Durham

CityNorth East, England

Durham is a CITY in North East, England.

Durham, a historic city in northeast England, is renowned for its stunning Norman cathedral and castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city's rich history, picturesque riverside setting, and prestigious university make it a captivating destination. Visitors can explore the medieval streets, enjoy scenic walks along the River Wear, and immerse themselves in the vibrant student culture. Durham's compact size allows for easy exploration, while its cultural offerings, including the Durham Miners' Gala and Lumiere light festival, provide unique local experiences.

Best time to visit Durham

The best time to visit Durham is from May to September when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. July and August are peak tourist months, while spring and autumn offer fewer crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8-14°C, autumn colours

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Mid

Beautiful foliage, fewer crowds

Know before you go

Getting there

NCL

Newcastle International Airport

International

35 km away

MME

Teesside International Airport

International

40 km away

LBA

Leeds Bradford Airport

International

120 km away

Getting around

"Durham is walkable, but buses and taxis are available for longer distances. The city has a reliable bus network operated by Arriva and Go North East. Cycling is also popular, with bike rental options available."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in city centre and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or shops from $10

Calling code

44

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but beware of overpriced taxis near train station.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but beware of overpriced taxis near train station.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Durham is generally safe, but standard precautions apply, especially at night. Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas. The city center is well-lit and patrolled."

Entry and health

Health information

"Durham has excellent healthcare facilities, including the University Hospital of North Durham. Travelers from non-EU countries should have travel insurance. Tap water is safe to drink."

Culture

Local customs

"Durham residents are friendly and polite. Tipping in restaurants is customary (10-15%). Respect the historic sites, especially the cathedral, by dressing modestly and maintaining quiet."
English

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs ~$20

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$2-4 | local bus ride ~$3

Cost notes

Prices in USD approximate; student discounts available.

Timezone

Europe/London +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.1 million

Area

186.68 km²

Government

Unitary authority

ISO code

DUR

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: GB-DUR, Дарам, Durham, کاؤنٹی ڈرہم, دورهام, Дърам, County Durham, डरहम, ダラム, Ντάραμ, درم, Dunelmum, Dūnholm, دورام, 达勒姆郡, 對衡, Дарэм, Դարհեմ, Darema, Daramas, דארהאם, דרהאם, Дарем, 达勒姆, 더럼

HistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingCultural