Durham City Itineraries

History and Heritage

Start the day with a visit to Durham City's iconic Cathedral, described by Bill Bryson as "the best cathedral on planet earth" and, together with Durham Castle, forms the World Heritage Site. Durham Castle dates back to the 11th century and was once home to the Prince Bishops, who held tremendous power over the North of England. Palace Green is a beautiful spot for a picnic while soaking up the city's historic atmosphere. Here you will also find the Almshouses Cafe, a buzzing eatery ideal for lunchtime diners - and a member of the new TasteDurham quality scheme.

The most magical views of the Cathedral and Castle can be enjoyed from the banks of the River Wear, the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll. For those keen to get a taste of boating, rowing boats are available for hire, while the Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers a particularly stylish trip along the Wear, with a bar, cafe and commentary onboard.

Relax with a pot of tea and some home-made snacks at Cafe Cenno, another TasteDurham award-winner, which is located in the heart of the Victorian Indoor Market where you will find a host of stalls selling the finest local produce. One of the city's most photographed buildings is Durham University's Museum of Archaeology at the Old Fulling Mill, which houses a fascinating collection including pieces from Ancient Greece and Rome. Durham City is also the home of the world renowned Oriental Museum, the only museum in the North of Britain dedicated solely to the art and archaeology of the Orient.

The green fingered will delight at the quintessentially English gardens of Crook Hall, a Medieval manor house which is one of the city's hidden gems, whilst on the southern outskirts of the city is the Botanic Garden, where cacti and tropical collections are set among 18 acres of Durham University's mature woodland. 

Culture Vultures

Start your day by exploring the intimate cobbled lanes and atmospheric narrow streets of Durham City centre, where beautiful historic buildings house an exciting array of contemporary shops. As well as top designer brands, you'll also find a fascinating selection of specialist shops where you can snap up all kinds of unique gifts.

For lunch, you will find Hide Cafe Bar and Grill on a cobbled street leading up to the Cathedral. This stylish eatery is one of the members of the new TasteDurham quality scheme.

Just a short drive from Durham city centre lies the award-winning Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, a unique spa resort set in 37 acres of creatively landscaped cliff-top grounds. A magical underground walkway connects the hotel to the Serenity Spa, voted Best Spa for Style by The Sunday Times, where there are a range of delightful treatments to indulge in.

For dinner, sample the delicious local fare at Oldfields Eating House, another member of the TasteDurham quality scheme. A decidedly sleek and modern decor adds a touch of class to this stylish spot on Claypath.

For evening entertainment, The Gala Theatre is the city's main arts venue, with a 500-seat auditorium and cinema complex. It runs a year-round programme of drama, comedy, live music, dance and children's shows. And you don't need to venture far for pre-show dinner and drinks, with the Walkergate complex and stylish Filini Restaurant at Radisson Blu on the theatre's doorstep.

More Durham City highlights...

The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery is another city attraction not to be missed, whilst Durham Student Theatre provide an exciting and varied programme. Soak up the atmosphere in the vennels, a network of winding lanes where independent boutiques nestle next to quirky craft shops, or stroll down Saddler Street where Mrs Clements once made her famous Durham Mustard. For a superb selection of high street brands head to the Prince Bishops and Gates shopping centres, or for handmade crafts visit Fowlers Yard. And to help you find that perfect place to eat, the new TasteDurham food quality scheme will help you to find an establishment of excellence.