🇬🇧United Kingdom · Places to discover
What to see in Durham?
17 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Landmarks & heritage
5 places
1Wikipedia · CC BY-SALandmark
Durham Miners' Hall
Historic headquarters of County Durham's miners' unions and a temple of the British labour movement. The hand-embroidered silk banners preserved here are works of popular art of rare emotional power.
2Wikipedia · CC BY-SALandmark
Finchale Priory
Ruins of a 13th-century Benedictine priory set within a dramatic meander of the River Wear, 5 km north of Durham. Managed by English Heritage, the site remains wonderfully quiet during weekdays, offering an incomparable romantic and wild atmosphere.
3Wikipedia · CC BY-SALandmark
Durham Town Hall
A Victorian edifice at the heart of the market place, the historic seat of civic administration since the 19th century. Its imposing façade and richly decorated interior testify to the region's industrial prosperity.
4Wikipedia · CC BY-SALandmark
Durham Cathedral
A masterpiece of Norman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site, dominating the city from its peninsula. The shrine of Saint Cuthbert and pioneering ribbed vaults merit a visit far beyond religious interest.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
St Giles' Church
A discreet Norman parish church in the Gilesgate neighbourhood, often overlooked by visitors. Its 12th-century baptismal fonts and peaceful churchyard offer a window into medieval Durham's everyday life.
Museums
2 places
6Wikipedia · CC BY-SAMuseum
Oriental Museum – Durham University
The only museum in the United Kingdom devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of Asia and the Middle East, run by the university. Outstanding Egyptian, Chinese and Japanese collections in an atmosphere of absolute quiet.
- 7
Museum
Museum
DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery
A museum of the Durham Light Infantry regiment and regional art gallery housed in a handsome 1960s building. North-Eastern paintings and poignant military heritage, often overlooked by tourists.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
8Wikipedia · CC BY-SACastle
Maiden Castle Woodland & Earthworks
An Iron Age fortification perched atop a wooded hillock above the Wear, now used as university playing fields. The earthen ramparts remain strikingly visible, whilst the panoramic valley views are truly spectacular.
Nature
5 places
9Wikipedia · CC BY-SANature
Pelaw Wood
An ancient woodland along the Wear south of the city, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its century-old oaks and rich forest floor flora. Locals come here in spring to find wild daffodils.
10Wikipedia · CC BY-SANature
River Wear Peninsula Walk
A 3 km loop following the River Wear around the historic peninsula, between beech woodlands and spectacular views of the cathedral. The western riverside path is particularly wild and little-trodden.
11Wikipedia · CC BY-SANature
Durham Big Meeting (Gala) – Racecourse Ground
The Racecourse forms the beating heart of the Durham Miners' Gala, Europe's largest workers' gathering, held annually each July. Outside festival season, this cricket field and riverside promenade serves as the green heart of the local community.
- 12
Nature
Nature
Houghall Community Orchard & Woodland
A volunteer-run community orchard and woodland at Durham's southern edge. Little known to visitors, this is an excellent spot for country walks just 20 minutes on foot from the city centre.
- 13
Nature
Nature
Kepier Woods
Ancient woodland north of Durham running alongside the Wear, scattered with the ruins of the medieval Kepier Hospital. Unmarked trails reward those adventurous enough to explore them with unexpected riverside vistas.
Parks & gardens
3 places
14Wikipedia · CC BY-SAPark
Durham University Botanic Garden
An 18-hectare botanic garden managed by the university, with a tropical glasshouse and a remarkable collection of North American plants. Modest admission charge, offering a studious and peaceful atmosphere far from tourist hustle.
15Wikipedia · CC BY-SAPark
Crook Hall & Gardens
An intimate 14th-century medieval manor surrounded by secret gardens, just minutes from the city centre. Less celebrated than the cathedral, it's one of Durham's hidden gems, ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
- 16
Park
Park
Wharton Park
A Victorian park set on high ground overlooking the station and cathedral, featuring restored terraced gardens and a Crimean War cannon. Panoramic views across the city from the summit, particularly fine at sunset.
More to discover
1 place
17Wikipedia · CC BY-SAPlace
Shincliffe Village
Picturesque village 2 km south of Durham, characterised by stone cottages and a historic riverside pub beside the Wear. An authentic snapshot of English countryside, yet merely a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
Also 🇬🇧 in the United Kingdom
