Taking a trip to Durham
The city of Durham is as picturesque as it gets, thanks to its location in a meandering loop of the River Wear. As the river winds back on itself through the city you essentially get two sets of riverbanks to choose from, which means double the number of pretty waterside restaurants, pubs and walks. One of the city’s biggest draws – Durham University – sits below the bottom of the loop, with a huge collection of historic colleges, including one in a Norman castle. Add to that a cathedral so gorgeous it was used to film huge chunks of Harry Potter, and you’ve got yourself a long list of reasons to visit.
-
Durham: top 3 things to do
1. Climb to the top of Durham Cathedral
The narrow, winding staircase that takes you to the top of Durham Cathedral’s central tower has 325 steps, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re prepared to put the legwork in you can look forward to bird’s-eye views of the cathedral and cloister from the top, not to mention city vistas that stretch all the way to the Angel of the North on a clear day. It costs £7.50, and children go free.
2. Wander through Durham University Botanic Gardens
While Durham’s many university colleges dominate the south of the city, the botanic garden at their eastern edge is an attraction in itself. Wrapped in 25 acres of woodland, this pretty pocket of greenery is filled with plants, sculptures and glasshouses that are wall-to-wall with tropical blooms and cacti. When you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, this is the place to be.
3. Go for a slap-up brunch
Durham does a great line in top brunch spots, so you’re spoilt for choice if you’re here and you’re hungry. Flat White Kitchen is a must-visit, for starters – this cavernous coffee shop serves up avo on toast, pillowy pancakes and a delicious ham hock hash in a renovated 17th century townhouse. Riverview Kitchen is another one to watch if you like your brunch served with waterside views.
-
Explore local attractions
You’re all set for some serious shopping in Durham – this place has plenty places to splash the cash. As well as a clutch of high street stores and cafés, Prince Bishops Place is home to Umbrella Street. As the name suggests, it’s hung with a canopy of colourful umbrellas. And there’s plenty more in the way of shops at The Riverwalk, which also lines up an Odeon Luxe and a range of restaurants with riverside views.
Durham’s watering holes span everything from teeny tiny gin bars – Tin of Sardines, we’re looking at you – to classic pubs like The Dun Cow and The Half Moon Inn. Start on Old Elvet and head into the city centre crossing Elvet Bridge and you can take your pick.
There’s lots on at the Gala Theatre, from big-name comedians in the theatre to blockbuster screenings in the cinema. And it’s worth keeping an eye out for the Full Moon Street Food Market, which tends to run once a month. There’s live music and loads of food and drinks stalls, and it runs from 4-9PM.
Travel in style
Our modern and comfortable coaches provide you with access to Wifi, and USB sockets so that you'll never have to worry about running out of charge on your journey. With reclining seats and additional legroom, choosing to get to your destination with megabus makes for the smoothest travel experience ever.
Take the megabus to Durham, and you won’t need to worry about petrol or parking.
Location
Latest from Inspire Me
Read the latest from Inspire Me to get ideas for planning your next trip.
On board features are subject to availability and connection. Not available on all services.