Things to Do in Durham

For a small city, Durham packs a great deal in. Its medieval heart sits on a steep peninsula wrapped by the River Wear, crowned by one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe, and almost everything is within a short walk. Here is where to start.

The World Heritage Site

The obvious place to begin is the peninsula, where Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1986. The cathedral has stood for more than 900 years and is free to enter, with charges for the tower climb and some exhibitions; inside you will find the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede. The castle, once home to the Prince Bishops and now part of the university, is open by guided tour.

Between the two lies Palace Green, ringed by historic buildings including Palace Green Library, whose free exhibitions draw on the university's collections.

Museums and the arts

A little further out, the Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North East devoted entirely to the art and cultures of Asia and North Africa, spanning Egypt, China and Japan. Back in the centre, the Gala Theatre on Millennium Place combines a theatre and cinema with a year-round programme of drama, comedy, music and film.

Down by the river

The wooded riverbanks are among Durham's great pleasures. A circular walk around the peninsula takes in Prebends Bridge and its celebrated view of the cathedral, and in summer you can hire a rowing boat or watch the crews from Durham Amateur Rowing Club out on the water. The club's home stretch hosts Durham Regatta each June, one of the oldest rowing regattas in Britain.

Markets and independent shops

For a break from the landmarks, the Victorian Durham Market Hall in the Market Place is full of independent traders, and the surrounding streets and yards are dotted with small shops, cafes and delis. It is an easy, sheltered place to browse whatever the weather.

Green space beyond the centre

If you have longer, the University Botanic Garden on the southern edge of the city and Wharton Park above the railway station both reward a visit, the latter offering some of the best views back towards the cathedral. Whatever you choose, Durham is a city best explored slowly and on foot.