Described by Bill Bryson as a “perfect little city”, once you’ve visited you’ll understand why. Durham City boasts an eclectic mix of shops, bars, restaurants and attractions, set amid charming and historic winding cobbled streets, and overlooked by the dramatic Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trains to Durham City take just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Leeds and 2 from Manchester, so it’s an easy place to check out.
From Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle to the city’s many fantastic restaurants and walks, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Durham. Before you travel, make sure you browse and secure cheap train tickets to Durham with TransPennine Express.
The Cathedral Bus links the city’s rail station with Durham Cathedral and Castle, and for unlimited bus travel around the city, buy a Durham Plusbus ticket with your train ticket.
Enjoy some tranquil time out and explore the Durham University Botanic Garden, a 10-acre site of learning, research and relaxation. Handily it’s just a 30-minute scenic stroll or a short hop on a bus from the station. Crook Hall Gardens is a green oasis in the city. The 13th century manor house is surrounded by quintessentially English themed gardens including the Cathedral Garden, maze and hidden spaces that lie within the Secret Walled Garden. Or follow the peaceful riverside walk along the banks of the River Wear for magnificent views of Durham Cathedral.
The city’s historic streets are lined with welcoming cafes, coffee shops and eateries. Tango, found on the historic Elvet Bridge serves up mouth-watering burgers and comfort food, and is a great people watching spot. In Durham Cathedral, The Undercroft restaurant serves up tempting local produce and historic recipes in a stunning setting. At Course Restaurant, one of the cities newest eateries, you can tuck into a delicious seasonal tasting menu, which uses the finest local produce.
In Durham City, shopping is a case of wandering through stylish boutiques and craft shops, and browsing top-name brands. At Durham Market Hall, you can grab a bite to eat in a charming Victorian setting, while assessing the wares of more than 40 local traders. Fowlers Yard, in the historic cultural quarter, is home to a unique collection of creative businesses, from artists through to designers. And don’t miss the People's Bookshop. Located in the heart of the city, this independent store has a terrific selection of new and used titles, as well as an exceptional view of the castle.
You’re certain to find your perfect place to stay in Durham City, from welcoming B&Bs and stylish hotels, to cosy cottages and self-catering accommodation. Experience a distinctive mix of old and new at Hotel Indigo Durham, a boutique hotel situated right in the heart of the city. Although primarily student accommodation, the grand Durham Castle offers B&B during university holidays, but offers some year-round accommodation too.
For more ideas on what to do in Durham, visit This Is Durham.
Grab cheap train tickets from to and save up to 50% when you book in advance. Check out some of the best ways you can get your hands on cheap tickets from to by train below. For more money-saving tips on train travel across the North and Scotland, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Did you know you can book train tickets up to 24 weeks before you travel? Buying Advance tickets is one of the best ways to save on rail fares. Be the first to know when our Advance tickets are available by signing up for cheap ticket alerts. So, get ahead of the game for your next trip and you could save up to 50%*!
A season ticket is one of the best ways to secure over a third off train tickets if you regularly travel along the same route. Not only will you get the cheapest fares, but you’ll also save time by skipping the ticket queue. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket is right for you.
If a guaranteed third off train tickets sounds like music to your ears, a Railcard could be the perfect option. Whether you’re a student, senior, jobseeker, or just love to travel, there’s a Railcard for you. Available for one or three years, these cards help you explore the North and Scotland for less. Check out the different TransPennine Express Railcards.
Train ticket prices vary depending on the time of day. If you’re flexible with your travel times, you can bag the cheapest fares by choosing Off-Peak tickets. Check trains an hour or two before or after your ideal time to see if you can sneak some savings. Read about the different types of train tickets in our guide.
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