Top Things to do in Durham
Top 10 Free Things to do in Durham, England
Discover the best top things to do in Durham, United Kingdom including The Surtees Arms And Yard of Ale Brewery, Durham Cathedral, Palace Green, East Durham Coast, The Dun Cow, The Woodman Inn, Finchale Priory, Durham Riverside Walk, The Station House, Low Burnhall Woods.
Restaurants in Durham
1. The Surtees Arms And Yard of Ale Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
The Surtees Arms public house and home to the Yard of Ale Brewery. Serving fine ales, lagers and other beverages including real ales from its own micro-brewery. The Surtees Arms is a multi-Camra-award winning pub (Durham 2010,2011 & North East Pub of the Year 2010, runner-up 2012, 2013).Bar, lounge and dining room, function room (self-contained 60-seater), big-screen sports, pool, darts, beer garden. etc.. Sunday Lunches are home-made from local food sources - book to avoid disappointment.
Reviewed By DurhamCarl - Chilton, United Kingdom
great pub in ferryhill station with own micro brewery, friendly staff and part of CAMRA , defo will be back
2. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
3. Palace Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By liverpoolfan2016 - Bishop Middleham, United Kingdom
Upstairs is a fixed exhibition giving a potted history of Durham and its environs and also the University. Very informative. Downstairs there are several rooms which hold temporary exhibitions - currently (to the end of February) sketches from Norman Cornish, which had me in tears. There is a small cafe and a shop too. Entrance to the Durham gallery is free and there may be a small fee for special exhibitions
4. East Durham Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By angier931 - Sunderland, United Kingdom
We consider ourselves extremely lucky to live near such a lovely coastline and Indeed being able to walk here during lockdown kept us sane. We are particular fans of the coast around seaham - Whether you visit noses’s point, vane tempest or seaham hall the scenery is stunning! We also love to look for sea glass too Have travelled the world and would struggle to name a more beautiful coastline Unlike other coastal areas parking is free too and the beaches are rarely crowded.
5. The Dun Cow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By ClaireandG - Arundel, United Kingdom
I spent many hours in the Dun Cow as a student and recently I re-visited to find that it is still an excellent, friendly pub.
6. The Woodman Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This traditional-style pub serves a good selection of lagers and three real ales and has a great selection of spirits including gins and malt whiskies. With a pool table, dart board and various other games to choose from. It also has a Gold award from the national 'Best Bar None' scheme. Boasting the best pub garden in Durham City, which has been beautifully re-landscaped, along with an outside TV for sporting features etc. A vibrant, colourful, attractive and relaxing area and this is a massive attraction during the warmer months. The pub offers a 'Light Bite' snack type menu including burgers and nachos etc at very reasonable prices. Although there is no designated pub car park, it's usually possible to park on the street nearby free on a weekday evening/Sunday. This is a friendly family-run pub offering a warm welcome to all its visitors.
7. Finchale Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Remains of 13th century priory set in a bend of the river Wear and managed by English Heritage. The fee is actually a car park EXIT fee.
Reviewed By 589Richard - Egremont, United Kingdom
A beautiful hidden gem. These extensive ruins still show remarkable architectural details! Set in a lovely landscape it ticks a lot of boxes!!!!
8. Durham Riverside Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Reviewed By GrimsbyMariner15 - Grimsby, United Kingdom
We did a couple of walks along the River Wear , one around the peninsula and the other fro Green Lane past the University Sports grounds. Both were downloadable and easy to follow. Autumn colours were spectacular and birdlife and ducks in abundance. Well worthwhile.
9. The Station House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Quiet community micropub in the city centre of Durham, very close to the train and bus stations. Serving excellent real ale and cider in an atmosphere promoting conversation. Welcoming owners who are passionate and knowledgeable about their products.
Reviewed By xDavidxFx - Durham, United Kingdom
I recently moved to Durham from the US and have been trying out various places to drink. My favorites tend to be old-school local pubs, but these have two drawbacks: first, the clientele tends to be a bit older and second, the beer is often not well cared-for. This place has all the advantages of such pubs* but with a younger crowd and owners who really know and care about and for their beer. They have fostered a real community of regulars who come to eat, chat, play board games, discuss books and, of course, drink beer and cider. The place is reasonably large but feels intimate; the staff are friendly and knowledgeable; the prices are reasonable; and there is a decent selection of snacks (including a vegan sausage roll sourced from nearby Bean Social, plus guests are welcome to bring in their own food). *the minor exception is that it's in an old furniture store, not one of these buildings that's been a pub since the Roman Empire or whatever. If you're looking for that kind of charm in Durham, you should try out The Victoria.
10. Low Burnhall Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By PeppermintAero - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
A truly lovely place to walk and explore away from the city centre. They sometimes have activities like easter egg hunts for children which are worth watching for. We like to find the Wicker Man, the Wicker Lady, the Bird Hide, the Stone Snake... Lots to explore - and places to explore the river too. In good weather there are safe places to paddle on sandy bits with the kids (under close supervision obviously) of the river banks. A gorgeous green area to explore.
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