Durham great ideas
What to do indoors
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is the greatest Norman building in England, perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been wholly occupied since 1840 by University College, Durham. The castle stands on top of a hill above the River Wear on Durham's peninsula, opposite Durham Cathedral
Crook Hall
The 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idylic English gardens.
Kascada Bowl
On the sands, only a few minutes walk from Durham city centre and with a waterfront bar, Kascada Bowl has a lot to offer.
What to do during the day
Museums & galleries
Oriental Museum
The Oriental Museum is the Asian art, antiquities, and material culture museum of the University of Durham.
Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery
The new museum tells the proud story of County Durham's own Regiment The Durham Light Infantry from 1758 to 1968, with particular emphasis on WW1 & WW2.
Durham University Museum of Archaeology
The Museum of Archaeology at the Old Fulling Mill in Durham City is one of the most photographed buildings in the North East: scenically located below Durham Cathedral on the banks of the River Wear
Durham Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre is Durham City's only local history museum telling the story of Durham from Mediaeval times to the Twentieth Century.
Shopping
Indoor Market
The indoor market hall is open Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm, with over 60 stalls offering a wide range of goods.
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
Prince Bishops has 40 shop units and 400 car parking spaces beneath the centre. Opened in 1998, the centre has revitalised the city centre.
Fowlers Yard Creative Workspsaces
Situated on the banks of the River Wear the workspaces are moments away from the historic and retail heart of Durham City centre.
What to do at night
Entertainment
Gala Theatre (www.galadurham.co.uk/)
The centrepiece of Durham’s arts programme, the Gala Theatre is situated in a beautiful, purpose-built, £15m building on the banks of the river Wear in the heart of this historic city.
Eating & drinking
Bistro
With its light, uncluttered, rustic-chic style, the restaurant has a refreshing simplicity but a serious intent.
Hide
The very definition of modern bar style, to say the Hide Bar and Grill is the epitome of it's kind, is to do it an insurmountable injustice - it stands alone.
The Pump House (www.thepumphouserestaurant.co.uk/)
The Pumphouse Restaurant has established itself as one of the finest in County Durham with a menu and wine list that can compare with the very best of dining experiences.
The Undercroft Restaurant
Home made scones, biscuits and cakes are available all day. At lunchtime you can have anything from soup, sandwiches and salads to "meat and two veg."
Court Inn
The Court Inn is a family managed freehouse serving customers from all age groups and many walks of life
The Victoria Inn
A family run Victorian Inn with a traditional friendly atmosphere, where you will find open coal fires, just like stepping back in time..........with no jukebox, no music and no pool table
Events
Durham Regatta
Durham Regatta in its current form dates back to 1834, when only a handful of trophies were competed for over a period of three days. Today, the Regatta takes place over a period of two days, at which dozens of trophies are competed for.
Festival of Brass (www.brassfestival.co.uk/)
Stimulate your senses and lose yourself in the exhilarating sights and sounds of BRASS: Durham International Festival. It brings together the best of current and emerging brass-inspired music from around the world.
Durham Miners’ Gala
This large annual gathering, on the second Saturday in July, associated with the coal mining heritage of the Durham Coalfield, which stretched throughout the traditional County of Durham.
Durham Folk Gathering
A Summer Feast of Folk Music organised by Folkworks in and around Durham City featuring some of the best known performers in the country.
Literature Festival (www.literaturefestival.co.uk/)
Durham's annual literary festival plays host to authors, poets and writers during three weeks of events.
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