What's on near The Durham
This spring, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art presents Ali Cherri’s first institutional exhibition in the UK.
Free entry
Experience the art of Abbot Hall in a hands on and creative way with their monthly Sketch and Stroll tours.
From £0.00
The award-winning Leeds Lit Fest is back, this year running from 14 to 22 June 2025, and bringing together local talent and big-name authors for a lively programme.
From £0.00
Get literarily lit with Gary Wigglesworth and the Leeds Literary Festival 2025 quiz at Hyde Park bookclub.
From £7.50
Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.
Free entry
‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.
Free entry
North by Northeast is a regular short film night hosted by Milk Teeth Productions, set up to give local filmmakers a chance to showcase their work on the big screen.
Free entry
Leeds International African Arts Festival partners with Hyde Park Picture House this summer, with a pair of films scheduled as part of the cinema’s ongoing Cinema Africa! strand.
Free entryWhere to go near The Durham
This LGBTQ+ bookshop, nestled in the heart of Durham’s city centre, is more than a business but rather is a community hub.
Within the side alleys of Saddlers’ Yard, there is a small shop that many would pass by, but holds a wonderful surprise for those who go in. Going to Gavin Shelley Jewellery you will be able to see a fantastic range of items from rings to pendants, and earrings, it is likely that the piece you are looking to buy has been made by him.
The People’s Bookshop sits one of the alleyways that comes off Saddler Street and is a hidden gem and a treat for the book lover. Away from the bustle of the main streets, it is a treasure trove of books from all areas and periods and encourages those to enter to discover a whole new theme of knowledge through the book that they have purchased.
Vennels Café is a fantastic venue in the heart of Durham, steeped in the charming history of the city. The word “vennel” comes from a corruption of the French word for an alleyway and the vennels in Durham are the alleyways that date back to the medieval city.
The Mugwump is a unique boutique on Saddler Street. With a history stretching back to 1966, when it was founded by two art school graduates, it has grown to have something for everyone. The ambition of The Mugwump is to find the most wonderful clothing, glassworks, ceramics, and gifts that can be purchased and bring it together under one roof for all to enjoy and be owned by you.
The Cellar Door is a premium restaurant built into an old 13th century baker shop enjoying wonderful, wooded views over the River Wear.
Nadon Thai is part of an independent chain of restaurants with a menu with a traditional and modern palette with a passion for Thai food.
Gala Theatre is known for hosting some of the biggest names in comedy, leading theatre companies and inspiring bands and musicians.
Durham Castle, initially constructed following the Norman Invasion, now offers guided tours around its historic site, which is also student accommodation.
Durham University’s specialist museum showcases an exhibition which ranges from the prehistory to modern times, charting the history of Durham.
North East District Guides
Culture Guides
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