Durham, United Kingdom: travel guide
Durham's spectacular Norman Cathedral and Castle — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — crown a wooded peninsula in a loop of the River Wear. The University city is one of England's most romantic historic destinations.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- NCL
Top places to visit in Durham
Durham Auckland Castle
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 8 h
A day trip from Durham to Auckland Castle — the spectacular Prince Bishop's 12th-century palace, with the iconic Zurbarán paintings, the famous Spanish Gallery, and the rich heritage.
Durham Cathedral
Church · 4.9 rating · about 2 h
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece (1093) on a wooded peninsula — arguably the finest Norman cathedral in the world. The Shrine of St Cuthbert, Galilee Chapel, and the Central Tower climb are all exceptional.
Durham Peninsula Riverside Walk
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 1.3 h
The free, spectacular walk around the river peninsula that holds both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The forested riverbanks, medieval weir, and views up to the castle and cathedral from below are unforgettable.
Durham Castle
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry GBP 8
A UNESCO-listed Norman motte-and-bailey castle (1072) that is still a working college of Durham University. Tours led by student guides reveal the medieval kitchens, Norman chapel, and Great Hall.
Durham Cathedral UNESCO
Church · 4.9 rating · about 1.5 h
Durham Cathedral — England's spectacular 1093 Norman cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the iconic Galilee Chapel (Venerable Bede's tomb), and the rich Romanesque architecture.
Durham Beamish Museum
Museum · 4.8 rating · about 8 h
A day trip from Durham to Beamish — the spectacular living open-air museum recreating 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s North-East England, with the iconic costumed interpreters.
Durham Hadrian Wall Day
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 8 h
A day trip from Durham to Hadrian's Wall — the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage 73-mile Roman wall (122 AD), with the iconic Vindolanda fort, and the rich Roman heritage.
Durham Crook Hall Gardens
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
Crook Hall and Gardens — Durham's spectacular 14th-century medieval manor house with the iconic 1920s walled gardens, the famous Cathedral Tower views, and the rich heritage.
Durham Botanic Garden
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
The Durham University Botanic Garden — the spectacular 25-acre garden, with the iconic woodland garden, the famous tropical greenhouse, and the rich Northern English heritage.
Where to stay in Durham
- Lace Market & City Centre about GBP 95 per night
Nottingham's Victorian lace quarter is the most atmospheric area. Independent restaurants, boutique hotels, and great live music scene.
Hotels
- The Cathedral View Durham 4-star · GBP 100 to GBP 240 per night
Where to eat
- Bistro 21 Durham French, Bistro · about GBP 45 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.