Durham City Centre
The complete guide for first time visitors to Durham City
Durham City Centre is the historic heart of the city, a place where winding medieval streets, striking landmarks and riverside paths come together within a compact, walkable area.
Dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, the centre also offers bustling markets, independent shops, cafés and cultural attractions. Its hilly setting on a peninsula, once ideal for defence, can make it challenging for visitors today, but there are many step-free routes, lifts and Blue Badge parking options that make exploring easier. Whether you are here for a short visit or a full day out, Durham City Centre has something to offer – from architectural treasures and riverside walks to modern dining and shopping. The Durham Pointers team is based in the Market Place and is always ready to help with maps, directions and advice, including guidance on accessible routes. Use this guide to plan your visit and discover the best of Durham City Centre with confidence.
Key Landmarks and Heritage
Durham City Centre is defined by its remarkable heritage, with landmarks that have shaped the city for centuries. At its heart are the Durham Cathedral and Castle, together recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral, often described as one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe, dominates the skyline and welcomes visitors for guided tours, worship, and cultural events. From the soaring nave to the climb up the central tower, it remains a must-see attraction for anyone exploring Durham. Next door, Durham Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s medieval past and its continuing role as part of Durham University. Guided tours allow you to experience the Great Hall, chapels, and living history of a site that is still in daily use.
Just a short walk away, the Market Place is another focal point of city life. Here you’ll find the Town Hall, a striking Victorian building that has been central to civic life for generations. The Market Place itself is also home to the Durham Pointers team, who are based at the pink umbrellas outside the Town Hall and ready to help with maps, directions and advice on getting the most from your visit.
Bordering the cathedral and castle is Palace Green, a historic open space lined with heritage buildings. The Palace Green Library, part of Durham University, regularly hosts exhibitions of national importance, showcasing everything from treasures of the North East to world-class artefacts. Its exhibitions complement the cathedral and castle perfectly, making Palace Green an ideal starting point for a heritage-focused visit.
Scattered through the city centre are smaller but equally distinctive landmarks, such as the statue of the Marquess of Londonderry in the Market Place and the medieval bridges that cross the River Wear. Together, these sites tell the story of Durham as a compact city where history, architecture and daily life are closely interwoven.
For more inspiration on historic attractions across the city, see our full guide to Museums and Historical sites.
Walking Routes and Riverside Views
One of the best ways to experience Durham City Centre is on foot. The compact size of the historic core means most attractions are within walking distance, and the dramatic setting on a loop of the River Wear provides some of the most scenic routes in the North East.
The most popular option is the riverside circular walk, which loops around the peninsula and provides stunning views of Durham Cathedral and Castle rising above the treeline. Starting from the Market Place, you can follow paths down to the river and enjoy a gentle circuit that takes in wooded banks, medieval bridges, and open viewpoints such as Prebends Bridge — one of the most photographed spots in the city. This walk is particularly atmospheric in the evening, when the cathedral is illuminated and reflected in the river below.
For those who want a quieter stroll, Durham offers several woodland and riverside paths that begin just minutes from the city centre but feel a world away from the bustle. These routes are ideal for adults seeking a peaceful break, as well as for couples looking for a romantic backdrop. Benches are placed along the way, making it easy to pause and take in the views.
Accessibility has been carefully considered on many of these routes. Durham Pointers produce a leaflet called Riverside Walks Without Steps, which highlights the best step-free riverside walks around the city. These paths are suitable for wheelchairs, scooters and those who prefer a gentler gradient, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Durham’s riverside setting. For more detailed advice on step-free access across the city centre, see our dedicated Accessible Durham guide
For a wider selection of walks, including routes that extend beyond the city centre, visit our full guide to Walks in Durham
Shopping and Markets
Durham City Centre offers a blend of high-street convenience and independent character, making it an appealing destination for shoppers. The main retail hub is the Prince Bishops Place shopping centre, where you’ll find a mix of well-known national brands alongside cafés and services. Its central location and lift access from the car park make it a practical choice for those who need step-free entry to the heart of the city.
Just a few steps from the Market Place is the Durham Market Hall, a Victorian indoor market that has been trading since 1851. Open Monday to Saturday, it hosts more than 40 independent traders offering everything from fresh produce and regional cheeses to handmade crafts and gifts. On Saturdays, the atmosphere extends outside with an outdoor market in the Market Place, adding street food stalls, artisan makers and local produce to the mix. Both markets are popular with residents as well as visitors and provide a great opportunity to experience Durham’s community spirit.
For something more distinctive, head to the independent shops scattered along Elvet Bridge, Saddler Street and Silver Street. These narrow historic streets are lined with boutiques selling clothing, jewellery, books and gifts that you won’t find on the high street. They are perfect for browsing at a slower pace or picking up a unique souvenir to remember your visit.
Seasonal events such as the Durham Christmas Festival bring an extra dimension to shopping in the city centre, filling the streets with festive stalls and entertainment. Throughout the year, smaller pop-up markets and fairs often take place in the Market Place and Framwellgate Bridge area, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.
To plan your shopping trip alongside other activities, see our guide to Things to Do in Durham or explore the Durham city centre for adults blog for dining and leisure ideas to combine with your retail therapy.
Food and Drink in the City Centre
Durham City Centre has a vibrant food and drink scene, offering everything from traditional pubs to stylish restaurants and independent cafés. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee, a relaxed lunch, or a memorable evening meal, the city centre provides plenty of choice within walking distance of the Market Place.
For those who enjoy authentic real ale and historic interiors, The Victoria Inn on Hallgarth Street is a “must visit.” A family-run Victorian pub built in 1899, it’s Grade II listed and features an unspoilt, multi-room interior preserved by its long-term owner - voted CAMRA City Pub of the Year multiple times. Note its original panelled rooms, snug, bell-pushes, and coal fires - all hallmarks of a classic, charming pub experience.
Other local gems include the Dun Cow Inn, offering cask ales in a cosy, timber-beamed atmosphere near the Market Place, and the Head of Steam, known for its craft beers and lively vibe. The Colpitts Hotel offers a quieter, old-world charm tucked just off Old Elvet.
Café culture is also thriving: Flat White Kitchen on Saddler Street is a favourite for brunch and artisan coffee, while cafés and bakeries along Silver Street and in the Market Place offer casual stop-offs. Dining options expand further with Zen, offering Asian fusion in stylish settings, and riverside restaurants by Framwellgate Waterside or Elvet Bridge - perfect for scenic evening meals. The Durham Market Hall, besides its food market appeal, often features stalls serving fresh local produce or prepared dishes, especially during its bustling weekend market.
For a wider look at Durham’s food and nightlife options, see our Things to Do in Durham for Adults guide, which highlights the best pubs, restaurants and evening activities in the city
Accessibility and Getting Around
Durham’s medieval street pattern and hilly setting can be challenging, but the city centre has made significant improvements to ensure it is welcoming and accessible for all visitors. With the right planning, you can enjoy the best of the city comfortably and with confidence.
Step-Free Routes and Lifts
Several routes in and around the city centre are step-free, connecting key areas such as Freeman’s Place, Millennium Square, and the Market Hall. Lifts are available at the Prince Bishops Place shopping centre, the Market Hall, and Walkergate, helping visitors avoid some of the steepest climbs. Durham Pointers can advise on the gentlest walking routes across the peninsula and provide maps highlighting where slopes and level routes are located.
Blue Badge Parking
There are designated Blue Badge parking bays at key points around the city centre, including Claypath, Walkergate, Prince Bishops Place, and the Market Place. These bays provide closer access to shopping areas, cultural attractions, and the riverside, making it easier to explore the historic centre without long walks.
Shopmobility Service
For those who need additional support, Durham’s Shopmobility service operates from the Prince Bishops Place car park. Manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as scooters, are available to hire, allowing visitors to move around the city centre more easily. Advance booking is recommended, especially at busy times.
For detailed information on accessible facilities across Durham, see our dedicated Accessible Durham guide. For travel connections and advice on arriving in the city, visit Getting to and Around Durham
Practical Visitor Information
Exploring Durham City Centre is easier when you know where to find the essentials — from maps and advice to toilets and resting points. The Durham Pointers team is here to make your visit as smooth as possible.
Durham Pointers in the Market Place
You can find the Durham Pointers volunteers under the distinctive pink umbrellas in the Market Place, directly outside the Town Hall. The team provides free maps, personalised directions, and guidance on everything from step-free routes to hidden places worth discovering. Whether you need advice on the quickest way to the Cathedral or recommendations for food and drink, the Pointers are always ready to help.
Learn more about us on the Durham Pointers homepage.
Public Toilets and Resting Points
Durham City Centre has several public toilets, including facilities at the Market Place, Prince Bishops Place, and Walkergate. Many of these are accessible, with changing facilities also available. Benches are placed throughout the Market Place, along Silver Street, and around the riverside walks, making it easy to pause and enjoy the views.
For details on toilet locations and other essential facilities, see our How to Find page.
Maps and Leaflets
As well as providing maps in person, the Pointers distribute a range of free leaflets, including Riverside Walks Without Steps and Accessible Routes Around the City. These resources are designed to help you get the most from your visit, whether you are in Durham for a couple of hours or a full day.
For further details on access routes and facilities, see our Accessible Durham page.
Plan Your Visit
Durham City Centre is compact enough to explore in just a couple of hours, but it also rewards a full day if you want to take in its landmarks, walks and food scene. Here are some suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your time.
Short Visit (1–2 Hours)
If you have limited time, focus on the essentials. Start in the Market Place, where you can pick up a free map from the Durham Pointers team. From there, walk up Saddler Street to Durham Cathedral, allowing time to explore the nave and cloisters. On your way back down, pause at the Market Hall or grab a coffee in one of the independent cafés around the square.
Full Day in Durham City Centre
Begin your morning with a visit to Durham Cathedral and Castle, followed by a stroll around Palace Green. Break for lunch at one of the city centre cafés or riverside restaurants. In the afternoon, enjoy a riverside walk around the peninsula, with time to browse the Market Hall or independent shops on Elvet Bridge. As evening falls, relax with a drink in one of Durham’s historic pubs such as the Victoria Inn or Dun Cow Inn, or enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the River Wear.
Extending Your Visit
If you have more time, combine your city centre visit with attractions just outside the peninsula, such as Crook Hall Gardens or the Botanic Garden at Durham University. Both are within walking distance or a short bus ride and make excellent additions to a heritage-focused day.
For more inspiration on planning your time, see our Things to Do in Durham guide.
