“There’s nothing to do in Durham.”
It’s a phrase you’ll hear in almost every student conversation, usually said half-seriously to justify another night in. Though, once you spend some time here, you start to find your favourite spots and a few hidden gems. You simply need to know where to look – as a Durham local, it’s only right I share what the city has to offer, beyond the
misconceptions!
Entertainment
Durham offers various forms of entertainment. Along the Riverwalk – just over the bridge from the city centre – you’ll find the Odeon Cinema – with reclining seats and a range of emerging films, it’s a great place to kick back for some self-care time, or with friends.
Likewise, Durham’s Gala Theatre offers a two-screen cinema, with lower prices at just £5 a go, not to mention a 500-seat venue hosting live performances, including musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre. Annually, you can even catch a performance from Durham University Light Opera Group (Durham’s largest musical theatre society). This year, they put on a superb performance of Grease!
Durham Cathedral is a standout part of town, but did you know events are facilitated here too? Examples of this include atmospheric candlelight concerts (musical theatre, tributes, and classical), daily Christian services, and educational workshops. If you’re somebody who enjoys a thrill, you can even climb 325 steps to reach the top of the Cathedral, accessing views unlike any other.
Food spots
Between independent spots and well-loved chains, there’s a place everyone can enjoy. There are a couple of spots deemed ‘student favourites’, and for good reason. Riverview Kitchen is situated in the heart of Durham, with views spanning the river: from brunches to milkshakes, pancakes to burgers, and salads to scones, it has a reputation for always hitting the spot.
Flat White offers both a cafe and a restaurant, on Saddlers Street and Elvet Bridge respectively. Despite its quaint appearance, queues are nearly always out the door. Serving up homemade cakes, savoury options and small plates, and what some consider ‘Durham’s best coffee’, it’s earned it’s place as a student favourite.
The restaurant scene continues with chain-based choices: you can enjoy Rudy’s Pizza, Fat Hippo, Zizzi’s, Pizza Express, Turtle Bay, Food Pit and Ask Italian just to name a few.
Social activities
The social side of Durham also deserves recognition. One of my favourite spots in town is the ‘Pawsome Cat Cafe ’, a small cafe on North Road. You can book or walk in to enjoy your time with some delightful cats! Offering drinks and cakes, it’s a great place to relax when the academic stress creeps in, especially if you’re missing a pet at home.
Lane 7 is a newer addition to Durham. You can choose from boutique bowling, duck-pin bowling, darts, pool, batting cages, shuffleboard, back shuffle and beer pong, and even top it off with a drink. With opening hours that vary day to day, you can arrange a time to test your skills to fit your schedule.
On the outskirts of Durham, you’ll find Hall Hill Farm. They offer experiences such as small animal handling (rabbits, guinea pigs, and fluffy chicks), scheduled activities (including bottle-feeding lambs and donkey grooming), and even a seasonal highland cow experience. Don’t knock it until you try it; it can be a hilarious yet wholesome experience with friends!
There’s also Beamish Museum, an amazing living outdoor museum. There’s so much to see here too much for one day but your entry ticket gives you access for a full year!
Cultural and outdoor spots
Beyond food and drink, Durham also offers a range of cultural and outdoor spots, like the Botanic Garden and the Oriental Museum, which are perfect for a slower afternoon. The Botanic Gardens include a cafe, a glasshouse, a wildflower meadow and woodlands to explore – it’s the perfect spot for a walk, to have a picnic with friends, or to relax somewhere mindful.
The Oriental Museum is a fascinating spot, fostering a collection of more than 23,500 Chinese, Egyptian, Korean, Indian, Japanese and other Far East and Asian artefacts. With ceramics, art and textiles, the pieces never fail to impress. What’s more, these locations are free with your campus card, as they are owned by the University!
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