Let’s explore Durham! Here are the best things to do in Durham!
Tell me if this happens to you, you live in a country with pretty towns and historical places but yet you choose to explore cities across the pond or on the other side of the world?
So it is a new resolution of mine this year to explore the UK more and one of the best things about living in the UK, you are a stone throw away from a cute little village or a historic town or beautiful countryside.
And one of my favourite little pretty city in England has to be Durham, with its historic castle and cathedral on a hilltop peninsula carved out by the River Wear and it’s only 15 minutes away by train from Newcastle or 3 hours by train from London. It’s practically a photographers dream location!
Come get your comfy shoes on and allow me to be your virtual tour guide and show you around.
Things to do in Durham:
Start with the Market Square
As the central point of the old town, the Market Square is a great place to commence your meanderings through the cobblestone streets. From here you can already get a great idea of the vibrancy this city offers and explore the winding streets and little corner stores.
Grab an ice cream on this lovely sunny day
Explore the shops around Durham town centre
From there walk up to the nearby street lined with restaurants, traditional pubs, and no city is complete without their own boutique and independent stores.
Uphill to the historic UNESCO Durham Cathedral
This is the main attraction of Durham, you must not leave here without visiting the iconic Cathedral. It is free to enter and wander around, a donation is always welcomed. Durham Cathedral dates back to 1093, and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world.
Did you know that Avengers Infinity was filmed here earlier this year, and yes I did go and camp outside to see if I can spot Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Scarlett Johanssen (Black Widow)… sadly I didn’t but definitely watching the movie to catch a glimpse.
Check out the Durham Cathedral grounds
Behind the Cathedral lies a courtyard, where you can roam around to take pictures, and there is a cafe as well.
If you are a lego fan, you are in for a treat! Back here lies a massive lego structure of the Cathedral complete with little lego characters in the building!
Wander around the Durham Castle Grounds
Back outside, cross the large square and make your way to the castle, which together with the cathedral forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This entire square outside the Cathedral including this section of the castle is a part of Durham University (A mix of student accommodation, library, colleges et cetera). Imagine living in a castle in your first year of University – not many are able to say they have!
Be one with nature & take a walk around the river
If you take a small windy cobbled alleyway next to the Cathedral, you’ll find yourself in a very leafy part of Durham. On a sunny day, it is very tempting to grab a sandwich to go and perch yourself on a bench overlooking the river. Also, watch little ducklings make their way across the river.
Another route is just at the beginning of the bridge to the city centre. There is a lovely walk path by the river. You may find yourself at over on Elvet Bridge – cross over for great little tea rooms like Tealicious.
Try out the coffee houses and other eateries
Speaking of coffee. Most of the locals here recommend the Flat White Kitchen coffee house between the market square and the Cathedral. I’m a sucker for great coffee and lovely cakes which they deliver and they also cater to vegans as well. Expect a queue though, don’t think I have ever passed by this place without a line outside. Keeping in mind that some coffee houses and eateries shut at 5 pm.
Oh and there’s a great waffle place and a little cafe that sells fresh Greek desserts and sandwiches!
Or get yourself down to a local pub and try out their delicious ale!
Website: Flat White Kitchen
Explore the alleyways and secret gardens
Go on, get lost and get into that little cobbled streets away from the main roads, and see where you end up. You may find a secret garden down this road!
Have you visited? What are your favourite things to do in Durham?
Courtney xx
Other travel posts you will enjoy:
Lake Como Italy 2025 + One Day Itinerary
LEUVEN IN 48 HOURS: THE 12 THINGS YOU MUST DO AND SEE
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Really nice guide and helpful. Thank you for the tour!
It’s my pleasure! Hopefully it will be useful!
It did actually helped me, because a month ago I managed to visit Durham and I knew which places to look for thanks to your guide. Keep up your amazing work!