Durham’s ancient town, with its majestic cathedral standing high above the River Wear, is a sight not to be missed. The historic city center, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 600 listed structures, including Crook Hall, Kingsgate Bridge, Elvet Bridge, and the Town Hall. Durham is one of England’s most visited cities and has many exciting things to do in durham Highlights include:
- Seeing its historic architecture.
- Dining at its numerous restaurants.
- Shopping at places like the renowned Indoor Market.
List of the 10 Best Things to do in Durham
You can visit multiple places in Durham on your next trip. You can select the best things to do in Durham. The list of the best things to do in Durham is as follows:
1. Treasures of St. Cuthbert

The Treasures of St. Cuthbert, housed in a section of Durham Church or Cathedral that was previously a monks’ dormitory, houses several of the attraction’s most fabulous treasures and relics, reflecting almost 900 years of history. The Conyers Falchion, an old blade used by Sir John Conyers to slay the mythical Sockburn Worm, is essential. The sword now only sees action when delivered to each new Bishop of Durham upon entering the diocese for the first time at Croft Bridge. Check Brussels Airlines for best offers.
2. Durham University Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology, housed at Durham University’s Palace Green Library, includes Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman artifacts. The museum also has a substantial collection of medieval items, many unearthed during extensive archaeological investigations in the old city center in the late twentieth century. The library also houses the university’s special collections, archives, and early printed books, which number over 70,000 volumes published before 1850. Admission to the museum and library is free, as are talks and educational events. The University Museum of Archaeology is one of the best things to do in Durham.
3. Durham University Botanic Garden

Durham University Botanic Garden, located on a 25-acre property immediately south of Durham City, is worth a visit. Highlights include several plant collections worldwide, including China and South Africa, and its many year-round activities and events. You may also visit a wonderful forest garden, an alpine garden, and a bamboo grove. The spectacular glasshouses in the park are especially worth seeing. There are collections of tropical rainforest plants, desert plants, and more common Mediterranean species. The exhibitions of tropical bugs, stick insects, scorpions, and tarantulas are fascinating. After that, explore the tourist center, which has a café and a gift store. You can visit Brussels Airlines for an amazing offer for your next trip to Durham.
4. Take a Trip to the Past at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Set in 300 acres of the lovely countryside only 10 miles outside Durham, this magnificent living museum provides an insight into the lives of individuals who lived in the region during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Costumed figures bring the exhibits to life and aid in telling the grand narrative of how the Industrial Revolution altered the region. All of the structures at Beamish were transported brick by brick from around Durham County and reconstructed on-site. Beamish is also home to several fascinating events, such as the Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair, and the Great North Festival of Agriculture. Take the advantage of this place by Brussels Airlines.
5. Take the Kids to Wharton Park
Wharton Park, which spans 10 acres, is ideal for families traveling with children who need to burn off some energy. Wharton Park, located between Durham Cathedral and the city’s central railway station, offers a range of activities for families to enjoy. Its perch on a hill, established in the mid-18th century, provides the ideal vantage point for watching trains arrive and depart, including ancient locos and rolling equipment as they pass over the famed Durham viaduct. It’s also an excellent spot for shots of the cathedral and other local monuments, which is much more enjoyable when accompanied by a picnic. It can be one of the best things to do in Durham.
6. Take a Guided Tour of Durham Cathedral

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredibly breathtaking, whether from the tiny lanes of the Old City across Palace Green or from the banks of the River Wear across Prebends Bridge. The cathedral also has the UK’s most extensive complete collection of medieval claustral structures, notably the 14th-century cloister seen in the first Harry Potter film. Durham Cathedral offers daily guided tours that last 1.25 hours. The Durham Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Durham.
7. Durham Castle

Durham Castle, which is now part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built as a castle by the Earl of Northumberland in 1072 and was handed to the city’s prince-bishops by William the Conqueror. The castle also houses University Institution, Durham University’s founding college. More than 100 students reside here, making it a unique structure with over 900 years of living history. Visiting the castle is probably one of the best things to do in Durham.
Also read : Top 18 Attractions in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains
8. Oriental Museum
The Oriental Museum of the University of Durham is located on Elvet Hill, just a short distance from the ancient city center. It houses exceptional art and archaeology collections from the Near and Far East. The central eastern civilizations and periods from Ancient Egypt and India through Tibet, China, and Japan are among the highlights. If possible, plan your visit to coincide with one of the museum’s special “touch tours,” which allow visitors to handle some of the museum’s most valuable treasures.
9. Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

The Durham Museum and Heritage Centre has several exciting and instructive displays of the town’s rich history. It is housed in a medieval church and has superb audio-visual presentations, brass rubbings, and a collection of stunning stained glass windows. The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre is another excellent resource for learning about the city’s history. Here, you’ll discover a range of displays and exhibitions that tell the narrative of the city’s numerous historical structures through video and interactive exhibits.
10. Durham Town Hall

The inside of Durham Town Hall, Grade II listed, is worth seeing. Its modest, glass-fronted lobby gallery conceals several historic chambers, notably the magnificent Main Hall, which features stained-glass windows and a hammer-beam oak ceiling. The Crush Hall is also worth visiting. You’ll discover some intriguing mementos from Count Boruwlaski’s life here, making it one of the best things to do in Durham.
Conclusion
These are some of the best things to do in Durham that you can explore on your next trip to Durham England. Moreover, you can check the official Tripreviewhub website for more such articles. Also visit Brussels Airlines for the best deals and offers.
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