Durham Castle, standing on a prominent hill top site, overlooks the medieval City of Durham with its fascinating narrow streets. The Castle, together with Durham Cathedral makes up the ionic World Heritage Site, one of the most exciting and impressive sites in Europe. Durham Castle is a registered museum as well as a vibrant living and working community. It is the home of University College, the founding College of Durham University and over 100 students are resident during term. In view of this, entrance to the public is by guided tour only.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Approx. 10 min walk from City Centre
Entrance charge: Adult £5, Conc - (Senior Citizens, Students, Children up to 16) £3.50, Family Ticket - £12, Group Rates - (for 10+) Adults £4.50, Child/Senior Citizen £3
Opening times: As tour times vary, we advise visitors to contact the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre or Palace Green Library for details.
Contact telephone: 0191 334 3805 or 0191 334 2932
The DLI Museum is home to the treasures of The Durham Light Infantry, County Durham's own regiment and charts the history of the regiment, from 1758-1968. Enlist on a fascinating tour of history with the 'Durhams' and learn all about the terror and triumphs of war through the eyes of the men who fought and their families back home. Discover sadness, wonder, bravery and humour behind every object, from the unique to the everyday. The museum building also houses Durham Art Gallery, a cafe and gift shop.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Sniperley Park & Ride buses stop outside County Hall which is a 5 minute walk to museum.
Entrance charge: Adult - £3.70, Conc - £2.70, Child (4-16) - £1.70, Family (2+3) - £9.40 (may be subject to change), Annual pass and culture cart also available.
Opening times: 10am - 5pm (April - Oct) & 10am - 4pm (Nov - March)
Contact telephone: 03000 266 590
Email: dli@durham.gov.uk
The Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of Britain devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the Orient. Our Chinese and Egyptian collections are among the finest to be found anywhere in Britain. Our world class collections include, more than 23,000 objects relating to Egypt, China, Japan, India and the other great cultures of Asia and the Near Middle East. Come along and see Ancient Egyptian mummies, Chinese porcelain created for the imperial court, Japanese woodblock prints and head-hunting swords from Borneo. If you are visiting with children there’s plenty to do. Try out the Chinese dressing up, follow Callum the Camel’s trail around the museum or play our giant version of the ancient Egyptian game of senet.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Howlands park and ride site - 5 mins walk
Entrance charge: Adults - £1.50, Conc and Children (5-16) - 75p, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £3.50, Children under 5 - Free
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am-5pm. Weekends and Bank Holidays 12pm-5pm. Closed Christmas and New Year.
Contact telephone: 0191 334 5694
Crook Hall, a medieval manor house built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham City. The Medieval Hall merges into a Jacobean and then a Georgian house surrounded by 6 acres of romantic gardens. Try out the maze, hunt down the ghosts, experience the peace and tranquillity of the walled gardens or simply relax and enjoy a homemade cream tea in the pretty little courtyard café and experience the wonderful views of Durham Cathedral. Described in the Sunday Telegraph as ‘stunning’.
Proximity to Park & Ride: 10 min walk from City Centre
Entrance charge: Adults - £6.50, Conc - £6, Child - £5, Family Ticket - £19
Opening times: 11am to 5pm Sunday to Wednesday. Closed Thursday - Saturday Winter Openings Sunday 1pm to 4pm
Contact telephone: 0191 3848028
Email: info@crookhallgardens.co.uk
Visitor centre is housed in a refurbished 19th century almshouse and provides an overview of the World Heritage Site. Staff are available to provide advice and information about Durham and its heritage. Visit the centre to book a tour and find out about events and activities.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Approx. 10 min walk from City Centre
Entrance charge: Free admission
Opening times: Daily - January to March and Nov to Dec 10am - 4.30pm. April to June and Sept to Oct 9.30am - 5pm. Extended opening hours during July and Aug. See website for details.
Contact telephone: 0191 334 3805
Gala Theatre & Cinema sits at the heart of Durham’s arts programme. A fabulous purpose-built complex on the banks of the river Wear housing a state-of-the-art theatre, two cinema screens, a friendly café bar and superb conference facilities. Gala hosts the best in live entertainment attracting some of the country’s leading theatre companies, comedians, musicians and dance performers. Don’t miss Gala’s annual pantomime, one of the highlights in County Durham’s festive calendar.
Proximity to Park & Ride: 300m from park and ride drop off
Entrance charge: Tickets for theatre and cinema vary. Visit website for details
Opening times: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8.30pm, Sun: 2.30 - 8.30pm
Contact telephone: 03000 266 600
Email: info@galadurham.co.uk
Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre is a modern and vibrant facility located in the heart of Durham City. Facilities include Lifestyle Fitness Club; dedicated free weights area; spinning studio; dance studio; power plate; 25m pool; learner pool; sauna; sports hall (badminton, basketball, 5 a-side football). Fully accessible with disabled changing rooms, a hoist and a specific room ‘Changing Places’.
Proximity to Park & Ride: 5min walk from City Centre
Entrance charge: Activity dependent
Opening times: Mon - Fri: 6.30am - 10.30pm, Sat - Sun: 8.00am - 7.30pm, Closed: public holidays
Contact telephone: 03000 268 488
The Prince Bishop River Cruiser is based in Durham City centre and offers one hour sight seeing cruise taking in fantastic views of the cathedral, castle and bridges. There is a full commentary during the cruise, bar facilities onboard, wheelchair friendly. Also available for private charter, disco, bbq evenings.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Approx. 10 min walk from City Centre
Charges: £7 - Adults, £6 - Conc, £4 - Child
Opening times: Sailing daily from mid March until end October
Contact telephone: 0191 3869525
Email: princebishoprc@aol.com
Durham Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the country and is a ‘must see’ for any visitor to the City. It is the setting for regular worship and special services, concerts, exhibitions, learning activity and an array of special events. It is also a place for reflection and private prayer to people of all faiths and to people of none. There are regular tours and self-guided trails are available in a variety of languages
There is much to do and see, either as an individual or small party of family and friends; or as part of an organised group visit. The Cathedral Church itself is a place of huge historic significance and the Cloister and Claustral buildings offer more to explore including the Undercroft Restaurant and Cathedral Shop.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Approx. 10 min walk from City Centre
Opening times: Please see website
Contact telephone: 0191 3864266
Relive the story of Durham from Medieval times to the 20th Century in this excellent local history museum. Enjoy models of the medieval city and 19th century Market Place and explore the reconstruction of a Victorian prison cell. Displays describe the origins and development of the city and many fascinating objects illustrate domestic live, social live and lost trades and industries. The Museum building was once the parish church of the North Bailey, The churchyard is now the garden and contains two important sculptures by the renowned local artist Fenwick Lawson.
The Museum shop has local history books, souvenirs and gifts for all ages. There is also a selection of replica brasses from English churches to allow you to make a unique rubbing - idea for children.
Proximity to Park & Ride: 10 minute walk from City Centre, 2 minute walk from Cathedral
Entrance charge: Adults - £2, Conc - £1.50, Child - 50p.
Opening times: April, May & Oct: Weekdays and Bank Holidays - 2pm to 4.30pm.
June: Daily - 2pm to 4.30pm. July, Aug, Sep: Daily - 11am to 4.30pm.
Contact telephone: 0191 384 5585 & 0191 386 8719 (out of hours)
Palace Green Library is Durham’s newest exhibition venue, situated between Durham Castle and Cathedral on the City’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exhibitions change throughout the year so there is always something new to see, from outstanding items from the collections of Durham University to world-class touring exhibitions. Highlights for 2013 include the Lindisfarne Gospels Durham (July-September) and Robots (from end November). The Library Search Room is open to anyone wanting to consult our collections and our shop is fully stocked with a range of gifts for book lovers and browsers alike.
Proximity to Park & Ride: Approx. 10min walk from City Centre
Entrance charge: See website for details
Opening times: See website for details
Contact telephone: 0191 334 3805
The Botanic Garden has become one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Durham. Set amongst beautiful woodlands on the southern outskirts of the city, the 25 acre garden is a great day out for all the family. Plant collections from around the world, tropical bugs, stick insects, scorpions and tarantulas. We have a packed family activity programme for visitors to enjoy. For information on family activities please visit www.durham.ac.uk/whatson. Our visitor centre is open daily for light refreshments and gifts.
Proximity to Park & Ride: The entrance to the Botanic Garden is located at the Howlands Park and Ride site
Entrance charge: Adults - £4, Conc - £3, Children & Students - £1.50, Infants (under 5) - Free, Helper/ carers - Free, Group rate - £3.50 per person based on 10 and above (only available on pre-booked groups), School visits - puplis £2, teachers/helpers - Free. Season Ticket (valid 1 year from purchase): Adults - £15, Conc - £10, Children and Students - £6, Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £40
Opening times: March to Oct, daily 10am - 5pm. Nov to Feb, daily 10am - 4pm. Closed Christmas and New Year.
Contact telephone: 0191 334 5518
Durham Markets Company has been operating markets in Durham City since 1851. Durham Market Hall (winner of Best Private Market in the UK) has over 50 independant traders offering quality goods and services at competitive prices. Why not enjoy home-baked food whilst overlooking the Market Hall and FREE WiFi at Café Cenno, or choose from one of our other 14 quality food outlets.
We also operate a variety of other markets and events, both in Durham and the North East, including:
- Durham City Farmers Market, held in the Market Place on the third Thursday of each month
- Durham Saturday Outdoor Retail Market, every Saturday in the Market Place
- Durham City Christmas Festival - durhamchristmasfestival.com
and various special events, vintage fairs and visiting ethical and continental markets.
For further information, please visit our website.
Enjoy the numerous footpaths which wind their way around the peninsula offering stunning views of the Cathedral, Castle and bridges which cross the Wear. Marked on the map is a circular route which avoids steps.
Often overlooked, this stunning Grade II listed venue based in Durham City Market Place is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Behind its modest glass fronted reception gallery are hidden a variety of period rooms including the dramatic Main Hall with stained glass windows and hammer beam oak roof dating from 1849. Visit the Crush Hall, stopping to discover the curious life of the diminutive Count Boruwlaski. This is a busy working building but if you call at reception there may be the opportunity to take a look around the Main Hall only. Pre organised tours behind the scenes can be arranged by contacting DurhamTownHall@durham.gov.uk