Church/ Cathedral/ Monastery

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is of Norman architecture and has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for over 900 years. Its construction began 1093 by Bishop William St Carileph and although his design was completed in 1135 there have since been many additions. The Cathedral contains the shrines of St. Cuthbert, the saintly seventh-century bishop of Lindisfarne and also the remains of Venerable Bede the chronicler of Cuthbert's life and one of the first English historians. The Treasury contains relics of S [more]Durham Cathedral is of Norman architecture and has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for over 900 years. Its construction began 1093 by Bishop William St Carileph and although his design was completed in 1135 there have since been many additions. The Cathedral contains the shrines of St. Cuthbert, the saintly seventh-century bishop of Lindisfarne and also the remains of Venerable Bede the chronicler of Cuthbert's life and one of the first English historians. The Treasury contains relics of St. Cuthbert, illuminated texts, the cathedral plate and the original sanctuary knocker. The Cathedral is open for worship and prayer on Sunday between 7.45a.m. and 12.30p.m. and from Monday to Saturday from 7.30a.m. to 9.30a.m. It is then also open for general sightseeing until 5.00p.m. on Sunday and until 6.15p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Admission is free although a donation is requested.

Palace/ Castle

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is now part of the University College of Durham University. It is part of the Durham World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Building. The Castle was previously the main residence of the Bishops of Durham. It is located very much in the centre of Durham. The origins of the Castle can be traced back to 1072 when there was a simple defensive mound commissioned by William the Conqueror and constructed under the supervision of Waltheof, the Earl of Northumberland, to defend the pen [more]Durham Castle is now part of the University College of Durham University. It is part of the Durham World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Building. The Castle was previously the main residence of the Bishops of Durham. It is located very much in the centre of Durham. The origins of the Castle can be traced back to 1072 when there was a simple defensive mound commissioned by William the Conqueror and constructed under the supervision of Waltheof, the Earl of Northumberland, to defend the peninsula formed by the meander in the River Wear. It became the foundation college of Durham University in 1832. You can only enter the Castle by virtue of a 45 minute guided tour. It can also be hired for wedding receptions, conferences, and bed and breakfast accommodation. Tours take place on most days out of term, and each day from Easter to 30th September. For other periods tours are on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It is advisable to check with the Castle Porter

Building

Crook Hall & Gardens

Crook Hall is a Grade I listed Medieval Manor House with a banqueting hall and 17th century Jacobean room. The house and the gardens are situated on the banks of the River Wear not far from Durham Cathedral and Castle. The hall can be traced back to the 13th century and the timbers supporting it were in place about 1488.There are also a number of themed gardens to explore and refreshments are available. Crook Hall is a short walk from Durham City's The Gates Shopping Centre and is open from 1 [more]Crook Hall is a Grade I listed Medieval Manor House with a banqueting hall and 17th century Jacobean room. The house and the gardens are situated on the banks of the River Wear not far from Durham Cathedral and Castle. The hall can be traced back to the 13th century and the timbers supporting it were in place about 1488.There are also a number of themed gardens to explore and refreshments are available. Crook Hall is a short walk from Durham City's The Gates Shopping Centre and is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. during the following periods: Easter weekend - (14th - 17th April inclusive) Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays in May Daily (except Mondays and Tuesdays) from 28th May to 10th September Halloween - 28th and 29th October 3.00 p.m.- dusk Christmas - 2nd, 3rd, 10th & 17th Dec (2pm-4pm)

Park/ Botanical Gardens

Durham University Botanic Gardens and Visitor Centre

The Botanic Garden dates back to 1970 and was created primarily for teaching and research but as the garden developed a visitor centre was built and the garden was made open to the public in 1988. The 18-acre site is situated in mature woodland that features many varieties of trees. There are plant collections from around the world, including China, Japan, North America, South Africa, New Zealand and Chile. There is also a woodland garden, alpine garden and bamboo grove. There are a number o [more]The Botanic Garden dates back to 1970 and was created primarily for teaching and research but as the garden developed a visitor centre was built and the garden was made open to the public in 1988. The 18-acre site is situated in mature woodland that features many varieties of trees. There are plant collections from around the world, including China, Japan, North America, South Africa, New Zealand and Chile. There is also a woodland garden, alpine garden and bamboo grove. There are a number of glasshouses containing tropical rainforest plants, desert plants and Mediterranean plants. There is also a café. The Garden is open daily from: 10am to 4pm (November until the end of February) and 10am to 5pm (March until the end of October). It is closed for Christmas and New Year.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Oriental Museum

The Oriental Museum is the Asian art, antiquities, and material culture museum of the University of Durham. The Museum was built in 1960 to house and display the collections of the University. The museum features collections of Oriental art and antiquities from the cultures and civilisations of Egypt, India, China, Tibet, Persia, Korea and Japan. The Museums collection now totals more than 30,000 objects. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 10am to 5pm, on weekends at 12pm to 5pm a [more]The Oriental Museum is the Asian art, antiquities, and material culture museum of the University of Durham. The Museum was built in 1960 to house and display the collections of the University. The museum features collections of Oriental art and antiquities from the cultures and civilisations of Egypt, India, China, Tibet, Persia, Korea and Japan. The Museums collection now totals more than 30,000 objects. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 10am to 5pm, on weekends at 12pm to 5pm and on Bank Holidays from 12pm to 5pm.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Durham Light Infantry Museum

This factual and largely hands on museum tells the story of the Regiment from its start in the 1700s, to the time it was absorbed into the Light Infantry in the 1960s. the set walk means that visitors will be able to see all of the exhibits without ommitting any. There are live voice recording of Infantrymen helping to place their lives into context. For visitors wishing to access further information, the Regimental Archive is a short walk from the museum. The museum is a short walk from t [more]This factual and largely hands on museum tells the story of the Regiment from its start in the 1700s, to the time it was absorbed into the Light Infantry in the 1960s. the set walk means that visitors will be able to see all of the exhibits without ommitting any. There are live voice recording of Infantrymen helping to place their lives into context. For visitors wishing to access further information, the Regimental Archive is a short walk from the museum. The museum is a short walk from the train station, and is easily accessible by car. Parking spaces are available, and there is disbaled access. Admission charges: Adult: £3 Seniors: £2 Children: £1.25 Opening Hours: 1 Apr - 31 Oct Daily 10am - 5pm. 1 Nov - 31 Mar: Daily 10am - 4pm. Closed Christmas Day

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Bowes Museum

This French style chateau houses one of Britain's finest museums including paintings , by Canaletto or Goya,among others, textiles, furniture and ceramics including porcelain produced at Sèvres. The collection is shown over three floors of the building and contains items too numerous to list. The museum has received designated status from the government in recognition of the outstanding collection. Visitors to The Bowes Museum can learn of its wonderful history and can also enjoy an exci [more]This French style chateau houses one of Britain's finest museums including paintings , by Canaletto or Goya,among others, textiles, furniture and ceramics including porcelain produced at Sèvres. The collection is shown over three floors of the building and contains items too numerous to list. The museum has received designated status from the government in recognition of the outstanding collection. Visitors to The Bowes Museum can learn of its wonderful history and can also enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions. There are activities in the acres of parkland where there are specimin trees from all over the world. There is also a café and shop, although visitors are free to picnic in the park.. The legacy that has been left to the people of Teesdale has been cared for to retain its charm and the sympathetic developments have made the attraction a popular, vibrant and exciting day out for all. Opening Times The Bowes Museum is open daily. Closed only 25 & 26 De

Bar/ Pub

Fighting Cocks

A lively pub, situated on one of the oldest streets in Durham City, the history of the building dates back more than 300 years. There is a guest real ale available as well as a variety of traditional dishes. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are disco nights, with the resident D.J. playing music. The pub has disabled access and a designated no smoking area. Opening times: Monday- Wednesday: 11am- 11.30pm Thursday: 11am - 12.30am Friday, Saturday : 11am - 2am Sunday: [more]A lively pub, situated on one of the oldest streets in Durham City, the history of the building dates back more than 300 years. There is a guest real ale available as well as a variety of traditional dishes. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are disco nights, with the resident D.J. playing music. The pub has disabled access and a designated no smoking area. Opening times: Monday- Wednesday: 11am- 11.30pm Thursday: 11am - 12.30am Friday, Saturday : 11am - 2am Sunday: 11am- midnight Food is served daily until 6pm.

Restaurant/ Inns

Numjai Thai Restaurant

The Numjai Thai Restaurant overlooks the river Weir in Durham and is located not far from the city centre. The cuisine on offer is a mixture of Thai and Japanese. There is a lounge area where one can choose from an extensive wine list. There is also a wide choice of vegetarian dishes on offer.
Parking facilites are available at the nearby Millburngate Shopping Centre and the Riverside car park.