You’re going to Durham: Here’s the ultimate guide to your new city

So, you got into Durham. Congratulations! Small, historic, and full of more charm (and hills) than you might expect, Durham is a lovely city with loads going on despite its size.

Whether you’re here for the first time or just finding your feet, this guide covers the essentials: Where to eat, drink, walk, and explore during your first weeks in the city.

Reading this will mean that when you arrive, you’re ready to hit the ground running, whether that’s knowing the best spots to eat or the best spots to party so hard you miss your 9am lectures (and probs your 12pm ones too).

The basics

Your first proper “I’m in Durham” moment will probably be when you spot Durham Castle looming above Palace Green. Located in the centre of the city, the castle is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of Durham’s luckiest students.

The Cathedral is also the jewel in Durham’s skyline. You can see it from pretty much anywhere, and it’s as beautiful inside as out. This is where matriculation will take place so you will definitely see it in your time at Durham.

Where to eat out

Rudy’s: Proper Neapolitan pizza with a chewy, bubbly crust. Rudy’s is literally always a hit – and it’s the perfect place for a dinner with friends in Fresher’s week.

The Rabbit Hole is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Durham. This spot, with some of the best Cantonese food around, is the perfect place to go for a special event or occasion. While it’s a little on the pricier side, we would definitely recommend this for a meal out with parents when you arrive…

Most Read

Hideous videos literally show Bonnie Blue in the act on uni campus during gross Bang Bus tour

Bonnie Blue reveals exact number of Freshers she slept with on Bang Bus tour and I’m shook

Steven’s ex exposes him with messy screenshots ‘proving’ he ditched her for MAFS UK

Same goes for Zen; this restaurant serves divine Thai dishes in their beautiful (very Instagrammable) restaurant. Plus, their cocktails are sublime.

Tango is another must-try place for foodies. I’m starting to realise a pattern here and that is that all three of these restaurants are part of the Zen Group. Safe to say I am a fan! Tango is definitely a more casual option – they serve incredible burgers and are located centrally in the city.

La Spaghettata, or Spags, is a Durham essential. You will find everyone and their mum in Spags – it’s affordable, popular, and centrally located. The perfect place for a friend (or romantic…) date.

Durham also has a Nando’s. Hooray! This is a reliable, recognisable spot for some of your first meals out.

Little Sicily is a pretty underrated spot. It’s near the Travelodge, so it’s a convenient option for when you’re moving in. Affordable and atmospheric, Little Sicily is a lovely place with the loveliest staff. They even have live music some of the time!

Where to go for a drink

The Bishops’ Mill Wetherspoons is a must, and what can I say? Spoons is just the best. Cheap and cheerful, Durham Spoons is lively, central, and reliable. Perfect place for pres, a single pint, or even lunch.

Every college also has their own bar, and it’s only responsible that you go to them all at some point during your time at Durham. What’s not to love about cheap pints, quiz nights, and your best bet for an impromptu social?

The Curious Mr Fox: Another underrated place. The drinks are brilliant and the building is beautifully furnished. Immaculate vibes to be honest.

The Library (not to be confused with the actual library) serves drinks, not books. This bar is a Durham staple – and they have some really good student deals!

The Drunken Duck is a chill, fun, affordable, convenient to get to. Extremely lively on a Saturday night, they also have frozen cocktails, which is always such a bonus.

The Three Bridges, located near North Road (perhaps not a positive), is a great pub with good student deals and loads going on, with regular live music and pub quizzes. It’s usually not too crowded either as it’s really spacious.

MIXOLOGY: This bar is so under-hyped. The drinks are so, so, so good and it’s affordable too. Immaculate vibes. Great place to go before the club.

Where to go for brunch

Pawsome is Durham’s cat café. Coffee plus cuddly cats. Why wouldn’t you love that? Such an underrated spot and the perfect place to go when you’re missing your pets from home.

Vennels is a historic tea room tucked down an alley, with great cake and an even better courtyard. Whilst unassuming from the outside, Vennels have an amazing food menu and the vibes are the best.

Insta-famous and always buzzing, Flat White had to make the list. Some people swear by it, others swear at the queue. Iconic either way.

Cafédral is a cute café right next to the cathedral, great for a post-sightseeing coffee. And their hot chocolate is literally award-winning. You can’t argue with an award.

Chapters serves lovely cakes and coffee. It’s right in the centre of town, so is great for coffee dates and small socials – or people-watching if you’re not feeling as social.

Treats: A student staple for affordable lunches and sweet bakes. Treats also has the most gorgeous interior – and it’s so well priced. Smash.

Where to go for a walk

One of the most scenic parts of Durham is Racecourse. This area is by old Hild Bede and boasts beautiful views of the river and gorgeous green space.

Durham’s riverbanks are also endlessly walkable, with gorgeous views at every turn. Walking around here is a really relaxing (and free) activity.

The best sunset view in the city can be found at Observatory Hill. It’s a perfect place for late night drinks/activities.

Lovely all year round, but especially in spring, The Botanical Gardens is another beautiful spot for a walk.

What to do in Durham

Paint and sips is a great option if you want to get artsy with a glass of wine in hand. Lots of societies host paint and sips so there will definitely be many to attend throughout the year. Though you could also host your own at home or by the river with home-mixed drinks!

Durham is small, so you can do a “college bar crawl” without even changing postcode. Plus, it’s educational because you’re exploring the local area…

Lane7 is Durham’s go-to spot for bowling, darts, beer pong, and casual nights out with friends. Perfect for a relaxed evening when you want something fun but low-key. Plus, it’s really close to Spoons.

Test your coordination (and your friendships) by renting a rowing boat, or get yourself to The Oriental Museum for a hidden gem if you’re feeling cultural.

For those looking for a picnic, Palace Green, the Racecourse, and Observatory Hill are unbeatable spots in summer. Plus, it’s such a cute activity to do with your friends anytime the weather is suitable.

Nearby(ish) places to visit

If you’re looking for a bigger city energy, nightlife, and shopping, Edinburgh is the place for you – and it’s less than 15 minutes away by train. If you’re missing the goats like Wagamama and Primark, get yourself there.

A longer trip but perfect for a whole day out, Edinburgh is another option. There are some benefits to practically being in Scotland after all.

Whether it’s a quick coffee, a night out, or a quiet walk by the river, Durham has plenty of ways to fill your time here. You’ll soon find the places that feel like yours!

For more of the latest news, guides, gossip, and memes, follow The Durham Tab on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.