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Other Durham highlights

Stay a while and enjoy all the delights our beautiful city and region can offer.

Stay a little longer

The Durham City skyline is one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe. Together with Durham Castle we form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Near the Cathedral

Palace Green Library – displays treasures from across history and across the globe.
 
Durham Castle - built as in imposing fortress by the Normans, this building is now part of the University.

City life

Durham City is the quintessential old English University City. It has a wonderful timeless quality with rowing on the River Wear and relaxing riverside walks. There’s also a buzz with the vibrant contemporary culture of superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums.

Cultural history

Durham University’s Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of Britain devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the orient.

 

Shows and theatres

Check out Gala Theatre, the city’s main entertainments venue.

Gardens and tranquillity

Escape to one of Durham City’s many green spaces including:

 

Beyond the city

Industrial times gone by

  • Beamish – the open-air Living Museum of the North
  • Locomotion - the National Railway Museum at Shildon

Incredible castles

  • Auckland Castle - the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham for over 900 years.
  • Raby Castle - one of England’s finest medieval castles.

The Durham Dales

  • Bowes Museum - a magnificent French-style chateau with an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts.
  • Killhope – The North of England Lead Mining Museum – an award-winning museum where you can experience the life of a Victorian lead miner.

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Durham coast

Head east to explore the colourful and dramatic landscapes of this heritage coastline. Discover imposing headlands and rugged cliffs revealing dramatic views. Take a look at National Trust’s Durham Coast website.

Find out more

Plan your perfect day out or holiday at the official tourism website This is Durham.