2 Days in Durham Itinerary

  • Day 1: Durham Cathedral
    5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Durham Castle

    The Durham Cathedral is one of the most stunning pieces of norman architecture in the world. It has a breathtaking history with impressive architecture, an awe-inspiring nave, and amazing examples of stained-glass windows. Don't forget to visit the Tomb of St. Cuthbert and the Chapel of The Nine Altars.

  • Day 1: Durham Castle
    5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Durham Cathedral

    Durham Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a mash-up of different architectural styles, including a mixture of Norman and Gothic styles. Take one of the guided tours to the keep, the Norman Chapel, and also the beautiful Durham University area.

  • Day 1: Whisky River Boat Tour
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Durham Castle

    Take a delightful 90-minute cruise with the whiskeys of the world on a luxury river cruiser on the River Wear Explore the stunning sights of Durham as you enjoy your drinks with your family & friends. Enjoy whiskey tasting with a knowledgeable guide while admiring the beautiful views along the river bank.

  • Day 2: Oriental Museum
    15 minutes (1.1 miles) from Durham Cathedral

    The Oriental Museum is the Asian Art and Archeology museum that houses cultural exhibits covering centuries of Asian history. The museum has fabulous collections from the Philippines, Japan, and China, amongst others. Visit the museum shop to purchase authentic souvenirs.

  • Day 2: Durham University Botanic Garden
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Oriental Museum

    The Durham University Botanic Garden is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can relax and unwind. It has beautiful Alpine, Bamboo, and Mediterranean plant collections. You can also explore the vast outdoor and indoor gardens with the whole family. The garden's facilities include a garden shop, a picnic area, and a glasshouse.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Durham Cathedral (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Durham Castle (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Whisky River Boat Tour (90 minutes, £25)
  • Oriental Museum (1-2 hours, £5)
  • Durham University Botanic Garden (1-2 hours, £4 adults, £2 children over 5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £36 per person

Transportation

Getting around Durham is quite easy as most of the attractions in the itinerary are within walking distance from each other. A traveler can choose to use buses or hire a taxi. A daytime taxi fare within Durham is roughly £4-£7.

Useful Tips

If you have a bit more time, head over to the Durham Heritage Centre, which offers a plethora of informative exhibitions on the area's history. If you have less time, however, be sure not to miss the Durham Castle or the Cathedral as they both are quite remarkable.

Airports

Durham's nearest airport is the Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME), located 25 miles away from downtown Durham. It offers flights to destinations within Europe, however, the larger airports in the area include the Newcastle International Airport (NCL) and Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA).

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