What Durham Has To Offer
A city of culture, a city steeped in history and heritage – and a city filled with plenty to do for all the family. Whether it’s a day filled with culture, from lighting a candle in the Cathedral and learning about the story of St Cuthbert, or an overnight stay where shopping, food and drinks are on the agenda, Durham is a city that is good for the soul.
Shopping in the City
From top fashion to gifts and stationery to discovering locally-made lime pickle, cheese and chutney, Prince Bishops Place shopping centre is jam-packed with independent and national retailers. Central to Durham’s history since 1350, the Town Hall and Market Place is home to Durham’s Indoor Market – and 40 independent traders. From craft beers, wine and food producers to fashion and beauty, home interiors and perfect gifts, there’s a real treasure trove of finds.
Food and Drink
Whether it’s Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Caribbean or Turkish cuisine that tickles the taste buds, Durham has plenty of palate pleasing restaurants, bars and cafes.
Drink, dine and socialise at Walkergate, which provides an eclectic choice of cuisines with spacious terraces for alfresco dining. Expect to find Durham’s only dedicated Champagne Bar, and national brands such as Nando’s and Slug & Lettuce.
At The Riverwalk, the £30million leisure development on the banks of the River Wear, visitors will find a host of big chains, as well as quality independents. From Durham’s quirkiest gin bar, Old Toms – stocking more than 250 gins and serving up speciality cheese and charcuterie boards – to Caribbean favourite, Turtle Bay, Pizza Punks and El Pincho, a Mediterranean bar and restaurant, there is plenty of choice available.
Visitors will also find a whole host of other fantastic eateries around the city centre, as well as just a short walk away on Claypath.
Culture & Heritage
Durham is a city that’s filled with history and heritage, and there’s plenty to see and do too. Not only is Durham Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in ancient history, it also plays a role in modern pop culture after featuring in the hugely-popular Harry Potter film series and as an impressive backdrop for the bi-annual Lumiere light art festival
Durham Castle shares World Heritage site status with the Cathedral and its 11th century architecture is just as stunning. A former residence of the Bishops of Durham, it’s now home to students of University College, Durham – but visitors can enjoy guided tours throughout the year.