You are here > Home > Explore Durham > Durham City
About
Bill Bryson called it ‘a perfect little city’ and Condé Nast’s Traveller magazine readers voted it the ‘Best city in the UK’ – now Durham warmly awaits your visit to receive another seal of approval.A captivating city with winding cobbled streets and a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site – one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe. Durham is a pleasure to explore and one of the finest cultural and historic destinations in the UK.
The quintessential old English university city, Durham has a wonderful timeless quality with rowing on the Wear and relaxing riverside walks, and yet buzzes with a vibrant contemporary culture with superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums.
There’s plenty to see and do; watch the world go by in one of the city centre cafés, shop for gourmet treats, locally produced food or original crafts in an array of shops and markets. Enjoy a moment of reflection in the awe-inspiring Cathedral, find city-centre calm at Crook Hall and Gardens or explore the treasures of Durham University’s Oriental Museum.
Days in Durham are a hard act to follow, but we like to think our evenings are also up to the mark. Spellbinding theatre to side-splitting comedy, intimate restaurants to chic café-bars, action films to art house cinema – Durham City has entertainment galore.
TripAdvisor
Highlights...
Durham University Botanic Garden, Durham CityCovid19 Update: Reopening Grounds January 11th 2021
To thank the public for their continuing support during the pandemic, entry will be free until the end of March.
The Visitor Centre toilet facilities, greenhouses and bird hide will remain closed.
Set in countryside and mature woodland. …
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021, Durham CityDurham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.
Durham Cathedral, Durham CityThought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.
Durham Cathedral Tours - temporarily suspended, Durham CityDiscover the hidden history of Durham Cathedral with one of our regular guided tours. Tours are available Monday to Saturday and last for approximately 1 hour. Tickets can be purchased from the Information Desk at the back of the Cathedral on the day of your visit.
Durham Cathedral, Durham CityThought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.
Durham Castle Tours - closed until early 2021, Durham CityDurham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.
Durham University Botanic Garden - closed until early 2021, Durham CityDon't miss all that the Botanic Garden has to offer, with attractions that appeal to young and old alike. Wander through the Alpine Garden, Winter Garden, Bamboo Grove and the Woodland Garden and wild flower meadow.
Open Treasure Family Fun Trail - Open Treasure is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, Durham CityVisiting a large, open space like this exhibition can be quite an experience for toddlers! There are so many exciting things to look at, smells to sniff, activities to try out and tiny steps to walk. We have put together this backpack to help younger visitors explore the exhibition.
Durham Cathedral Tower - temporarily closed, Durham CityDurham Cathedral Towers
Enjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing the cathedral’s Central Towers. Make a climb up the towers, the high point of your visit to Durham Cathedral.
Visitors can conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views…