Free Things to Do in Durham

For a small city, Durham packs an extraordinary amount into a square mile — and a surprising share of it costs nothing. The great Norman cathedral is free to walk into, the wooded riverbanks loop the whole peninsula for the price of a pair of shoes, and the museums on Palace Green open their galleries without a ticket. Whether you are a student watching the pennies, a family looking for a cheap day out, or a visitor with a few hours to spare, here are the best free things to do in Durham.

Durham Cathedral

Start where the city started. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and entry to the nave, the cloisters and the Chapel of the Nine Altars is free — donations are welcome, and there are charges for the tower climb and some special exhibitions. It remains a working place of worship, so you can drop in on Evensong or simply sit under the great rib-vaulted ceiling and take in eight hundred years of history. The Shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede are both here.

Best for: A world-class building you can enjoy for nothing — arrive early to have the nave to yourself.

The riverside walk around the peninsula

Durham's finest free attraction might be the walk that ties everything together. A circular path follows the River Wear right around the cathedral peninsula, roughly three miles of wooded banks, medieval bridges and shifting views of the cathedral and castle above. Cross at Framwellgate or Elvet Bridge, pause at Prebends Bridge for the postcard view that inspired Sir Walter Scott, and watch the rowers from Durham's clubs training on the water. It is beautiful in every season and completely free.

Best for: The classic Durham view is from Prebends Bridge — go at golden hour.

Wharton Park

Tucked behind the railway station, Wharton Park is a restored Victorian park with some of the best views of the city skyline anywhere in Durham, the cathedral rising above the rooftops. It is free to visit and family-friendly, with a toddler play area, a junior playground, gardens, lawns and a heritage centre telling the story of the Durham Miners' Gala, which has gathered here for generations. A good spot to combine a picnic with a proper look at the city from above.

Best for: Best for families — playgrounds, big skyline views and plenty of room to run about.

Palace Green Library and the Museum of Archaeology

On Palace Green between the cathedral and castle, Palace Green Library houses Durham University's exhibition galleries, including the Museum of Archaeology, the Durham World Heritage Site Visitor Centre and rotating displays drawn from the university's special collections. Entry is free, and the galleries are open daily, with occasional late-night openings in the summer months. It is an easy, dry hour if the weather turns, and the archaeology gallery charts the story of Durham from prehistory to the present.

Best for: A free indoor option right in the heart of the World Heritage Site.

Durham Market Hall

The Victorian Durham Market Hall in the Market Place is free to wander, and it is one of the most characterful spaces in the city. Under its iron-and-glass roof, more than fifty independent traders sell everything from books and records to cheese, flowers and vintage clothing. You do not have to spend a penny to enjoy the atmosphere, though it is hard to leave empty-handed. The Market Place outside, with its statue of the Marquess of Londonderry, is the natural heart of Durham.

Best for: Browse for free — and pick up lunch cheaper than the chains if you fancy it.

Free festivals and events

Some of Durham's biggest days out cost nothing to attend. The Durham Miners' Gala each July is one of the largest trade-union and community gatherings in Europe, with brass bands and banners filling the streets, and it is free to line the route. The Durham Regatta in June — the oldest rowing regatta in the country — is free to watch from the riverbanks, and the biennial Lumiere light festival transforms the city after dark at no charge. Keep an eye on the events calendar for open-air performances and seasonal markets too.

Explore the streets of the peninsula

Finally, the peninsula itself rewards an aimless wander. The cobbled Bailey, Owengate and the medieval lanes around the Market Place are lined with historic buildings, and there is no charge for simply following your feet. Climb to Observatory Hill for another angle on the skyline, or pick up a self-guided heritage trail and turn a stroll into a treasure hunt. For a city this compact, you are never more than a few minutes from something worth stopping to look at.

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