Exciting things to do in Durham are plenty! Rowing on the River or taking a cruise on the Prince Bishop, walking along the river, enjoying some yummy treats on the Market Place, Whether it’s checking out the Beamish museum, exploring a bona fide Norman cathedral, or going on a peaceful amble in the stunning botanic gardens, or UK’s largest light festival, Lumiere Festival takes place here every two years. Plus, being a University town, It has a great food and pub scene. Let’s dive deep into the world of great and unmissable things to do in Durham.
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Head to the Bookshops in Durham
If you finished reading your last book and are excited to start with a new one, you may head to some of the best bookshops in Durham. This is one of the amazing things to do while studying. The city is renowned for its vibrant literary tradition and there are lots of places including bookshops in this city that deserve a visit. While exploring the things to do in this city, you as a student will find this at the top of your to-do list. We have compiled a list of some of the best bookshops for you with their opening hours. Check out the table below.
| Bookshops in Durham | Opening Hours |
| Waterstones Bookshop | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5:30 pm Sunday – 11 am to 5 pm |
| Barnard Castle Bookshop | Monday to Saturday – 11 am to 3 pm Sunday – Closed |
| Wentworth and Leggett Rare Books | Monday and Tuesday– 11 am to 6 pm Wednesday – ClosedThursday – 11 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 6:30 pm Sunday – 12:30 pm – 5 pm |
| Ultimate Comics | Monday and Tuesday– 11 am to 7 pm Wednesday – 8 am to 8 pm Thursday to Saturday – 11 am to 7 pm Sunday – 12 noon – 6 pm |
| The Gothic Bookshop | Monday to Wednesday – 8 am to 6 pm Thursday and Friday – 8 am to 8 pm Saturday – 8 am to 6 pm Sunday – 11 am to 5 pm |
Go for Durham Outdoor Activities
If you are a person who is an outdoor enthusiast, you will find outdoor activities as another amazing thing to do. The city is renowned for its amazing outdoor adventures from hiking trails to Nature preserves. You can also pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic beauty of the amazing flora and fauna at the same time. There are several Durham outdoor activities you may try while studying in the city.
Exploring the American Tobacco Trail which spans 22.6 miles, half-cutting through Durham is one of the best things to do. For biking you can rent a bike from any bike centre. Biking and hiking are another amazing things to do. You will love experiencing the atmosphere of a minor league baseball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The walking and biking trails are perfect for those who love to stay active.
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Try Shopping in Durham with Friends
If you are a shopaholic who finds shopping quite therapeutic and exciting at the same time, then the most exciting thing to do in Durham is never going to disappoint you. Shopping in Durham is going to be on the top of your to-do list while studying in the city. From handcrafted gifts to high-end fashion, exotic finds, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. If you’re looking for something unique and cool, you’ll find everything in this vibrant city of Durham.
No matter what you want to shop for, you name it and you will have it in these amazing vibrant shopping centres. The wide variety of things you can shop from these shopping centres includes fashion, gadgets, health products, beauty products, homewares, and much more. Most of the shopping centres are surrounded by multiple cafes, bars, and restaurants.
| Shopping in Durham | Opening Hours |
| Prince Bishops Place | Monday – Saturday: 09:00 am to 5:30 pm Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Bank Holiday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Circle Vintage Durham | Monday – Friday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Raine & James | Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday and Monday Closed |
| Broom House Farm Shop | Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday and Monday Closed |
| The HUB Market Place | Everyday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Explore Weekend Getaways from Durham
If you are bored with your monotonous and hectic academic schedule, you may also plan your weekends with some of the most fabulous and stunning weekend getaways from Durham. Consider Asheville, only a 3.5-hour car ride. There are plenty of things to do, from visiting landmarks to exploring and appreciating the art of Ashville. If you want more fun then visit Asheville Pinball Museum, which is home to 70 vintage machines ready for play.
Exploring Charleston, SC is another fun thing to do. It is a weekend escape just 4.5 hours from Durham with lively Charleston City Market and scenic Joe Riley Waterfront Park in the historic downtown. If you love shopping then try visiting the National Mall, one of the best shopping malls in Washington D.C.
Explore Other Places to Visit
Exploring some other places to visit in Durham is another great thing to do in Durham while studying. Durham is a beautiful city with historical tales and architectural beauty. Check out the several places to visit in Durham during your academic year.
- Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle.
- Witness the sunrise over the Durham Heritage Coast.
- Marvel at Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Be romantic in the Durham dales.
- Sit in Harry Potter’s classroom at Durham Cathedral.
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FAQs
The best things to do in Durham include exploring various landmark places, visiting museums, heading to UNESCO sites, and much more.
Waterstones is arguably the most famous bookstore in Durham.
Outdoor activities in Durham include hiking, biking, picnicking, baseball games, and exploring nature preserves like Horton Grove.
Prince Bishops Place, The Riverwalk, and Walkergate Durham are some of the best places to go shopping in Durham.
The top attractions to visit in Durham include Durham Cathedral, Crook Hall & Gardens, Durham Castle, Hall Hill Farm, Ushaw Historic House, and Chapels & Gardens.
Hope you liked our blog about the things to do in Durham. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad.
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