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Durham is probably most well-known for its university and its castle, but there’s plenty of other things to do in the city as a student as well. Our list rounds up some of the best things for students to do around the city, and we’ve found something for everyone. So whether you enjoy museums, love a cocktail night or prefer to be outdoors exploring the local area, we’ve got something for you. Read on to see our top ten picks for student things to do in Durham.
1) Old Cinema Laundrette
Good for: Live music in a unique setting.
What it is: Not a cinema (anymore), but a laundrette and coffee shop by day, and music venue by night.
Why you should go: If you go, you can say you’ve seen a gig in a laundrette. That alone is probably worth the visit, but if you need more convincing, here goes. There’s a licensed bar serving a range of drinks including craft beers and fancy gins and you can actually get your laundry done here. During the day you can grab a coffee while you wait for your laundry and check out the venue’s memorabilia at the same time.
2) Durham Castle
Good for: Sight-seeing.
What it is: An historic castle which is actually part of Durham University.
Why you should go: Seeing as it’s literally the home of students at University College, you might find yourself there as a part of your uni routine. However, as well as being a part of the university, it’s also a beautiful historic building which offers regular tours. The university also hosts a lot of events in the castle, including public lectures, concerts and exhibitions which you may be interested in going to see. The tour is free for campus card holders, so there’s no excuse not to go and learn more about the local history.
3) Undercroft bar
Good for: Cheap pints!
What it is: One of the Student Union bars.
Why you should go: The drinks are cheap, it’s a great space to socialise and there’s regular music events here too. The bar is so popular it’s earnt itself a nickname (‘The Undie’), and its ‘Mundie in the Undie’ live music events are great for a night out with your mates. As well as live music, the Undie also hosts events including karaoke, balls and occasional club nights.
4) Durham Cathedral
Good for: Spotting some very famous filming locations.
What it is: What it says on the tin – the city’s cathedral.
Why you should go: As well as being a place of worship, the cathedral offers visitors the chance to see famous filming locations, learn more about the history of the building through the Cathedral Museum, take a tour and climb the cathedral tower, and explore the library collections. While entrance to the main Cathedral is free, donations are encouraged and some of the tours and experiences have to be paid for.
5) Cafédral Durham
Good for: Grabbing a coffee and a cake.
What it is: A café with a punny name.
Why you should go: Well, the café’s name is pretty funny for a start, and it’s right next to the Cathedral so you can stop in here for a coffee after you’ve explored the Cathedral. The décor is really cute and it’s known in the area for its homemade sandwiches and cakes. It’s open seven days a week and we imagine it’d be a lovely setting to sit, have a coffee and get some of your uni reading out of the way if you fancied a change of scenery.
6) Durham City Art Trail
Good for: Seeing local art.
What it is: A walk around the city incorporating many of the city’s public works of art.
Why you should go: It’s just a walk around the city so it’s totally free (unless you want to stop for coffee on your way) and you get to not only see the art the city has to offer, but you’ll also learn more about the layout of Durham which is always handy when you’ve moved somewhere new. You can download a map of the city which shows the location of the different landmarks and plan your own route around them for a personalised day out.
7) Tia’s
Good for: Mexican and Mediterranean food.
What it is: A family-run restaurant in the centre of Durham.
Why you should go: The restaurant is proud to make all its food on-site by hand, meaning they can cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, so nobody should feel left out. The menu includes traditional Mexican enchiladas and fajitas as well as Mediterranean dishes including pizza and fish. Tia’s is also known for its tequila collection and for its margaritas so it’s definitely one to try out with your uni mates.
8) Klute
Good for: Dancing the night away.
What it is: Apparently, the worst club in Europe.
Why you should go: The title ‘Europe’s worst club’ maybe isn’t selling it for you, but Klute’s is a rite of passage for all Durham students. The club itself advises you to ‘wipe your feet on your way out’, so we’d definitely recommend wearing an old or cheap pair of shoes you don’t mind getting ruined. The prices are low and there’s different events on different nights of the week to suit different tastes.
9) Crook Hall Gardens
Good for: Relaxing in nature.
What it is: The gardens of a medieval hall.
Why you should go: The gardens are split into different sections, each with its own character, and you can also find a living maze within the grounds of Crook Hall. There’s also a café on site to grab refreshments and a second-hand bookstore for any literature lovers out there. It’s a fifteen-minute walk from the cathedral, and admission is only £8 so it’s an affordable and wholesome day out.
10) Museum of Archaeology
Good for: Learning about archaeology.
What it is: The uni’s archaeology museum.
Why you should go: Entry is free and it’s literally a part of the uni, so it’s barely out of your way to pop in. They’ve got a collection ranging from prehistoric to post-medieval so there’s a lot of historical ground covered here. As well as the regular collection, the museum also has temporary exhibition spaces so make sure you keep checking back during your studies. You can take a look at the collections online as well, so you can figure out what you want to see most before you even visit!
Key info about Durham
The University of Durham is the only uni in the city, but despite this the city is still incredibly student-friendly. Durham itself has a reputation for falling on the more affordable side compared to a lot of other English university cities, so you’ll be getting a good deal for your money here.
The city is popular with tourists thanks to its rich history, which we’ve explored a little bit here, but the city has more to offer than just its past. Students will find the city warm and welcoming, with good opportunities for shopping, nightlife and socialising. As well as the typical UK chains, you’ll also find a lot of independent businesses in Durham, so make sure you hunt around because you never know where you might find one of Durham’s hidden gems.
Thinking about studying in Durham but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.
