Things to Do in Durham
From a thousand-year-old cathedral to riverside walks and a lively market city, there is far more to Durham than a single day can hold.
Eat & Drink in Durham
Restaurants, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops — our full guide to Durham's food and drink scene.
Explore →Parks & Nature
The River Wear and its wooded banks wrap right around the old city, with parks and gardens close to the centre.
The Riverbanks & Prebends Bridge
Wooded paths follow the Wear in a loop below the cathedral, passing Prebends Bridge and its celebrated view of the peninsula. Free to wander, and only minutes from the Market Place.
One of the finest city views in England.
Durham University Botanic Garden
Ten hectares of gardens, woodland, and glasshouses on the southern edge of the city, run by the university and open to visitors through much of the year.
Glasshouses, woodland trails, and a cafe.
Wharton Park
A restored Victorian park on the hill above the railway station, with sweeping views across to the cathedral, formal gardens, a play area, and a heritage centre.
Cathedral views and a local heritage centre.
Flass Vale
A tranquil local nature reserve of woodland and meadow on the western edge of the city, rich in wildlife and a favourite for quiet walks close to the centre.
A green corridor rich in birdlife.
Sports & Fitness
Whether you row, run, or just like a good riverside walk, Durham keeps you moving.
Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre
A modern council leisure centre beside the river with a swimming pool, gym, and fitness classes.
Durham Regatta
Held on the Wear each June, Durham Regatta is one of the oldest rowing regattas in Britain, predating Henley. Free to watch from the riverbanks.
Durham parkrun
A free, timed 5K open to all abilities. Check the parkrun website for the current Durham course and start time.
Riverside & City Walks
The compact city is best explored on foot — the peninsula, the riverbanks, and paths out along the Wear all start from the centre.
Maiden Castle Sports Park
Durham University's sports facilities at Maiden Castle include courts, pitches, and a fitness suite, with some public access.
Landmarks & Culture
A World Heritage city with museums, a theatre, and markets at its heart.
Durham Cathedral
One of the greatest Norman cathedrals in Europe and the shrine of St Cuthbert. Free to enter, with charges for the tower climb and some exhibitions.
Durham Castle
A Norman castle on Palace Green, once home to the Prince Bishops and now part of the university, open for guided tours.
Palace Green & University Museums
Exhibitions at Palace Green Library beside the cathedral, plus the university's Oriental Museum and Museum of Archaeology.
Gala Durham
The city's main theatre and cinema on Millennium Place, with drama, comedy, live music, and film through the year.
Market Place & Market Hall
The open Market Place and the Victorian indoor Market Hall sit at the heart of the city, full of independent traders.
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