Things to do in Durham
Durham City is a vibrant and historic destination, offering a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Durham Pointers are local people who love our city and want you to enjoy it too. Here are a few of our suggestions for things to do in Durham, links to Durham attractions and Durham events to help you make the most of your visit to Durham. Read our Durham Tips and Pointers’ Perspectives blog posts for our personal experiences of places to visit in Durham.
Whilst we do our best to keep this page up to date, do check with individual websites for the latest information.
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Museums and historical sites
Durham Cathedral
Free - Accessible - Cafe
Begun in 1093 and completed in 1133, the Cathedral is an awe inspiring building occupying a majestic situation overlooking the River Wear. Visit the tombs of St Cuthbert and St Bede, admire the stained glass windows, wander round the cloisters and relax in the undercroft cafe.
£5 Donations encouraged.
Durham Cathedral Museum
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
Explore the history of the cathedral and Christianity in the region, with interactive displays and activities for all ages. You enter the museum through the monks’ dormitory and finish your visit in the Great Kitchen space. Special themed exhibitions also take place throughout the year.
Durham Castle
Charges
Occupied since the 11th century, Durham Castle is part of Durham University and is home to students of University College. Guided & self-guided tours are available enabling you to visit the Norman chapel, the oldest building in Durham. Times vary during university terms and vacations.
Cosin’s Library
Free
Located within Palace Green Library, the little gem which is Cosin’s Library was founded by Bishop Cosin in 1669, when it cost £500 to build. Many of the books come from his personal library and cover a wide range of subjects from theology to history, law and philosophy.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
Free - Accessible
Located within Palace Green Library the Visitor Centre provides an overview of the World Heritage Site in Durham City. The centre explains what it means to be a World Heritage Site and what makes Durham such a significant place. Check the website for special activities throughout the year.
The Story
Free - Accessible - Cafe
As the home of the County Archives, the Historic Environment Record, the Durham Light Infantry Collection and Local Studies The Story charts thousands of years of everyday life in Durham. There’s a permanent exhibition with interactive elements as well as changing displays. There’s free access to online genealogy databases too.
Museum of Archaeology
Free - Accessible
With collections ranging from prehistoric to post medieval, the archaeology museum charts the history of Durham and displays many local artefacts found nearby. Here, you can learn about Roman and other early residents of the area in this fascinating exhibition.
The Oriental Museum
Free - Accessible - Cafe
A fascinating museum with collections from Ancient Egypt to modern China, Durham University’s Oriental Museum is about 30 minutes walk from the city centre This is the only museum in the north of England devoted to the art and architecture of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. Look out for the current special exhibition and the many family activities.
Durham Town Hall
Free
Situated in the Market Place, the Town Hall has an impressive Victorian hall. Since the 14th Century the Trade Guilds and Freemen of Durham City have met in the Guildhall. You’ll also find a model and exhibits relating to the Little Count, who lived in Durham in the 19th century. Open Wed- Sat 8am - 4pm. Tours 10am -3pm
Durham Miners’ Hall
Charges
For more than a century Redhills has been the home of the Durham Miners’ Association. Coal mining was a fundamental part of life in this region and the grade 2 listed building is the most outstanding example of trade union architecture in Europe. Tours are now available.
Need help finding things?
You can find each of the attractions on our signature map of Durham City - “The Pointers Map” - available to download and print or to view online. If you’d like to pick up a printed copy, visit us in Durham City Market Place to collect it for free.
Durham City for Kids
We’re often asked what there is for children to do in Durham City so we’ve brought together a few ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to check the individual websites for up to date info. If you’d like to know more, come and chat to us at our Trike in Durham Market Place.
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Durham Cathedral: Some local children were lucky enough to be extras when the first Harry Potter film was filmed in the cathedral. Can you find the spots in the cathedral where the filming took place? Some scenes for Avengers Endgames were filmed here too.
During school holidays there are usually a range of themed activities for children. Explorer backpacks are available to borrow and you can dress as a monk in the museum.
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Durham Castle: Children can explore the castle on a self guided tour and imagine what it was like to live in medieval times. Can you find the mermaid in the Norman chapel? The occasional family fun days and themed events include re-enactment days. Details can be found on the castle website.
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Crook Hall Gardens: The gardens are a delightful place to explore and even get lost in the maze. Can you find the sleeping giant? During the summer there are children’s games in the meadow and other activities on offer throughout the year– check the website for details.
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Botanic Garden: Explore the gardens using one of the different spotters’ sheets for children, themed to the time of year in the gardens. In the conservatory you may find a tarantula and you can also feed the fish there. Special themed activities such as building bird boxes and Easter chick hunts take place throughout the year.
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Oriental Museum: Come and see a real Egyptian mummy! There’s a series of Challenge Quiz sheets for older children which you can download beforehand or pick up on your visit and several other activities as you go around the museum. Special themed activities in school holidays.Little Dragons runs every Wednesday for under 5s.
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Wharton Park: On the hill behind the railway station is this city park, where you’ll find toddler and junior play areas, a miniature car track and a putting green. Download the Love Exploring App, find the augmented reality fairies and complete the themed quiz questions on this fun, interactive walk around the park.
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Lane 7: Ten pin bowling is a handy activity on a wet day and Lane 7 is right in the centre of the city, in the Walkergate complex.
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and must leave the venue by 7pm.
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Bertie’s Play Village: Bertie’s is a great way to entertain little people while the bigger ones shop or just relax with a coffee. This indoor play space for younger children in the Prince Bishops shopping centre has a series of little “shops” , toys and dressing up clothes.
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Browns Boats: There’s nothing quite like messing about on the river! Hire a rowing boat and explore the river with the family. keep an eye out for otters, cormorants, herons and kingfishers. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets available for all. Under 5s free.
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Freeman’s Quay: If the family need to work off some energy, why not try a dip at the local swimming pool and leisure centre. You’ll need to check the website for public swimming times.
Check out the suggestions on our Days out from Durham page for more ideas of things to do with children close to the city, such as Adventure Valley, Diggerland, Infinite Air and local nature reserves, farms and parks.
Gardens and Parks
Crook Hall and Gardens
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
This National Trust property is only a 10 minute walk from the city centre. The gardens are an oasis of calm and you can wander through delightful themed gardens, relax by the pond or try not to get lost in the maze. There’s also a small medieval hall, with, of course, a ghost or two in residence! Discounted entry if travel by bus
Botanic Gardens
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
Set amongst beautiful, peaceful woodlands on the outskirts of the city, Durham University Botanic Gardens are a pleasant place to spend a few hours. You can learn about the university’s research in the gardens and admire the sculptures and statues.
Old Durham Gardens
Free
Old Durham Gardens have existed for 350 years and can be reached via a pleasant 20 min walk along the river banks from Durham City Centre. The lower orchard and terrace restored to the 17th century are open at all times and the 18th century walled garden is open Thursdays and Sundays.
Wharton Park
Free - Accessible - Cafe
Twenty minutes walk from the marketplace or a short walk from the railway station, Wharton Park offers spectacular views across the city. It’s also a great place to view trains coming across the viaduct into the station. There are 2 separate play areas, and a miniature car track.
Events in Durham
What’s happening in Durham this month/ year?
check our monthly and annual Events in Durham lists
Activities
Prince Bishop River Cruiser
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
The Prince Bishop River Cruiser will take you on an entertaining and informative hour long cruise along the River Wear. Listen to some tall tales about past residents, enjoy a different perspective of the city from the river and even partake of a drink as you travel.
Brown’s Boats
Charges
Since the 1900’s Brown’s Rowing Boats has been the place to hire a rowing boat in Durham. These traditional hand built rowing boats are available for a leisurely row along the River Wear in the heart of the city. Life jackets are provided and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
If you’ve time to spare why not enjoy a dip at the local swimming pool and leisure centre, which is located close to the river. Make sure to check opening hours of public sessions on their website.
Bertie’s Play Village
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
Bertie’s is a great way to entertain little people while the bigger ones shop or just relax with a coffee. This indoor play space for younger children inside Northern Stores and Deli in the Prince Bishops shopping centre has a series of little “shops” , toys and dressing up clothes.
The Magic Corner
Charges - Bar
The Magic Corner is a custom built Magic Show Bar located in the heart of Durham. In this immersive, interactive close-up show like no other, you will experience breath-taking magic and illusion whilst surrounded by the art itself.
Kitt’s Pool Room and Bar
Charges - Cafe
Tucked away in the corner of the Riverwalk complex you’ll find Kitt’s Pool Room. It’s an American themed bar with pool tables and dart boards in the centre of the city.
Lane 7 Bowling
Charges - Accessible - Cafe
Lane 7 offers Ten Pin bowling in the heart of the city. Additional activities include batting cages, pool, duck pin bowling and arcades. It’s located in Millenium Square, opposite the Gala Theatre. Over 18s only after 7pm.
Escape Rooms Durham
Charges
Explore Mr Borrowdale’s study, find and solve the clues which will enable you to escape within the time limit. You’ll test your powers of observation and logical thinking in a team of up to 6 people.
Durham Markets
Accessible - Cafe
There are 40 interesting stalls to explore in the historic market hall every day, additional outdoor stalls in the market place on Saturdays and a Farmers Market once a month as well as special events throughout the year.
Shopping
There is a growing number of independent shops and cafes in the city centre. Ask at our Trike in the market place for specific information and check the Life in Durham site for a list of businesses.
Need more to do?
For more ideas on what to do in and around Durham City, why not take a look at: