MapVivid
Palace Green and around
A day in Durham · 9:30–16:30 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/durham/itineraries/palace-green-and-aroundA walking day around Palace Green, Palace Green Library and Durham Castle, with a lunch break nearby and Framwellgate Bridge to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Lawn between castle and cathedral at the heart of the World Heritage Site.
- Best spot to photograph the cathedral's north side
- Free to wander any time
↓ 2 min walk
10:302Palace Green Library ↗1 h 30 min
University library with exhibitions of manuscripts and treasures.
- Check what's on before visiting
- Some exhibitions are free
↓ 2 min walk
12:003Durham Castle ↗1 hBook ahead
Norman castle, now University College, visitable on guided tours.
- Tours may stop during university events
- Look out for the Norman chapel
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
14:154Saddler Street ↗30 min
Steep, curving medieval street of shops and cafes up to the castle.
- Climb on to Owengate for the cathedral
- Independent shops and cafes line it
↓ 2 min walk
15:005Historic main square with the Neptune and Marquis of Londonderry statues.
- Saturday markets bring stalls to the square
- Start of most walking routes
↓ 3 min walk
16:006Framwellgate Bridge ↗30 minAt night
Medieval pedestrian bridge with views of castle and cathedral.
- Classic view of the castle above the river
- Links the station side to the old town
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Durham tips
Cultural
- Visit Durham Cathedral: The Norman cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with St Cuthbert's shrine and the tomb of the Venerable Bede.
- Tour Durham Castle: The castle is now part of Durham University; take a guided tour when the college is open to visitors.
- Enjoy a pub lunch: Try a hearty Sunday roast or pie in a traditional pub, a big part of local life.
Local Hacks
- Walk the riverside loop: Follow the River Wear around the peninsula for the best views of the cathedral and Prebends Bridge.
- Hire a rowing boat: Rent a rowing boat by Elvet Bridge in summer for a fun view of the city.
- Catch Lumiere: Durham sometimes hosts Lumiere, a light festival; if it is on, book accommodation early.
Saving
- Book trains early: Advance train tickets are much cheaper than buying on the day.
- Visit the cathedral free: Entry to Durham Cathedral is free, though donations are welcome.
- Avoid graduation and regatta times: Hotel prices rise during university events; check dates before booking.
Security
- Watch the riverbanks at night: The River Wear paths are beautiful but poorly lit; avoid walking alone there late at night, especially after drinking.
- Mind steep cobbles: Streets like Saddler Street and the Bailey are steep and slippery when wet.
- Keep belongings safe: Durham is safe, but watch bags in busy pubs and on market days.
Transportation
- Arrive by train: Durham is on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh; the station has great views of the cathedral.
- Walk the peninsula: The cathedral, castle and Market Place are close together on the river peninsula; walking is the best way to get around.
- Use the Cathedral Bus: A small shuttle bus runs between the railway station, Market Place and Palace Green, saving you the steep climb.
Weather/Clothing
- Bring a waterproof: Rain can fall at any time in northeast England, so always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Winters are cold: December to February is cold and dark early; bring a warm coat, hat and scarf.
- Summers are mild: June to August is pleasant but rarely hot; bring layers for cool evenings by the river.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/durham/itineraries/palace-green-and-around
Day 1 of 39:30–16:306 stops
Palace Green and around
A walking day around Palace Green, Palace Green Library and Durham Castle, with a lunch break nearby and Framwellgate Bridge to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hLawn between castle and cathedral at the heart of the World Heritage Site.
3 tips
- Best spot to photograph the cathedral's north side
- Free to wander any time
- Great picnic spot on sunny days
📷 Photos
2 min walk
210:30 · 1 h 30 minUniversity library with exhibitions of manuscripts and treasures.
3 tips
- Check what's on before visiting
- Some exhibitions are free
- Next to the cathedral on Palace Green
📷 Photos
2 min walk
312:00 · 1 hNorman castle, now University College, visitable on guided tours.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Tours may stop during university events
- Look out for the Norman chapel
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 30 minSteep, curving medieval street of shops and cafes up to the castle.
3 tips
- Climb on to Owengate for the cathedral
- Independent shops and cafes line it
- Cobbles can be slippery when wet
📷 Photos
2 min walk
515:00 · 1 hHistoric main square with the Neptune and Marquis of Londonderry statues.
3 tips
- Saturday markets bring stalls to the square
- Start of most walking routes
- Town Hall and Guildhall sit on the square
📷 Photos
3 min walk
616:00 · 30 minMedieval pedestrian bridge with views of castle and cathedral.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Classic view of the castle above the river
- Links the station side to the old town
- Pretty when lit up at night
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Durham. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.