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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 CitySet in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China, glasshouse rainforest and desert plants. Six Colin Wilbourne sculptures in landscaped garden.
Crook Hall Gardens, Durham CityThe medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town house, reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning 10-acre gardens, paddock and fields, alongside magnificent views over Durham city.
Durham Castle, 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, 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 CityDurham Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost a millennium, inspiring all who come. Built in 1093 to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert, Durham Cathedral is renowned for its magnificent Romanesque architecture and spectacular location at the heart of the Durham World…
Durham Castle, 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, Durham CityDurham University's 10-hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city. Open to the public, the Botanic Garden offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore and discover, with guests young and old visiting throughout the year.
Durham Cathedral Tower, Durham CityEnjoy spectacular views of the historic city of Durham and the surrounding countryside by climbing the cathedral’s Central Tower. 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 over historic Durham City…