No 19 Guidebook
Sightseeing
Lovely quiet gardens in the City, ideal for walks or picnics. Café for refreshments and large hothouse showcasing exotic plants.
23 locals recommend
Botanic Garden
South RoadLovely quiet gardens in the City, ideal for walks or picnics. Café for refreshments and large hothouse showcasing exotic plants.
Oriental Museum
South RoadGreat displays of cultural artefacts from Asia.
One of the finest Norman building in Northern Europe. Opened in 1133. Well worth a visit on any trip to Durham.
116 locals recommend
Durham Cathedral
One of the finest Norman building in Northern Europe. Opened in 1133. Well worth a visit on any trip to Durham.
Northern site of the National Railway Museum. Large and fascinating collection of railways engines, carriages and trucks. A must for railways enthusiasts. A varied programme of events for all ages throughout the summer. Around 30 monutes drive away in the historic railway town of Shildon.
25 locals recommend
Locomotion
Northern site of the National Railway Museum. Large and fascinating collection of railways engines, carriages and trucks. A must for railways enthusiasts. A varied programme of events for all ages throughout the summer. Around 30 monutes drive away in the historic railway town of Shildon.
Wonderful atmospheric ruins of the Abbey by the River Wear at Finchale (pronounced finkle) just outside Durham. The Abbey was a victim of the greatest act of cultural vandalism in history - Henry Vlll's dissolution of the monasteries.
9 locals recommend
Finchale Priory
Finchale AvenueWonderful atmospheric ruins of the Abbey by the River Wear at Finchale (pronounced finkle) just outside Durham. The Abbey was a victim of the greatest act of cultural vandalism in history - Henry Vlll's dissolution of the monasteries.
Sightseeing trip with commentary on the river in the historic heart of the city.
Prince Bishop River Cruises
Elvet BridgeSightseeing trip with commentary on the river in the historic heart of the city.
Hire a rowing boat for a hour on the most scenic part of the River Wear in the heart of Durham City.
Browns Rowing Boats
Hire a rowing boat for a hour on the most scenic part of the River Wear in the heart of Durham City.
Fun for all the family at Adventure Valley near Finchale (pronounced Finkle) just outside Durham.
12 locals recommend
Adventure Valley
Fun for all the family at Adventure Valley near Finchale (pronounced Finkle) just outside Durham.
About 12 miles from Durham in a secluded valley in the countryside lies Hamsterley Forest. Great family fun with play areas, signposted walking and mountain biking trails and lots of other outdoor activities for all ages. Cafés and refreshments too.
65 locals recommend
Hamsterley Forest
Redford LaneAbout 12 miles from Durham in a secluded valley in the countryside lies Hamsterley Forest. Great family fun with play areas, signposted walking and mountain biking trails and lots of other outdoor activities for all ages. Cafés and refreshments too.
The impressive and fairly extensive remains of Hadrian's Wall lie in south Northumberland to the North of Corbridge and Hexham, about an hours drive up the A68 from Durham. The B6318 (known locally as 'The Military Road') runs east/west parallel to the wall and can be used to access the various visitor points and walks. The extensively excavated remains of Vindolanda Roman Fort also lie on the wall. If you have time the area is certainly worth a visit.
99 locals recommend
Hadrian's Wall
The impressive and fairly extensive remains of Hadrian's Wall lie in south Northumberland to the North of Corbridge and Hexham, about an hours drive up the A68 from Durham. The B6318 (known locally as 'The Military Road') runs east/west parallel to the wall and can be used to access the various visitor points and walks. The extensively excavated remains of Vindolanda Roman Fort also lie on the wall. If you have time the area is certainly worth a visit.
One of Englands most spectacular waterfalls. Situated in Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) High Force is where the River Tees crosses the hard volcanic rock of the Whin Sill and thunders over into the downstream gorge About a mile downstream is Low Force and although less spectacular is still an impressive set of rapids. You can also cross the river there on one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world!
116 locals recommend
High Force Waterfalls
Alston RoadOne of Englands most spectacular waterfalls. Situated in Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) High Force is where the River Tees crosses the hard volcanic rock of the Whin Sill and thunders over into the downstream gorge About a mile downstream is Low Force and although less spectacular is still an impressive set of rapids. You can also cross the river there on one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world!
'Kynren' is a spectacular outdoor* show that portrays the history of England. It is inspired by similar such shows in France. It takes place in a natural amphitheatre in the valley of the River Wear beside Bishop Auckland (about 8 miles away). The shows takes place on selected evenings over the summer months. Information regarding dates and ticket prices etc can be found on their website.
*Bear in mind that this is an outdoor event so your comfort may be weather dependent!
44 locals recommend
Kynren
'Kynren' is a spectacular outdoor* show that portrays the history of England. It is inspired by similar such shows in France. It takes place in a natural amphitheatre in the valley of the River Wear beside Bishop Auckland (about 8 miles away). The shows takes place on selected evenings over the summer months. Information regarding dates and ticket prices etc can be found on their website.
*Bear in mind that this is an outdoor event so your comfort may be weather dependent!
Around 17 miles away on the A 688, one of England's finest intact Medieval Castles is set in 200 acres of parkland where deer roam freely. Inside there is an amazing collection of artworks, porcelain and tapestries spanning several centuries. You can go inside the Castle or just explore the grounds. The newly opened 'Plotter's Forest' attraction is becoming very popular, offering children of all ages and families a challenging and immersive experience exploring forests, tunnels and tree houses! Worth a visit!
79 locals recommend
Raby Castle
Around 17 miles away on the A 688, one of England's finest intact Medieval Castles is set in 200 acres of parkland where deer roam freely. Inside there is an amazing collection of artworks, porcelain and tapestries spanning several centuries. You can go inside the Castle or just explore the grounds. The newly opened 'Plotter's Forest' attraction is becoming very popular, offering children of all ages and families a challenging and immersive experience exploring forests, tunnels and tree houses! Worth a visit!
Once the largest Catholic seminary in Europe now run by a charitable trust. Lovely historic buildings and gardens and a packed programme of seasonal events and exhibitions, both indoor and out.
6 locals recommend
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Woodland RoadOnce the largest Catholic seminary in Europe now run by a charitable trust. Lovely historic buildings and gardens and a packed programme of seasonal events and exhibitions, both indoor and out.
This very popular attraction is about 9 miles away. it's a great day out for all the family. Lifestyles of yesteryear are created by staff in authentic costumes and historic buildings which have been brought from around the region and rebuilt at Beamish. A fascinating glimpse into the past!
194 locals recommend
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
This very popular attraction is about 9 miles away. it's a great day out for all the family. Lifestyles of yesteryear are created by staff in authentic costumes and historic buildings which have been brought from around the region and rebuilt at Beamish. A fascinating glimpse into the past!
Rainton Arena is an increasingly popular multi-activity venue around 8 miles (20/25 minute drive) from No.19. Music and comedy gigs are staged here, it's function suites are available for wedding receptions and similar events and there is a family activity area outside with refreshments available.
Rainton Meadows Arena
Mercantile RoadRainton Arena is an increasingly popular multi-activity venue around 8 miles (20/25 minute drive) from No.19. Music and comedy gigs are staged here, it's function suites are available for wedding receptions and similar events and there is a family activity area outside with refreshments available.
The home of Durham County Cricket Club, The fabulously situated Riverside Ground is just seven and a half miles away. Test Matches, T20, ODI, The One Hundred - take your pick! If you love cricket, No.19 is the ideal place to stay. A 15/20 minute drive will get you there or you can get a bus just across the road direct to Chester le Street which will drop you about a five to ten minutes walk from the ground.
10 locals recommend
Emirates Riverside
The home of Durham County Cricket Club, The fabulously situated Riverside Ground is just seven and a half miles away. Test Matches, T20, ODI, The One Hundred - take your pick! If you love cricket, No.19 is the ideal place to stay. A 15/20 minute drive will get you there or you can get a bus just across the road direct to Chester le Street which will drop you about a five to ten minutes walk from the ground.
The Gala theatre is an intimate theatre venue in the heart of Durham City. Small music gigs, plays, pantomimes and comedians all feature in a packed and varied, ever-changing programme. There is a also a two screen cinema featuring the latest releases at unbelievable prices as well as a café and bars.
24 locals recommend
Gala Theatre Durham
1 Millennium PlaceThe Gala theatre is an intimate theatre venue in the heart of Durham City. Small music gigs, plays, pantomimes and comedians all feature in a packed and varied, ever-changing programme. There is a also a two screen cinema featuring the latest releases at unbelievable prices as well as a café and bars.
About 8 miles away and well worth a visit, Auckland Castle was the historic home of the Prince Bishops, powerful medieval Churchmen who ruled large areas of the North of England, second only to The King at times in terms of their power and status. In more recent times it was home to the Bishops of Durham but when they ceased to reside there it's future became uncertain. Happily it was rescued by an American philanthropist who has poured money into the area, refurbishing the Castle, creating gardens and galleries and in the process saving several important works of art. As well as rejuvenating the local area, the Auckland Project are creating a number of exciting initiatives and attractions including Kynren - mentioned elsewhere in this guide.
Auckland Castle
About 8 miles away and well worth a visit, Auckland Castle was the historic home of the Prince Bishops, powerful medieval Churchmen who ruled large areas of the North of England, second only to The King at times in terms of their power and status. In more recent times it was home to the Bishops of Durham but when they ceased to reside there it's future became uncertain. Happily it was rescued by an American philanthropist who has poured money into the area, refurbishing the Castle, creating gardens and galleries and in the process saving several important works of art. As well as rejuvenating the local area, the Auckland Project are creating a number of exciting initiatives and attractions including Kynren - mentioned elsewhere in this guide.
Food Scene
I've endeavoured to include a number of different suggestions for restaurants, cafés, pubs and assorted eateries in Duham. This is by no means an exhaustive list and there are several 'chain' restaurants and cafés such as Nandos, Ask Italian, Pizza Express, Zizzi's, Costa, Starbucks etc., as well as several independently run establishments. There is a growing 'on street' eating and drinking scene in the Elvet Bridge area which has a great vibe on weekends and evenings. There's plenty to discover for all tastes and budgets!
A lovely 'fine dining' restaurant in Durham and one of our favourites! A little out of the centre but worth the trip!
Finbarr's Restaurant
A lovely 'fine dining' restaurant in Durham and one of our favourites! A little out of the centre but worth the trip!
This restaurant always has great reviews and many of our friends visit regularly!
Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill
21 Silver StThis restaurant always has great reviews and many of our friends visit regularly!
Another of our favourite restaurants in the city centre. Great food and interesting cellar setting!
14 locals recommend
The Cellar Door
41 Saddler StAnother of our favourite restaurants in the city centre. Great food and interesting cellar setting!
A spacious pub and restaurant in the recent 'Riverwalk' development and part of a national chain. Great views up the river to the Cathedral and Castle. Outside terrace with blankets available to keep you warm as the temperature drops! Lovely food and comfortable surroundings.
Cosy Club
A spacious pub and restaurant in the recent 'Riverwalk' development and part of a national chain. Great views up the river to the Cathedral and Castle. Outside terrace with blankets available to keep you warm as the temperature drops! Lovely food and comfortable surroundings.
A recent development with great views of the River and the City. A mix of bars and eateries most with outside terraces overlooking the river. Look out for Turtle Bay with its Caribbean vibe and food, El Pincho 'Spanish style' bar with terrace and the 'Foodpit' which showcases a number of smaller eateries with a common central table area. More bars and restaurants are in the pipline!
The Riverwalk
FramwellgateA recent development with great views of the River and the City. A mix of bars and eateries most with outside terraces overlooking the river. Look out for Turtle Bay with its Caribbean vibe and food, El Pincho 'Spanish style' bar with terrace and the 'Foodpit' which showcases a number of smaller eateries with a common central table area. More bars and restaurants are in the pipline!
Excellent Asian restaurant with really authentic pan-asian food, cooked by chefs that have been specially recruited from abroad. We'll worth a visit if you like Asian food!
23 locals recommend
Zen
Court LaneExcellent Asian restaurant with really authentic pan-asian food, cooked by chefs that have been specially recruited from abroad. We'll worth a visit if you like Asian food!
Tango Durham
39 Elvet BridgeRelaxed and informal dining. Worth a try if you like a good burger!
Very popular contemporary restaurant serving really nice food at reasonable prices.
Bill's Durham Restaurant
39 Saddler StVery popular contemporary restaurant serving really nice food at reasonable prices.
Pizza Express
64 Saddler StEver popular pizza restaurant and takeaway. We love it!
Nearest pub selling food, around a few minutes drive towards Durham or a 10/15 minute walk. Good selection of drinks and varied menu with consistently good reviews. Great outside seating area for the warmer months!
The Stonebridge Inn
Nearest pub selling food, around a few minutes drive towards Durham or a 10/15 minute walk. Good selection of drinks and varied menu with consistently good reviews. Great outside seating area for the warmer months!
Around a five minute drive or 20 minutes walk away. 'The Duke' has always been a popular foodie pub with a good range of drinks including cask ales and a varied menu. Outside seating too when the weather allows!
6 locals recommend
The Duke Of Wellington
Darlington RoadAround a five minute drive or 20 minutes walk away. 'The Duke' has always been a popular foodie pub with a good range of drinks including cask ales and a varied menu. Outside seating too when the weather allows!
Exciting restaurant recently opened in Durham. Offering fine dining and garnering great reviews and accolades!
coarse
Exciting restaurant recently opened in Durham. Offering fine dining and garnering great reviews and accolades!
Another exiting Fine Dining addition to Durham's expanding food scene. Led by a husband and wife team who worked at the Michelin Starred House of Tides in Newcastle who have now set up on their own.
Faru
Another exiting Fine Dining addition to Durham's expanding food scene. Led by a husband and wife team who worked at the Michelin Starred House of Tides in Newcastle who have now set up on their own.
Entertainment
Gala Theatre Durham
1 Millennium PlaceTraveler advice
Getting around
Travel into Durham centre.
The bus stop into Durham is just across the road from the property. Services X46/46/49A and 21 will take you into town. To return it's X46/46/49/49A and 21. Ask for Langley Moor, Boyne Hotel. A good local taxi firm is JDs on 0 (44) 191 3782555. Uber cars are also widely available. A taxi ride into town varies on time of day but generally costs around £7.
Durham is quite a compact city so once in the centre, most attractions are best visited on foot.
Don't miss
Durham Cathedral and Castle
The Cathedral and Castle are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the Cathedral started in 1093 and lasted 40 years, opening in 1133. It is regarded as one of the finest Norman buildings in Northern Europe.
Getting around
Travelling Further Afield
Durham Railway Station has excellent travel links on the East Coast Mainline. To the south, York is around 50 minutes and to the north, Newcastle is 10 - 15 minutes and Edinburgh is around 1 hour 50 minutes. London can be reached in under 3 hours.
If you have access to a car, Weardale and Teesdale - The 'Durham Dales' - lie in the more scenic and rural west of County Durham and are well worth a visit. They are much quieter than their Yorkshire counterparts but still offer quaint villages (moreso Teesdale) and spectacular scenery.