Top Things to do in Durham
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Top 10 Things to do in Durham, England
Discover the best top things to do in Durham, United Kingdom including Durham Castle, Oriental Museum, Durham Cathedral, Crook Hall & Gardens, Hall Hill Farm, Durham University Botanic Garden, Finchale Priory, Durham Riverside Walk, Seaham Beach, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens.
Restaurants in Durham
1. Durham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,272 reviews
To ensure the safety and well-being of staff and visitors, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden will remain closed until early 2021. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements at all our sites. At Durham Castle this will include: • Preparing to launch ‘Heralding Women’, a project celebrating the women of University College and Durham Castle which will run through 2021 • Updating and improving the Tunstall Gallery art displays • Develop new online exhibitions and learning resources for users to engage with from anywhere in the world • Catalogue and digitise more of our collections and share them online via our online database Discover
Reviewed By DJBURTY
We are in Durham for the first time. We spent an hour or so around the Cathedral which is so impressive. We then took a tour of the Castle. Great value for money at £5 each. The tour lasted around an hour and the tour guide Rupert was a fountain of knowledge but also made it interactive with the group. Some first year University students are lucky enough to reside in the castle.
2. Oriental Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Following Government advice, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden are temporarily closed. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements at all our sites. At the Oriental Museum this will include: - completing the new Silk Roads permanent gallery, which will provide an updated introduction to the museum and its collection. - installing the special exhibition, 'Lu Xun’s Legacy in Print Making in Modern China', celebrating the impact of Lu Xun (1881-1936) arguably the most important cultural figure of twentieth century China. Stay in touch on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. From Ancient Egypt to modern China, we are the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. The Oriental Museum is normally open Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 12pm - 5pm.
Reviewed By chipadvisor93 - Port Louis, null
thank you to my mother for introducing me to this treasure trove of world history... just incredible and somewhere anyone who loves life should visit....
3. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
4. Crook Hall & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 970 reviews
Crook Hall is a Medieval Manor house built circa 1217 and is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham City. Home to the Bell Family since 1995, the Medieval Hall merges into a Jacobean Manor house which in turn merges into a Georgian Town house reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the 5 acres of stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idyllic English gardens. Afternoon Tea is served in the beautiful Georgian Drawing Room. We are open from Sunday to Wednesday and welcome visitors throughout the year. We have two modern self catering apartments available in the heart of Durham City. We are a unique, historic wedding venue providing exclusive use of a beautiful and romantic setting. Our Licensed Garden Gate Café is open 7 days a week from 9:30am - 5pm serving breakfasts, light lunches and refreshments along with wines and local ales
Reviewed By LCN23 - Durham, United Kingdom
Fabulous themed Harry Potter afternoon tea with the hall done up to resemble hog warts Loved the creations and had a brilliant afternoon / excellent staff and well thought out event / loved it !!!!!
5. Hall Hill Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 588 reviews
Award winning Farm Attraction, Farm Attraction of the Year 2017 and 2010. Best in Education 2014, Winner of Silver NE Tourism Awards 2013 and Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2017. See the animals, cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides. Lambing Time in March April. Indoor Soft Play Barn, tearoom and giftshop. Crazy golf (deposit required). Sheep Racing and puppet shows at weekends and during school holidays.
Reviewed By 847nickf
Chanced upon this place via a video on Facebook and love their daily updates so decided to visit. 30 mins from the centre of Newcastle clearly signed although my sat nav was a bit off and with plenty of parking. Very welcoming staff to check you in and brief you and straight into the animals, well set out areas to visit from small petting area just after arrivals through to the paddocks with toilets and indoor spaces set in the middle and well looked after. Bought some feed at the entrance and joined in feeding goats, sheep, donkeys, llamas and of course the amazing herd of Highland Cows. Plenty of rides and activities for the smaller kids to enjoy as well and a bit of sheep racing during the session too. Staff all extremely polite friendly and engaging. In times of Covid plenty of room to move about, good organisation and signage, plenty of sanitising spots and bins. Stayed for 2 hours on my own but sure the kids would be more than happy with double that! Definitely going back when in the area again!
6. Durham University Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
We are currently operating reduced opening hours of 10am to 2.30pm, Monday to Fridays only. Closed at weekends.
Reviewed By fletch08
We have visited Durham a number of times our first visit to the Botanic gardens Car parking available The food was lovely in the cafe and outside seating is brilliant lovely floral surrounds the tulips were beautiful We walked through the gardens there is so much to see We will definately return ????
7. Finchale Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Remains of 13th century priory set in a bend of the river Wear and managed by English Heritage. The fee is actually a car park EXIT fee.
Reviewed By 589Richard - Egremont, United Kingdom
A beautiful hidden gem. These extensive ruins still show remarkable architectural details! Set in a lovely landscape it ticks a lot of boxes!!!!
8. Durham Riverside Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Reviewed By GrimsbyMariner15 - Grimsby, United Kingdom
We did a couple of walks along the River Wear , one around the peninsula and the other fro Green Lane past the University Sports grounds. Both were downloadable and easy to follow. Autumn colours were spectacular and birdlife and ducks in abundance. Well worthwhile.
9. Seaham Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By MeganL1820 - Anchorage, United States
We spent a week in Seaham for the seaglass. This beach is rocky, and there are areas of runoff, so rain boots or something waterproof is recommended. It's best to head out two hours before low tide, so you can be there as the ocean deposits its treasure. Be sure to keep track of the tide though, as some areas of the beach get completely covered at high tide. It's breezy, so make sure you dress in layers.
10. Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Our business hours are currently restricted - The Bounds Cafe (alfresco cafe), and gardens are open 11am - 3pm Monday to Wednesday, and 11am - 4pm Thursday to Sunday. The Main House, Chapels & Exhibitions are open 1pm-4pm Thursday to Sunday. Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens is an independent charity set in a majestic estate of 500 acres, hidden for 200 years in the heart of the Durham countryside. A unique heritage and visitor attraction, our glorious Georgian and Victorian Gothic architecture and stunning grounds make Ushaw the perfect place for families to explore and enjoy throughout the seasons. Ushaw’s roots lie in the political and religious unrest of the Reformation - established as a Catholic seminary in the nineteenth century, with origins dating back over 450 years to Douai in France. Now a successful heritage and cultural tourist attraction, Ushaw is also a popular conference and hospitality venue, and is open for all.
Reviewed By johnrnick - Durham, United Kingdom
This is one of the unsung gems of Durham. About three miles from the centre of Durham City is this Pugin-designed former college for training Catholic priests as late as 2011. It was an entirely self-maintained community at one time, with its own farm, coal mine and gasworks! Now it is an emerging centre for community use, with a programme of musical events, art classes, exhibitions, and workshops used by local artists and craftsmen and women. Even if you just pop in for a stroll around the grounds and a coffee and cake in the most splendid refectory you have ever eaten in it will be worth it. With more time you can have a guided tour by an enthusiast, and can ponder the suggestion that a version of quidditch was played here long before Harry Potter. Mind you, it is just the sort of place he could have gone to school in!
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