Durham, United Kingdom: travel guide
A Norman cathedral and castle on a wooded bend of the River Wear
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.
About Durham
Durham is a small university city in north east England, set on a wooded peninsula formed by a loop of the River Wear. The Norman cathedral and castle crown the rock together, and together they form a World Heritage Site.
The cathedral is the main sight, with massive stone columns inside, and the castle is part of the university. A riverside walk around the peninsula passes bridges, woods and viewpoints back to the cathedral, and the cobbled streets of the old town are lined with shops and cafés. Hadrian's Wall and Beamish open-air museum are not far away.
Durham suits history lovers, walkers and quiet short breaks. Spring and early autumn are especially attractive for the riverside paths.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- NCL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Durham
Durham Auckland Castle
prince-bishop-palace · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
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 · free entry
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 £8 (≈ ₹1,010)
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
unesco-cathedral · 4.9 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
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
living-museum · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
roman-wall · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
medieval-manor · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
botanic-garden · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 to Durham
Nearest airport: Newcastle (NCL), about 30 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions about Durham
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Durham?
- The highest-rated places in our Durham guide are Durham Cathedral, Durham Cathedral UNESCO, Durham Peninsula Riverside Walk, Durham Beamish Museum, Durham Hadrian Wall Day.
- Where should I stay in Durham?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Durham: Lace Market & City Centre.
- How do I get around Durham?
- Ways to get around Durham covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Durham?
- The nearest airport to Durham has the code NCL.