Durham
Why we love Durham
Cast a spell at Durham Cathedral as you walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter, or captain your own boat down the River Wear. Sip on the city’s favourite tipples on insider distillery tours, or try local flavours on a foodie discovery. Head off the beaten track through the Durham Dales to the soaring clifftops of the Durham Heritage Coast. Or watch history come to life at Kynren, an unmissable open-air performance. No matter the adventure, Durham’s spellbinding charm is not to be missed.
Kynren open-air theatre performance
During the summer, Auckland Palace hosts Kynren, a cinematic, open-air spectacular. The theatre show takes its audience on a 90-minute journey of epic storytelling, using pyrotechnics, lighting, and stunning effects across a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
Marvel at the fine examples of gothic and Norman architecture at Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status, walk in the footsteps of history as you explore the late-11th and early-12th-century cathedral, followed by the Norman fortress of the castle which stands just behind. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure you visit the cathedral’s Cloister and the Chapter House where filming took place. Did you know that The Nave was also used for Avengers: Endgame?
Lumiere
Be dazzled at the UK’s light art biennial, where artworks by international and UK artists transform Durham’s historic streets and public spaces. Find this free-to-attend event across the city.
Faith Museum
Journey through 6,000 years of the dynamic history of faith in Britain, via over 250 rarely seen objects, national treasures, personal testimonies and art. Time-travel as you walk through four dynamic gallery spaces, set over two floors, within the historic Grade I-listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle. Find out how faith, belief and religion have shaped lives and communities in Britain, and look out for temporary exhibitions showcasing work from established British artists.
The Durham Distillery Experience
A distillery with stories to tell, unearth the tricks of the distilling trade on a Durham Distillery Experience. Delve beneath the surface on a subterranean tour, mix it up for yourself with a gin making class, or get spicy with a cocktail course in the underground bar.
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Stroll through Durham’s city centre to find hip coffee shops, cultural art spaces, and indie boutiques, blending modern culture with historic charm.
Marvel at plants from around the world in Durham University's Botanic Garden, set within tranquil woodlands.
Enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the River Wear, offering unique perspectives of Durham's scenic landscapes and architecture.
Fun Fact
Durham Cathedral’s cloisters (covered walkways) starred as part of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Nave also features in Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Durham Book Festival, happening each October, celebrates literature with a series of events, readings, and workshops featuring renowned authors.
- Lumiere, the UK’s leading light art biennale, transforms the city’s historic streets and landmarks into a dazzling open-air gallery with large-scale illuminated installations by international artists.
- Grassholme Observatory offers stargazing experiences in one of England’s darkest skies, providing visitors with expert-led astronomy sessions and views of celestial wonders through powerful telescopes.
- Discover what life was like for the Prince Bishops of Durham in Auckland Castle, where opulent state rooms, chapel and expansive gardens provide insight into centuries of the region’s history.
- Step back in time at Beamish, an open-air museum where visitors can explore historic buildings, ride vintage vehicles, and experience life as it was in the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s.
Things to do in Durham
Featured things to do
Captivating culture at The Auckland Project
Uncover a fusion of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, as part of The Auckland Project. Look over the historic deer park from Auckland Tower’s 15 metre high viewing platform, discover artwork at the Spanish Gallery or uncover 6,000 years of stories at the Faith Museum.
Visit The Auckland Project
Growing gardens
Nature awaits at Durham’s Botanic Garden, located within Durham University. Take in the greenery of the Native Woodland for British trees, spot tropical flora in the Glasshouses and spy unique artwork around, from local artists and beyond.
See florals at Durham's Botanic Garden
Starry eyed
Look to the skies around Durham for the North Pennines Stargazing Festival this autumn, celebrating Britain’s darkest mainland National Landscape. It’s the perfect opportunity to spot some of the area’s nocturnal wildlife too.
Discover the North Pennines Stargazing Festival
Visit Locomotion
In the exact place where the world’s first steam-powered public railway started, delve into the world of trains and railway history at Locomotion. Feel the power of bold ideas and imagination at the Innovation Platform exhibition, plus, get up close to historic locomotives.
Full steam ahead at LocomotionPlaces to stay in Durham
Durham City
Durham’s city centre is where you’ll not only find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, but also hip coffee shops, cultural art spaces and indie boutiques. Choose to stay in one of its central hotels, or look to a bed and breakfast or self-catering apartment.
Durham Dales
Let your sense of adventure take hold with a stay in the Durham Dales. A beautiful blend of tranquil landscapes and high adrenaline activities, explore everything from the moors, hills and valleys to flowing rivers and historic towns.
Durham coast
From coastal hikes to National Nature Reserves, this area boasts some pretty serious scenery and flora. Follow the 8.5 mile (14km) coastal path for unmissable moments beside the North Sea. Hunker down for the night in an eco-coastal pod, or choose a luxury stay.
Explore nearby
Getting to Durham
Durham is well connected to locations across the UK by train, coach and bus. It is under a three-hour journey by train from London Kings Cross Station, while a direct train journey between Durham and Edinburgh Waverly Station takes under two hours.
Newcastle International Airport is the nearest airport, from which you can travel directly to Newcastle Central Station on the Metro, before taking a train direct to Durham.
You can take a National Express Bus or Megabus direct to Durham from London Victoria Coach Station. Travelling by bus can take considerably longer due to traffic, so make sure you are prepared for the journey.
Getting around
By bus
Arriva and Go North East provide public bus transport around the city. An Explorer Ticket offers travel across the region.
By bike
County Durham is made to be explored by bike. The area offers over 310 miles (500km) of bridleways and cycle routes down railway paths. You can use Sustrans to plan your cycling journey.
By foot
Durham can be easily explored by foot. Routes can be tailored around the city dependent on time and difficulty.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
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