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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Old Durham Gardens

Old Durham Gardens

Bent House Lane
Durham
County Durham
DH1 2RY

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Old Durham Gardens
  • Old Durham Gardens
  • Old Durham Gardens
  • Old Durham Gardens
  • Old Durham Gardens

About

Old Durham Gardens can be found less than a mile east of Durham City Centre.

The 17th century restored gardens provide a charming public space for everyone to enjoy and can be reached through a number of walks along the river, including a very pleasant route through Pelaw Woods and on the South river bank via Maiden Castle sports ground, over the foot bridge. Here you will find a beautiful walled garden with structured planting and terraces running down to a restored orchard. They were established more than 350 years ago and you can find out more about their development in the history section of the website.

The lower gardens are open 24/7 and the upper walled garden on specific days.

The volunteer Friends of Old Durham Gardens maintain the gardens and you are welcome to join them on Thursday and Sunday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00pm.

Book Tickets

Prices

Entry is free at all times, although as a voluntary group, donations are always welcome.

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousNorthern Saints Trails Passport Northern Saints Trails Passport 2021

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
17 reviews
    • Excellent
      11
    • Very Good
      5
    • Average
      1
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      0

    Recent Reviews:

    • cozzah99
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Pretty gardens
      4 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 5th September 2019
      Pretty little gardens. Went here to see a Shakespeare play and it was a really nice setting for that Read full review
    • MadalynH7
      Huddersfield, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Delightful gardens
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 23rd July 2021
      Well maintained and well restored gardens with a very active Friends group. A great walk along the riverside from the centre of Durham Read full review
    • ebeatum
      Old Durham Gardens Safe Well Maintained Area
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 21st June 2025
      Situated along the Tyne and Wear River ODG is excellent during spring summer. Few dog walkers on a morning and there are a few groups and solo visitors. I did see a wedding getting planned which was... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2025

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking - Parking for up to 15 cars.

    Provider Features

    • In countryside
    • Outdoor Attraction

    Access Information

    Opening Times

    2025 (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

    * The Lower Walled Garden and orchards (over 80% of the garden area) are open to the public at all times.
    The Upper Walled garden and Gazebo (less than 20% of the garden area) will be open between 2pm and 4pm on Thursdays and Sundays from April to September.

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242980015826516/

    Map & Directions

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    Highlights...

    Heugh LighthouseThe Way of Love, HartlepoolThe Way of Love follows the influence of three of the most important female figures in the establishment of Christianity in England - St Hilda, St Helena and St Mary Magdalene - whilst mixing maritime and mining heritage, nationally-important nature reserves and the North East’s iconic denes.

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