watch
Sports

Football in Durham: Clubs, Teams and Where to Watch

Durham punches above its weight in football, with a professional women's side, university teams and grassroots clubs. A guide to the local game and how to get involved.

Running and Cycling in Durham: Routes, Paths and parkrun
Sports

Running and Cycling in Durham: Routes, Paths and parkrun

Riverside miles, a traffic-free railway path and a free weekly parkrun. A guide to running and cycling in and around Durham, whatever your distance.

Massage in Durham: Sports, Deep Tissue and Relaxation
Health

Massage in Durham: Sports, Deep Tissue and Relaxation

Nursing an injury or just need to unwind? A guide to where to book a massage in Durham, from sports and deep tissue work to relaxation.

Personal Trainers in Durham: Where to Find One-to-One Coaching
Sports

Personal Trainers in Durham: Where to Find One-to-One Coaching

Whether you want a private studio or a gym-based session, a guide to finding a personal trainer in Durham and how to choose the right one.

Yoga in Durham: Classes and Studios for Every Level
Health

Yoga in Durham: Classes and Studios for Every Level

From a dedicated city-centre studio to classes at the gym, a guide to where to practise yoga in Durham, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi.

Care Homes in Durham: A Family Guide
Health

Care Homes in Durham: A Family Guide

Choosing a care home is one of the hardest decisions a family makes. A guide to residential and nursing care homes in Durham, and how to choose well.

The Best Dog Groomers in Durham
Pets

The Best Dog Groomers in Durham

From an in-store salon at Pity Me to an independent groomer with a mobile service, our guide to the best dog groomers in and around Durham.

The Best Physiotherapists in Durham
Health

The Best Physiotherapists in Durham

Whether it's a sports injury, back pain or post-op rehab, our guide to the best private physiotherapy clinics in Durham, from the city centre to Carrville.

The Best Charity Shops in Durham
Community

The Best Charity Shops in Durham

Durham is a happy hunting ground for charity-shop bargains, from a hospice shop dubbed the 'Selfridges of the North East' to the cluster of shops along North Road.

Supermarkets and Food Shopping in Durham
Community

Supermarkets and Food Shopping in Durham

Where to do the weekly shop in Durham, from the big retail-park superstores at Dragonville and Arnison to the Victorian market hall for fresh and local produce.

The Best Bars and Cocktails in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Bars and Cocktails in Durham

From a riverside gin bar with 250 gins to one of the world's smallest, our guide to the best bars and cocktails in Durham.

Historic Trades and Crafts of Durham
Heritage

Historic Trades and Crafts of Durham

Durham gave the world its famous mustard, built organs for Westminster Abbey and wove carpets by the Wear. A guide to the city's historic trades and crafts.

Famous People Connected with Durham
Heritage

Famous People Connected with Durham

From a future prime minister and a comedy legend who shared a school to the saints who made the city, the famous names connected with Durham.

The Historic Churches of Durham
Heritage

The Historic Churches of Durham

Beyond the great cathedral, Durham is rich in historic churches, from a medieval chapel at Crossgate to a 12th-century parish church on the Wear.

The Best Photography Spots in Durham
Heritage

The Best Photography Spots in Durham

From the classic Prebends Bridge view to the riverbanks, Wharton Park and Observatory Hill, our guide to the best places to photograph Durham's World Heritage skyline.

The Best Beer Gardens in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Beer Gardens in Durham

When the sun comes out, Durham's riverside beer gardens are hard to beat. Our pick of the best spots for an outdoor drink by the Wear and beyond.

The Oldest Pubs in Durham
Heritage

The Oldest Pubs in Durham

Durham's historic pubs run from a 15th-century inn to a famously haunted tavern and a Victorian time capsule. A tour of the oldest and most characterful pubs in the city.

The Best Playgrounds in Durham
Children

The Best Playgrounds in Durham

Where to find the best children's playgrounds in and around Durham, led by Wharton Park's three play areas, plus riverside parks and a nearby splash pad.

Soft Play and Indoor Play in Durham
Children

Soft Play and Indoor Play in Durham

The best soft play and indoor play in and around Durham, from a city-centre stay-and-play to one of the North East's largest three-storey play frames.

Swimming in Durham: Pools and Lessons
Sports

Swimming in Durham: Pools and Lessons

Where to swim in and around Durham, from the central Freeman's Quay pools to a 25-metre pool up the road at Chester-le-Street and spa swimming at Ramside Hall.

Moving to Durham: A Guide to Living in the City
Community

Moving to Durham: A Guide to Living in the City

Thinking of moving to Durham? A resident's guide to the city's neighbourhoods, house prices, schools, transport and what it's really like to live in the North East's cathedral city.

The Best Nurseries in Durham
Childcare

The Best Nurseries in Durham

A guide to registered day nurseries and childcare in Durham, from a city-centre setting on North Road to estate nurseries at Newton Hall and Dryburn, with funded places explained.

Schools in Durham: A Guide for Parents
Education

Schools in Durham: A Guide for Parents

From well-regarded state comprehensives to the historic independent schools of the Cathedral Foundation, a parents' guide to schooling in Durham city.

The Best Dentists in Durham
Community

The Best Dentists in Durham

Where to register for NHS or private dental care in Durham, from a long-established city-centre practice to a modern surgery with parking on the edge of town.

Durham County Council Services: A Resident's Guide
Community

Durham County Council Services: A Resident's Guide

Bins and recycling, council tax, parking permits, Blue Badges and how to report a problem, a plain-English guide to Durham County Council's everyday services.

Dog-Friendly Durham: Pubs, Cafés and Walks
Community

Dog-Friendly Durham: Pubs, Cafés and Walks

Durham is a wonderfully walkable city for dog owners, our guide to the best dog-friendly pubs, cafés and riverside walks to enjoy with your four-legged friend.

The Best Hairdressers and Barbers in Durham
Community

The Best Hairdressers and Barbers in Durham

From Saddler Street salons to a five-star barbershop in the shadow of the cathedral, our guide to the best hairdressers and barbers in Durham.

The Best Opticians in Durham
Community

The Best Opticians in Durham

Where to book an eye test, pick up new glasses or find contact lenses in Durham, from independent optometrists to the high-street chains.

The Best Vets in Durham
Community

The Best Vets in Durham

From long-established Gilesgate practices to a retail-park clinic with evening hours, our guide to registering with a vet and caring for your pet in Durham.

A Rainy Day in Durham: Indoor Things to Do
Children

A Rainy Day in Durham: Indoor Things to Do

When the weather closes in, Durham has plenty to keep everyone happy indoors, from the cathedral and museums to soft play, a bouldering wall and a cinema in the heart of the city.

The Best Gyms in Durham
Sports

The Best Gyms in Durham

From the city's public leisure centre to 24-hour budget chains and an independent city-centre studio, here is our guide to the best gyms in Durham.

Free Things to Do in Durham
Heritage

Free Things to Do in Durham

Durham is one of England's most rewarding cities to enjoy on no budget at all, from the free-to-enter cathedral to riverside walks, the market and city-skyline views from Wharton Park.

The Best Takeaways in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Takeaways in Durham

When you want a night in, Durham delivers. Our pick of the best takeaways across the city, from Lebanese grills near the cathedral to Gilesgate pizza and a Framwellgate Moor curry house.

The Best Breakfast in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Breakfast in Durham

From a full English before a day of sightseeing to a leisurely weekend brunch, here are the best places to start the day in Durham, all a short walk from the Market Place.

The Best Fish and Chips in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Fish and Chips in Durham

Fish and chips is a proper North East ritual. Our guide to the best chippies in and around Durham, from an award-winning Market Place restaurant to a coal-fired shop that has been frying since 1915.

The City of Durham Show Returns After 25 Years
Community

The City of Durham Show Returns After 25 Years

A group of local residents is reviving the traditional City of Durham Show, more than two decades after it last ran, with a free day of produce, craft and baking at the Town Hall on Sunday 13 September.

Durham Cathedral Completes Its New Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer
Heritage

Durham Cathedral Completes Its New Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer

Durham Cathedral has completed the Cuthbert Centre, a new space for pilgrimage and prayer inspired by St Cuthbert, with a public open day on Saturday 26 September.

Learning to Drive in Durham
Transport

Learning to Drive in Durham

A practical guide to learning to drive in Durham, from the Meadowfield test centre and local driving schools to lesson costs, DVSA fees and the quiet streets that suit a first lesson.

Business Support in Durham: Start-up Help, Funding and Advice
Business

Business Support in Durham: Start-up Help, Funding and Advice

A practical guide to starting or growing a business in Durham, from Business Durham and the Durham City Incubator to Finance Durham, NETPark, the North East Growth Hub and national funding.

Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts in Durham: A Parents' Guide
Children

Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts in Durham: A Parents' Guide

A parents' guide to Girlguiding and Scouting in Durham: the sections by age, the local Scout groups, how to sign your child up, what it costs, and how to volunteer.

Durham Folk Festival: A Guide to the City's New Folk Celebration
Events

Durham Folk Festival: A Guide to the City's New Folk Celebration

A major new folk festival launches in Durham in September 2026, with more than 100 events across the Cathedral, Redhills, the Gala Theatre and the River Wear. Our guide to what's on and how to plan a visit.

Diggerland Durham: A Family Guide to the Digger Adventure Park
Children

Diggerland Durham: A Family Guide to the Digger Adventure Park

Where children ride, drive and operate real diggers. Our guide to Diggerland Durham at Langley Park: the rides, height-based pricing, opening season, food and how to get there.

Kynren: A Visitor's Guide to England's Epic Live Show
Heritage

Kynren: A Visitor's Guide to England's Epic Live Show

A short drive from Durham, Kynren tells 2,000 years of English history in a 90-minute open-air spectacle. Our guide to the show, the new daytime park, tickets, timings and how to get there.

Kynren Pyromusical Fireworks Return to County Durham this Halloween
Events

Kynren Pyromusical Fireworks Return to County Durham this Halloween

The Kynren Pyromusical, a 25-minute fireworks display set to music at Bishop Auckland, returns for its eighth year on Saturday 31 October, with tickets on sale now.

Getting to Durham
Transport

Getting to Durham

How to reach Durham by train, coach, road and air, from the East Coast Main Line and the A1(M) to the nearest airport and the Park & Ride sites on the edge of the city.

Durham Park & Ride: A Complete Guide
Transport

Durham Park & Ride: A Complete Guide

Durham's three Park & Ride sites at Sniperley, Belmont and Howlands Farm, with free parking, frequent buses and a low flat fare, are the easiest way to visit the city by car.

Getting Around Durham Without a Car
Transport

Getting Around Durham Without a Car

Durham is a small city built for walking. Our guide to exploring on foot, the Cathedral Bus, cycling and getting around with limited mobility, from the peninsula's cobbled streets to Shopmobility.

Beamish Museum: A Visitor's Guide
Heritage

Beamish Museum: A Visitor's Guide

Just north of Durham, Beamish is one of the North East's great days out. Our guide to the living museum's period streets, vintage trams, the year-long ticket, and how to get there.

Adventure Valley: A Family Day Out Near Durham
Children

Adventure Valley: A Family Day Out Near Durham

The North East's biggest family adventure park sits just north of Durham. Our guide to Adventure Valley's outdoor rides, indoor play zones, animals, tickets and how to get there.

The Best Independent Shops in Durham
Shopping

The Best Independent Shops in Durham

Durham is full of independent shops, most within a few minutes of the Market Place. Our guide to the Victorian Market Hall, Saddler Street vintage, family jewellers and local makers.

The Best Walks In and Around Durham
Nature

The Best Walks In and Around Durham

With the River Wear looping through its heart and the Durham Dales and coast within reach, Durham is a fine place to walk. Our guide, from the riverside peninsula to the countryside beyond.

Sport and Fitness in Durham
Sports

Sport and Fitness in Durham

From a riverside leisure centre and a free weekly parkrun to a rowing tradition that runs deep on the Wear, our guide to keeping active in and around Durham.

The Durham Miners' Gala: A Guide to the Big Meeting
Heritage

The Durham Miners' Gala: A Guide to the Big Meeting

On the second Saturday of every July, Durham gives itself over to the Big Meeting. Our guide to the Durham Miners' Gala, its banners and brass bands, the cathedral service and its history.

The Best Days Out from Durham
Nature

The Best Days Out from Durham

Durham sits within easy reach of some of the North East's finest days out. Our guide to the castles, museums, waterfalls, forests and coastline within a short drive of the city, from Beamish and Raby to High Force and the Heritage Coast.

Durham Regatta: A Guide to the North's Oldest Rowing Event
Sports

Durham Regatta: A Guide to the North's Oldest Rowing Event

On the second weekend of June, hundreds of rowing crews race beneath the cathedral on the River Wear. Our guide to Durham Regatta, the second-oldest regatta in England, its history, its course and how to enjoy the weekend.

Parks and Gardens in Durham
Nature

Parks and Gardens in Durham

For a small city, Durham is unusually green. Our guide to the best parks and gardens in and around the city, from the University Botanic Garden and National Trust Crook Hall to the cathedral views at Wharton Park and the Georgian landscape of Hardwick Park.

Welcome to durhamcity.live
Community

Welcome to durhamcity.live

A new, independent community hub for Durham, the cathedral and university city on the River Wear, local events, a business directory, guides, and neighbourhood news.

Things to Do in Durham
Heritage

Things to Do in Durham

From the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, museums and the Victorian market hall, here is our guide to the best things to do in Durham.

Where to Park in Durham
Transport

Where to Park in Durham

Durham's medieval centre is compact and partly pedestrianised, so parking takes a little planning. Here is our guide to Park & Ride, city-centre car parks and the alternatives.

The Best Restaurants in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in Durham

From Michelin-listed tasting menus to riverside dining and long-standing local favourites, our guide to the best restaurants in Durham city.

The Best Pubs in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Pubs in Durham

Durham is a city of historic inns and well-kept cask ale. Our guide to the best traditional pubs in Durham, from a fifteenth-century inn to a preserved Victorian gem.

The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Durham

Durham does coffee properly, from cathedral-view cafes to independent roasters and all-day kitchens. Our guide to the best places for a flat white in the city.

The Best Brunch in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Brunch in Durham

From riverside kitchens to Claypath delis and French brasseries, our guide to the best places for brunch in Durham, whether you want eggs, pancakes or a proper fry-up.

The Best Sunday Roast in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Sunday Roast in Durham

A proper Sunday lunch is a Durham institution. Our guide to the best roasts in the city, from historic inns to riverside steakhouses and country pubs on the edge of town.

The Best Afternoon Tea in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Afternoon Tea in Durham

Scones, sandwiches and a proper pot of tea. Our guide to the best afternoon tea in Durham, from a riverside tea room to grand country-house hotels on the edge of the city.

The Best Bakeries in Durham
Food & Drink

The Best Bakeries in Durham

Fresh bread, pastries and proper cake. Our guide to the best bakeries and patisseries in Durham, from a French patisserie to a market-hall bakery and a Claypath deli.

A Weekend in Durham
Community

A Weekend in Durham

How to spend a perfect two days in Durham, from the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, independent restaurants and the Victorian market hall.

Durham Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide
Heritage

Durham Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

How to visit one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe, from the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of Bede to the tower climb and the Sanctuary Knocker.

Durham Castle: A Visitor's Guide
Heritage

Durham Castle: A Visitor's Guide

How to visit the Norman castle on Palace Green, once home to the Prince Bishops and now a Durham University college, open to the public by guided tour.

The Prince Bishops of Durham
Heritage

The Prince Bishops of Durham

For centuries the Bishops of Durham ruled the County Palatine with near-royal powers, raising armies, holding courts and minting their own coins. Here is their story.

The Story of St Cuthbert and How Durham Began
Heritage

The Story of St Cuthbert and How Durham Began

Durham owes its existence to a saint. The story of St Cuthbert, the monks who carried his body, and the legend of the Dun Cow that founded the city.

Walking the Durham World Heritage Site: A Self-Guided Route
Heritage

Walking the Durham World Heritage Site: A Self-Guided Route

A short circular walk around Durham's peninsula, taking in the cathedral and castle, Palace Green, Prebends Bridge and the wooded riverbanks of the Wear.

Durham on Screen: Film and TV Locations
Heritage

Durham on Screen: Film and TV Locations

From Hogwarts to Asgard, Durham Cathedral has doubled for some of cinema's grandest settings. A guide to the film and TV made in the World Heritage city.

Palace Green and Durham's University Museums
Heritage

Palace Green and Durham's University Museums

The historic green between the cathedral and castle, and the Durham University museums around it, from Palace Green Library to the Oriental Museum.

A Student's Guide to Durham
Education

A Student's Guide to Durham

New to Durham University? An introduction to life in one of England's oldest university cities, from the collegiate system to getting around a compact, hilly city.

Durham University Colleges Explained
Education

Durham University Colleges Explained

Durham's collegiate system explained, from the historic Bailey colleges on the peninsula to the Hill colleges on Elvet Hill, and what college life actually involves.

Where Durham Students Live: Colleges and Student Areas
Education

Where Durham Students Live: Colleges and Student Areas

From first year in college to shared houses in the Viaduct, Gilesgate and beyond, a guide to where Durham students live and what each area is like.

The University Year in Durham: Terms, Freshers and Graduation
Education

The University Year in Durham: Terms, Freshers and Graduation

How Durham University's three terms shape the city, from Freshers' Week in October to graduation in the cathedral, and how Durham changes with the academic year.

Moving to Durham for University: What to Know
Education

Moving to Durham for University: What to Know

A practical guide for new Durham students, from arriving for Freshers and college accommodation to registering with a GP and getting around the city.

Durham on a Budget: A Student's Guide
Education

Durham on a Budget: A Student's Guide

Some of the best things about Durham are free or cheap, from the cathedral and riverside walks to the museums and the market. A student guide to the city on a budget.

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