Durham at a glance
Durham is a picturesque cathedral city with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a compact layout that’s ideal for students. Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site – Durham Cathedral and Castle – the city offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience.
It’s home to Durham University, one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions, and is known for its green spaces, riverside walks, and tight-knit student community.
It's a small and friendly city, with cobbled streets and lots of tucked away coffee shops. The cathedral and castle are in the centre of town, and the river runs around the city centre. There's a lot of green space around the city, including the Botanic Gardens which is free entry for students. Everywhere is walkable, so long as you can manage the hills! There is also a woodland behind Grey College, which is full of bluebells when you come back after Easter. Overall a very beautiful, rural, and safe city. (Second year student, Durham University)
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City highlights
Durham Cathedral and Castle dominate the skyline and are must-visits for history lovers.
The city is also known for its winding cobbled streets, independent cafes, and quirky shops.
Student life thrives here, especially along the River Wear, where scenic walks and rowing are popular. Annual events like Durham Lumiere – a spectacular light festival – and street food markets bring the city to life all year round.
Student life in Durham
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Feeling cultural
Getting around
Durham’s small size means you can get almost everywhere on foot, but there’s also a good local bus network. Durham Bus Station connects you to other towns and cities, while Durham Rail Station offers direct trains to Newcastle, York, and London.
Students can benefit from the Arriva Student Saver and a Railcard for discounted travel.
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from university halls to private rentals and shared houses.
Popular student areas include Viaduct, Gilesgate, and Claypath.
The cost of living is generally lower than in larger UK cities, but budgeting for essentials like rent, food, and transport is still important.
Durham is considered very safe, with a strong community feel and plenty of support services available through the university.
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Where to eat
From hearty British pub grub to international flavours, Durham has plenty of affordable eats. Try Flat White Kitchen for brunch, Shaheen’s for Indian cuisine, and Tango for gourmet burgers. The city also hosts regular food festivals and markets, ideal for trying local and global dishes on a student budget.
What to visit
Don’t miss Durham Cathedral and Castle, the Oriental Museum, and the Botanic Garden.
The Riverside Walk is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, and the Gala Theatre offers everything from films to live performances.
The historic Crook Hall Gardens is another local gem ideal for peaceful exploring.
Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site with Durham Castle, the Romanesque Cathedral has a long history of providing sanctuary to fugitives who knocked on its doors.
On your doorstep
Located in the northeast of England, Durham is perfectly placed for weekend getaways.
Newcastle is just 15 minutes away by train, offering shopping, nightlife, and culture. The stunning Northumberland coast, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales are all within reach for day trips or weekend adventures.
Closer to home, Beamish Museum offers a fascinating step back in time.
The Viaduct is a majority student area. It is a 20 to 25 minute-walk from the science site (where my lectures are), [and] five minutes from town, so very convenient for shopping. It's about average in terms of Durham house pricing. The houses are quite old and pretty. There are lots of hills, but that’s true of anywhere in Durham. It’s also close to the bus station and train station.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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