Durham is one of those cities that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, packed with history and surrounded by beautiful riverside scenery. If you’re visiting during Brass Festival week, there’s an extra buzz about the place, with live music filling the streets and plenty going on throughout the day. Here’s how we spent a day exploring everything Durham has to offer.
Getting There
We travelled by car and used Durham’s Park and Ride, which was an easy and affordable option. For just £2.20, you get all-day parking and bus travel into the city centre, saving the hassle of finding parking on Durham’s narrow streets. If you’re travelling by train, Durham station is only around a 10-minute walk from the city centre, making it just as convenient.
Durham Cathedral and Castle
Our first stop was Durham Cathedral, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions. The building is stunning both inside and out, with beautiful stonework, peaceful cloisters and incredible views across the city. If you don’t mind climbing a few steps, the cathedral tower is well worth it for the panoramic views.
Just next door is Durham Castle, which has overlooked the city for centuries. Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about its history, but even seeing it from the outside alongside the cathedral is enough to appreciate why this area has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle was the former outer court of the Durham monastery. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries Act by Henry VIII in the late 1530’s it was converted into accommodation for the cathedral Dean and his 12 Prebends (clergymen).
Exploring the Old Town
From there, we wandered through Durham’s old town, taking our time along the cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafés and historic buildings. It’s the sort of place where it’s worth slowing down, popping into interesting little shops and enjoying the atmosphere rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
Market Square
The Market Square was especially lively during Brass Festival week, with musicians performing and plenty of people stopping to watch. The indoor Market Hall is worth a look too, with a mix of local traders selling everything from handmade gifts to fresh food and sweet treats. It’s a great place to pick up something a little different.
A Walk Along the River Wear
One of the highlights of the day was walking along the River Wear. The riverside paths offer some of Durham’s best views, with the cathedral and castle rising above the trees and reflecting in the water. It’s a peaceful walk that feels surprisingly quiet considering you’re only minutes from the city centre.
Oriental Museum
In the afternoon, we headed to the Oriental Museum, which is a little outside the city centre but well worth the visit. The collections cover countries across Asia and Egypt, with everything from ancient artefacts to samurai armour. It’s not somewhere everyone thinks to visit, but it’s a fascinating museum and makes a nice change from the city’s medieval history.
The museum opened in 1960 to support teaching and research and is the only museum in the north of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of Northern Africa and Asia. University Oriental Museum. Admission Free.
Brass Festival Atmosphere
Throughout the day, the Durham Brass Festival added something really special to the city. Live performances popped up in different locations, creating a fantastic atmosphere wherever we went.
The Brass Festival completely transformed the historic centre into a carnival of sound. Held over eight incredible days, all types of brass bands performed in cobblestone alleyways and public squares.
A Great Day Out
Before heading home, we took one last walk across Prebends Bridge to enjoy one of Durham’s most famous views. Looking back towards the cathedral and castle as the evening light began to soften was the perfect way to end the day.
Durham isn’t a city that tries too hard to impress—it simply does. With its beautiful riverside setting, centuries of history, great independent shops and relaxed atmosphere, it’s somewhere that’s easy to recommend. If you can time your visit with Brass Festival week, even better, as the music adds another layer to an already memorable day out.
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