Your guide to Discover Durham (and beyond!)
We've pulled together a handy guide for you to go and discover some of Durham's best spots. If it's top café and study spots, spots to help fill up some time on a weekend, or even those spots when you need a break from Durham, this guide is for you.
Top café study or hang out spots when you want to get a taste of Durham
Things to do in Durham City this weekend
Visit the Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Durham are a haven for students seeking tranquillity and a connection with the outdoors. Explore various themed gardens, including medicinal plants, exotic flora, and native species, while taking a leisurely walk amidst lush greenery.
Bowling at Lane 7
If you’re wanting to practice your victory strut after a strike (we all do it!) then head down and enjoy a game of bowling. It offers a lively atmosphere with neon lights, funky music, and a retro-inspired décor and is a great way to socialise with some friendly competition.
Visit the Oriental Museum
The Oriental Museum is a must-visit destination for students interested in exploring different cultures and civilizations. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits varying from ancient civilizations, art, history, and anthropology.
Participate in an Escape Room
Why not try this thrilling and challenging group activity! There will be no better way to break the ice with these unique themes and puzzles which require teamwork under pressure.
Durham Cathedral
The historic and awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece will no doubt be the background to many of your snaps during your time at Durham. But did you know you can visit inside for free? It’s worth a visit if you’re a Harry Potter fan – with some of the spaces used for filming in the popular films!
Browse the markets
Find one-of-a-kind items, handmade crafts, vintage items, clothing, and more. It’s the perfect atmosphere for a little bit of window shopping!
Feeling like going a little further afar? Check out these places!
Pop on the train to Newcastle upon Tyne and explore the industrial heritage, eponymous brown ale, popular nightlife and distinct regional 'Geordie' dialect. There’s lots of explore in the bustling city but here’s an idea to get you started…
Ouseburn Market
If you’re a fan of arts and crafts, home décor, vintage finds or scrumptious food this is the market for you. Based in the trendy Ouseburn Valley you won’t be short of things to make a day out of it – with the city farm a stone throw away, the award-winning Gelato Di Meo’s hotspot across the canal and the iconic Quayside close by it’s a brilliant way to introduce yourself to the area if it’s your first visit.
Fancying a trip to the coast?
Weather permitting, why not enjoy a day trip to either Seaham Beach or the further afield Whitley Bay Coast? Make sure to wrap up warm if there is a chill outside, grab a hot-chocolate or a slushie and enjoy the arcades!
Officer recommendations
- Dan and Freddy recommend: The People's Bookshop on Saddler Street. A great little independent bookshop that more people should check out.
- Will recommends: The Picnic Basket stand in Market Square. Thoroughly recommend the breakfast sandwiches!
- Skye recommends: The Mathematics and Computer Science Bathrooms. They're clean, modern and quiet.
- Deborah recommends: Old Durham Gardens, and the Alpacas.
