8
Posts
2 days
Ideal stay
2016
Visiting since
A Norman cathedral on a hill in a loop of the river, cobbled vennels most visitors walk straight past, three medieval bridges — and the pubs Ian has been drinking in for thirty years.
Why go
A small city that packs a World Heritage Site, a river walk and a proper pub scene into one weekend
Durham is small enough to explore on foot, but packed with character — a gothic cathedral and castle, cinematic medieval streets, the quiet walk along the River Wear and good craft pubs along the way. Come for the views and history, stay for the atmosphere.
Start here
Durham Cathedral and Castle — the places we think are most worth your time
Our pick of the most interesting things to see in Durham. Start here, then choose a walk and a pub →
The Streets — Olesia
Walks and sights
Durham Cathedral and Castle: What to Know Before You Go
Our pick of what’s most worth seeing
Durham’s Old Streets: The Market Place, the Vennels and Three Bridges
A self-guided walk through the alleys nobody looks at
Two Durham Walks: The River Below the City, and the One Out to the Garden
Riverside paths and Old Durham Gardens
The Taps — Ian
Pubs, taprooms and breweries
Every Durham Pub and Taproom We Recommend, Compared
All eighteen in one table — taps, prices, food, dogs
Twelve More Durham Pubs Worth Your Time
Bands, cocktails and a balcony over the river
The Durham Craft Beer Trail: Five Stops, Honestly Scored
One afternoon on foot, scored out of ten
The County Durham Brewery Trail, Rated Honestly
Five breweries out of town — you’ll need a driver
Durham through our lens
Plan your visit
The practical bits
Getting there
By train: the easiest option for most visitors. Durham station sits right above the city centre, with regular trains from London, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
By car: very convenient — Durham sits just two miles off the A1(M), the main road running north–south through the North East. Street parking in the historic centre is limited, but there are several central car parks, including Prince Bishops, Walkergate and The Riverwalk, all a short walk from the Market Place and the Cathedral.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for walking and the riverside. Autumn is particularly beautiful, and winter gives the city a quieter, atmospheric feel. Check the calendar for big events such as the Durham Regatta or the Durham Miners’ Gala, when the city gets considerably busier.
Where we’d stay
Stay just outside the historic centre, so you can walk to the cathedral, the river, pubs and restaurants without worrying about parking. For a quieter stay, look around South Street, Elvet or the riverside; for convenience, choose somewhere near the centre or the railway station.
Keep exploring
More places we’ve written about
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