Durham

Updated 02/2022

A day trip to Durham is a great choice for a day trip from York. The historic city is quick and easy to get to from York whether you are travelling by road or rail. In addition, many Durham attractions are free or low cost making the city a cost effective day trip for families.

Durham is a compact city so it is easily explored on foot in one day. It is a lively city with a rich historical heritage centered around the UNESCO World Heritage listed Durham Cathedral. 

 

 

Things to do on a day trip to Durham

 

 

Durham Cathedral

 

One of the best things to do with kids in Durham is Durham Cathedral – especially if your kids love Harry Potter.

Durham cathedral cloisters and cloister garth (grass area) featured in the Harry Potter movies as the exterior of Hogwarts. If you have seen the movies, I guarantee you will recognise the familiar pillars and walkways! You can also visit the Chapter House which doubled as Professor McGonagall’s classroom.

 

 

Things to see in Durham Cathedral

 

Durham Cathedral stands on the highest point of the city and dominates the city skyline. A church has stood on this site since the late 10th Century (the current cathedral was completed in the 12th century) and it was once a popular pilgrimage destination.

The ornate cathedral houses the relics of two saints – Saint Cuthbert and Saint Oswald – and is an intriguing mix of architectural styles.

Firstly, there are the Romanesque round arches and thickly carved Norman pillars lining the stone flagged central nave. Then there is the ornately decorated High Alter and the 13th century Gothic style Chapel of the Nine Altars.

However, my favourite aspect of Durham Cathedral are its incredible stained glass windows including the 18th century Rose Window. Centuries old stained glass windows stand adjacent to colourful modern stained glass windows which, together, create a myriad of rainbow colours and patterns on the floor of the nave. 

If your day trip to Durham has good weather, climb the 325 leg burning steps to the top of the North West Tower for a spectacular view of the city.

Kids will not be bored in Durham cathedral as they can borrow activity backpacks packed with age appropriate trails. Don’t miss the enormous Lego model of the cathedral which is located near cafe the toilets. Its attention to detail is impressive!

You can also join a 90 minute tour of Durham Cathedral Museum to learn more about the church’s history, stories and precious artefacts.

There is a cafe and toilets on site as well as the Durham Cathedral shop.

 

Durham Cathedral entrance tickets

 

The cathedral is free to enter and self tour although donations are encouraged because the money goes towards the upkeep of the building.

There are one hour guided tours of the cathedral available which cost £7.50 per adult and £3.50 for children. A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £20.00. Tours run Monday to Saturday at 10.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm.

You must buy a ticket to climb the North West Tower. Tower tickets cost £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children aged between 8 and 17 years. Children under 8 are not allowed to climb the tower. Tower climbs occur Monday to Saturday on the hour between 10 am and 3 pm and on Sundays at 1pm and 2 pm.

Museum Tour tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £4.50 for children over 8 and £27.50 for a family of four.

 

 

Palace Green Attractions

 

In addition to Durham Cathedral, Palace Green at the front of the cathedral is also home to other Durham attractions. 

The Durham Museum is housed in a 17th century church and depicts the history of the city from medieval times through to present day. Kids will enjoy the brass rubbing station which will make a great souvenir of your day trip to Durham.

If you haven’t discovered brass rubbing yet, it is exactly what it sounds. You put a piece of paper over an engraved brass panel (usually a historical figure) and rub wax crayon over the paper so the engraving shows through to create your very own piece of historical art.

A few metres from the museum is the Palace Green Library which belongs to Durham University. The library houses a small archaeology museum and interesting exhibits about the history of the Durham Light Infantry. 

Finally, at the end of Palace Green, is the arched gateway to the multi-angular Durham Castle.

 

Entrance tickets

Tickets to the Durham Museum cost £2.50 for adults and just £1.00 for children. Palace Green Library is free to enter. 

 

 

Durham Castle

 

Durham Castle belongs to Durham University and has been continuously occupied since the 11th century. In the past, it served as a fortress and palace.

You can only enter the impressive 11th century Durham Castle as part of a pre-booked tour. Check their website for times and to book.  

 

Durham Castle entrance tickets 

A 45 minute tour costs £5 for adults and children under 16 years are free. 

 

 

Explore Durham City Centre

 

Durham city centre is packed with cobbled pedestrianised streets lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants. 

Visit the central Market Place and the outdoor market or browse the 50 + stalls of the Victorian era indoor market – ideal for a rainy day trip to Durham!

You can visit some of the Victorian buildings on the square including St Nicholas Church, the Guildhall and Durham Town Hall, all of which are free to enter. 

I recommend popping into Durham Town Hall as the interior is particularly beautiful. There are short films and audio guides showcasing the history of this 650 year old building. 

 

 

Go for a walk along the River Wear

 

If your day trip to Durham is warm enough, escape the bustling city centre for a tranquil walk along the River Wear which runs through the centre of Durham. 

A flat, unpaved path runs alongside the river under arched stone bridges and past gushing weirs. It is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours.

 

Indulge in an afternoon tea in Durham

 

As you would expect from somewhere quintessentially English, there is a wide selection of afternoon teas in Durham. For example, independent options include Tealicious Tea Room, Treats Cafe and Tea Room and Cafedral Durham.

If you prefer to take an afternoon tea in Durham hotels, head to Hotel Indigo or the Radisson Blu (which is where we stay on our family trips to Durham).

 

 

How to get to Durham from York

 

The easiest way to travel to Durham from York is by train with a quick 45 minute journey time. 

It is also a scenic journey as the train passes through the beautiful North Yorkshire and County Durham countryside. Sit on the right hand side of the train for a magnificent view of Durham Cathedral as you arrive into Durham rail station.

The drive time from York to Durham is 1 1/2 hours via the A1 (M). You will have to pay hefty parking charges in Durham city centre.

 

Getting around Durham

 

It is easy to get around Durham city centre as it is a compact city with several pedestrianised areas. You will not need to use public transport on your day trip to Durham.

Durham train station is on the edge of the city and it is a short 15 minute walk to Durham Cathedral or just 10 minutes to Durham city centre. 

You may find that Durham is a bumpy ride for pushchairs due to several cobbled streets. Plus, the street leading to and from the city to the cathedral is sloped.

 

 

This itinerary for a day trip to Durham is easy, affordable and fun.  You will have earned your rest on the train ride back to York!