Durham

Travel Guide

A rocky coastline with large boulders and a cliff.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, grassy dunes, a pier extending into the sea, and wind turbines in the distance.
A lighthouse by the sea, a sandy beach, and a stone wall.
A coastal pathway with blue railings leading to the sea, surrounded by greenery.
A historic cathedral with a prominent tower, surrounded by lush greenery and set against a twilight sky.

Where to stay in Durham

Find the best Durham areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Durham
Learn more about Durham

Durham Town Center

While visiting Durham Town Center, you might make a stop by sights like Gala Theatre Durham and Durham Indoor Market.

Elvet

Though Elvet might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gala Theatre Durham and Crook Hall and Gardens.

Gilesgate

When in Gilesgate, you can plan a visit to Gala Theatre Durham and Crook Hall and Gardens, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A stone bridge over a river, a castle in the background, and a tree-lined bank.

Pity Me

While Pity Me might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Crook Hall and Gardens and Gala Theatre Durham.

A cathedral with two prominent towers, surrounded by snow-covered trees and a town in the background.

Brasside

While Brasside isn't home to many top sights, Adventure Valley and Crook Hall and Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa

Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa

4 out of 5
Carrville Durham England
$140 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$168 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Durham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Another wonderful stay at ramside we will be back"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
Radisson BLU Hotel Durham

Radisson BLU Hotel Durham

4 out of 5
Frankland Lane Durham England
$99 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$119 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Durham. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Diddn't use parking or spa but hotel was very convenient for the city centre. Dining room a bit cold. Excellent choice at breakfast and evening meals tasty."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Radisson BLU Hotel Durham
Delta Hotels Durham Royal County

Delta Hotels Durham Royal County

4 out of 5
Old Elvet Durham England
$91 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$109 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Durham. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Don’t sleep a wink as it was terribly noisy as the students were out all night and it was raining so something was dripping very loudly just outside the window"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Delta Hotels Durham Royal County
See all 4,080 properties in Durham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Durham City Cottages

Durham City Cottages

2 out of 5
Brandon Lane Durham England
Stay at this cottage in Durham. Enjoy free parking, a computer station, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Meadowfield Leisure Centre and Brancepeth Castle ...
8/10 Very Good! (411 reviews)
"Bathroom smells mouldy, could have done with a small window opener for airflow.kitchen has everything you need.parking perfect outside accommodation Overall a good place to stay"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026

Durham City Cottages
White House Cottages

White House Cottages

3.5 out of 5
The White House Durham ENG
Stay at this cottage in Durham. Enjoy free parking, a computer station, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Meadowfield Leisure Centre and Brancepeth Castle ...
White House Cottages
Toast Stays - Neville House

Toast Stays - Neville House

Durham England
Stay at this vacation home in Durham. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Oriental Museum and Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Very comfortable,and clean. Very comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms. very quiet area.The house was warm- except the kitchen which was very cold and we were unable to warm it up. Would recommend house - easy parking and near town so easy to walk to the centre and the cathedral - 10 mins. Nice ..."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Toast Stays - Neville House
See all properties in Durham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Durham attractions

A pitcher plant with a red rim and green leaves.
Photo by Mike Shorten
Open Photo by Mike Shorten

Durham University

9.0/10 (386 reviews)
Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Durham University, during your trip to Durham. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.
See properties

Things to do

Durham History Tour

Durham History Tour

$24
per adult
Durham History Tour
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

$27
per adult
Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne

$40
per adult
3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle: Silent Disco Adventure Tour

Newcastle: Silent Disco Adventure Tour

$29
per adult
Newcastle: Silent Disco Adventure Tour
Durham Full City Tour

Durham Full City Tour

$35
per adult
Durham Full City Tour
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour

$32
per adult
1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour
See all activities in Durham

Frequently asked questions

Is Durham worth visiting?
Durham is worth visiting for its rich history, showcased by iconic landmarks like Durham University and the impressive Durham Cathedral. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining experiences, with options ranging from Italian to Asian cuisine. The city is easily accessible, offering convenient train access for getting around.
When is the best time to visit Durham?
The best time to visit Durham is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March offer a good alternative, often with cooler temperatures.
What is Durham known for?
Durham is known for Durham University, its historic Durham Cathedral, and Durham Castle. Travelers can also find a local Italian food culture, with various dining options available throughout the city.
What is a good itinerary length for Durham?
A good itinerary length for Durham is two to three days to explore key highlights like Durham University, Durham Cathedral, and Durham Castle, plus a walking tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows for a deeper dive into the city's history with tours such as the Dark Durham Tour or the Diverse Heritage – Durham Private Walking Tour for Couples. See Durham Activities.
How do you get around Durham?
In Durham, travelers can get around using train services. The primary station for these services is Durham Station, which provides a convenient option for navigating the area and connecting to various points of interest.
What are the top things to do in and around Durham?
Durham offers historic landmarks, unique entertainment, and guided city explorations for travelers to enjoy:

  • Visit Durham Cathedral, a significant point of interest
  • Explore Durham Castle, another prominent landmark
  • Discover Diggerland, a distinctive attraction
  • See a show or event at Gala Theatre Durham
  • Take a Durham City Tour with a Local Guide.

How do I plan a trip to Durham?
To plan your trip to Durham, search for places to stay and book your flights in advance. Consider booking experiences like the Dark Durham Tour or a Durham City Tour with a Local Guide. Durham is well-served by train, making it easy to get around. Remember to pair any outdoor plans with indoor backup options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Durham?
In Durham you can find English cuisine, with dishes like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and traditional roast dinners. Travelers can also enjoy a range of Italian, Asian (including Chinese, Indian, and Thai), Latin American, and Middle Eastern options, alongside local coffee shops and pubs.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Durham?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Durham by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Durham with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Durham trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Durham?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Durham can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Durham trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Durham trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Durham trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Durham trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Durham?
If it's your first trip to Durham, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Durham hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Durham hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Durham

A beach with wooden posts and driftwood scattered along the shore.

Hartlepool

A historic stone building with a tower and a covered porch.

Spennymoor

A historic church with a tall spire and arched windows.

Bishop Auckland

A bronze statue of a soldier holding a rifle, standing on a pedestal with a wreath, in front of a white house with a sloped roof.

Ferryhill

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