Durham Staycation Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat

Durham sits on a wooded bend of the River Wear, with its Norman cathedral and castle on a rocky peninsula above the water. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the view of them from the railway viaduct is one of the best arrivals in England. The historic centre is small, hilly and cobbled, so a weekend here is about walking, river views and taking your time.

Why Durham works for a staycation

Two nights is plenty for the peninsula, riverside paths and museums, and a third lets you add Newcastle or the coast. Durham is on the East Coast Main Line, with the station a short walk from the centre, so it is a good city for a break without a car. For similar trips, see our guides to historic staycations and city breaks without flying.

Where to stay in Durham

In the city

Hotel Indigo Durham occupies the former Old Shire Hall, about five minutes' walk from the cathedral, and is rated 4.6 from over 1,300 Google reviews. Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham is a large riverside hotel with a spa and pool. For a budget option, Premier Inn Durham City Centre Milburngate is close to the river.

Small and characterful

The Victorian Town House is a well-regarded bed and breakfast overlooking Wharton Park, a short walk from the cathedral. Victoria Inn is a traditional wood-panelled Victorian pub with rooms, and The Kingslodge Inn sits on the edge of Flass Vale woodland within walking distance of the station.

Country house hotels

Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa is a large four-star hotel with two golf courses on the edge of the city, and Bowburn Hall Hotel is a country house set in landscaped gardens. Browse everything on the Durham hotels page.

Things to do in Durham

Durham Cathedral is one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe. Inside you will find the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede, and the massive carved pillars of the nave are unforgettable. Across Palace Green, Durham Castle is still in use as a university college, and guided tours show the great hall and chapel.

The riverside paths around the peninsula are a highlight in their own right. A circuit crossing Prebends Bridge and Framwellgate Bridge gives the classic views of the cathedral above the trees. To see the city from the water, the Prince Bishop River Cruiser leaves from near Elvet Bridge.

Durham University's collections are worth your time. The Oriental Museum covers art and culture from ancient Egypt to China and Japan, rated 4.7, and Durham Botanic Garden has glasshouses and plants from around the world. Crook Hall and Gardens is a manor house originally built in the 13th century, surrounded by English-style gardens.

With children, Diggerland Durham lets them drive real diggers, and Adventure Valley has indoor and outdoor play, farm animals and crazy golf. More ideas are on the Durham attractions page.

Where to eat

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant and Grill is rated 4.7 from over 1,300 Google reviews. Zen serves Thai and Pan-Asian food, and Bells Fish and Chips is a straightforward choice for a casual meal. For an evening show or film, the Gala Theatre has a cafe-bar. See the Durham restaurants page for more.

A two-day plan

Day one

Walk up to Palace Green and spend the morning in the cathedral, then take a castle tour. After lunch in the Market Place, follow the riverside path round the peninsula and finish with a river cruise.

Day two

Visit the Oriental Museum and the Botanic Garden in the morning, then Crook Hall and its gardens. In the afternoon, take the train to Newcastle or head to the coast.

Day trips from Durham

Newcastle upon Tyne is a short train ride away, with its quayside and bridges, and Gateshead sits just across the Tyne. For the sea, Whitley Bay and South Shields have long sandy beaches. Inland, Hexham is a market town close to Hadrian's Wall, and Barnard Castle has its ruined castle above the River Tees.

Camping near Durham

West Hall Glamping has ensuite pods near Durham and accepts dogs, rated 5.0. The Gables Pod Camping is a small glamping site near the North Pennines, and Bonners Lodge near Consett has caravan and motorhome pitches with electric hook-ups. Browse camping near Durham or cottages in Durham for more.

Practical tips

Durham's centre is steep in places, with cobbled streets and steps, so bring comfortable shoes. The city is small enough to walk everywhere, and parking in the centre is limited, so arriving by train is often easier. For more ideas, see our guide to staycations without a car.