Durham’s venues are deeply rooted in the city’s long history, a landscape shaped by ecclesiastical power, industrial ambition, and centuries of learning. The city’s spirit of place is keenly felt in its buildings, from repurposed medieval warehouses overlooking the River Wear to grand Victorian halls and more modern spaces designed to complement the historic surroundings.
Many of our listings reflect this blend of past and present. You’ll find establishments within the historic heart of Castle Keep, alongside spaces further afield in neighbourhoods like Neville’s Cross, where the character is more residential and quietly historic. Further still, the growing community of West Rainton offers its own distinct flavour, bringing a different perspective to Durham’s social scene.
These aren’t simply listings of addresses, but a reflection of local life. Whether it’s a pub with tradition, a gallery showcasing regional artists, or a contemporary event space, each venue contributes to the distinctive character of Durham.
We work to ensure this directory provides an accurate, up-to-date picture of what’s happening across the city. Our venue information is refreshed daily, so you can rely on it to reflect current events and opportunities. We aim to provide a useful resource that reflects the genuine flavour of Durham.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Restaurant
Stable HearthStable Hearth, in Darlington, serves wood-fired pizzas. Located on Duke Street, it’s a lively addition to the area’s dining scene. The venue is known for its wood-fired oven and the authentic taste it brings to the menu.
View Info →Food & Drink
Rain FlowerRain Flower is a cocktail bar on Durham’s riverside, near the city’s medieval castle and cathedral. The bar is known for its range of floral-themed cocktails, served with attention to detail. Locals and visitors go to Rain Flower for drinks and small plates, often before or after seeing the city centre.
View Info →Supermarket
Heron FoodsHeron Foods is a supermarket serving Middlesbrough and the wider North East England region. Located on Linthorpe Road, the venue is part of the area's commercial district, offering convenient shopping. Heron Foods is known for affordable prices and a diverse selection of food.
View Info →Restaurant
LebaneatLebaneat is a restaurant on North Bailey in Durham. This area of Durham is known for its historic buildings and proximity to the city’s university, creating a lively atmosphere. Lebaneat is known for its Lebaneat Mixed Grill, a flavorful introduction to Lebanese cuisine.
View Info →Climbing Centre
ROF 59 Climbing CentreROF 59 Climbing Centre is an indoor climbing venue on Durham Way South in Newton Aycliffe. This part of Durham is becoming known for leisure activities. ROF 59 Climbing Centre features six auto belays and a Trampoline Park, appealing to a range of abilities.
View Info →Food & Drink
Undercroft restaurantUndercroft restaurant is a restaurant located on Saddler Street in Durham. The street's medieval architecture reflects Durham's history as a cathedral city. This restaurant is within a 15th-century vaulted undercroft, originally part of Durham Cathedral's monastic buildings.
View Info →1,406 total places
Restaurant
Stable HearthStable Hearth, in Darlington, serves wood-fired pizzas.
View Info →Rain Flower is a cocktail bar on Durham’s riverside, near the city’s medieval castle and cathedral.
View Info →Restaurant
LebaneatLebaneat is a restaurant on North Bailey in Durham.
View Info →Undercroft restaurant is a restaurant located on Saddler Street in Durham.
View Info →Mario's Pizzeria is a pizzeria on North Road in Durham.
View Info →My Masala is a restaurant serving Indian cuisine, located on North Road in Durham.
View Info →863 total places
Pub
Union ArmsThe Union Arms is a traditional pub on High Street in Tyldesley, offering a warm atmosphere.
View Info →Sloane's Sports Bar is a sports bar on Low Newton in Durham.
View Info →The Surtees is a pub on Old Elvet in Durham, a street known for its mix of historic buildings and student life.
View Info →The Cartologist is a maps and drinks venue on Elvet Bridge in Durham.
View Info →Pub
The Horse Shoe InnThe Horse Shoe Inn is a pub on Church Street in Durham, easily accessible from the city’s historic areas.
View Info →Three Horse Shoes is a pub on Sidegate, Durham.
View Info →203 total places
Climbing Centre
ROF 59 Climbing CentreROF 59 Climbing Centre is an indoor climbing venue on Durham Way South in Newton Aycliffe.
View Info →Leisure Centre
The Louisa CentreThe Louisa Centre is a community leisure and recreation facility on Front Street in Stanley.
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Crook Leisure CentreCrook Leisure Centre is a community sports and fitness facility in Durham.
View Info →Leisure Facility
Active Life @CoxhoeActive Life @Coxhoe is a sports and leisure facility serving the Coxhoe neighbourhood of Durham.
View Info →Lifestyle Fitness is a fitness center on Elvet Bridge in Durham.
View Info →Leisure Centre
Chester-Le-Street Leisure CentreChester-Le-Street Leisure Centre is a multi-facility sports centre serving the local community.
View Info →37 total places
Supermarket
Heron FoodsHeron Foods is a supermarket serving Middlesbrough and the wider North East England region.
View Info →Co-operative Food is a supermarket on North Road, easily accessible from Durham.
View Info →Co-operative Store
Allendale Co-operative SocietyAllendale Co-operative Society is a cooperative store serving the community of Allendale in Durham.
View Info →The Co-operative in Durham is a grocery store serving the area's everyday needs.
View Info →Crook Convenience Store is a convenience store serving residents of Durham.
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