Durham's vibrant nightlife has plenty to keep you out and about well after sundown. Be it for tasty food, live music or after-dinner drinks, this charming and picturesque city has options as diverse as they are convenient to get to.

Look no further than these hotspots right in the heart of town. From pubs to a night market, from live performances to spine-chilling paranormal tours, Durham has what it takes to make for a great night out with friends or family. It’s worth noting that Durham is a university city, so expect many of these venues to be crowded at weekends during term.

  • 1

    Half Moon Inn

    Grab a pint at this historic pub

    Half Moon Inn
    • Historia
    • Yöelämä

    Half Moon Inn takes its name from its most prominent feature: a handsome crescent-shaped bar running from the lively front room to the cosy lounge area. Located at the centre of Durham, the pub has a wide range of local and regional cask ales. Tune in to live sporting events or just come by for a round of drinks with your friends.

    If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to order a cold pint at their spacious beer garden, where you can enjoy riverside views of the Durham Cathedral.

    Osoite: 86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ, UK

    Avoinna: Friday–Saturday from noon to midnight, Sunday–Thursday from noon to 11 pm

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 741918

    Kartta

    Valokuva: Adam Bruderer (CC BY 2.0) muokattu

  • 2

    Old Cinema Launderette

    Enjoy live performances at this quirky venue

    Old Cinema Launderette
    • Historia
    • Yöelämä
    • Uniikki

    Old Cinema Launderette is one of Durham’s charming local gems, operating as laundry shop by day and music venue by night. Known for live performances called the Launderette Sessions, this former movie theatre is a staple for music lovers who fancy its quaint and intimate atmosphere. Locals and tourists also frequent this spot to enjoy craft beers and gins, served from the onsite café-bar.

    The launderette dates back to 1928, when it was still known as the Crescent Cinema. Today, it pays homage to its history with a gallery of vintage washing-related advertisements.

    Osoite: 38 Marshall Terrace, Durham DH1 2HX, UK

    Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Friday from 9 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 841412

    Kartta
  • 3

    Gala Theatre and Cinema

    The centrepiece of Durham’s cultural scene

    Gala Theatre and Cinema
    • Yöelämä

    Durham’s Gala Theatre and Cinema stands grandly by the banks of the River Wear. With its state-of-the-art facilities, you can enjoy live performances by leading theatre companies, comedians and musicians in classy comfort.

    Apart from live shows, you can also catch the latest blockbuster hits, independent features and classic films at 2 cinemas within the massive complex. There’s also a spacious café-bar where you can relax in style before and after shows. The Gala Theatre and Cinema hosts seasonal art and film festivals and exhibits to boot, so be sure to check their calendar to see what’s in store during your visit.

    Osoite: 1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA, UK

    Avoinna: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm

    Puhelin: +44 (0)300 026 6600

    Kartta

    Valokuva: Clem Rutter (CC BY 3.0) muokattu

  • 4

    Full Moon Market

    Savour the unique atmosphere at this monthly night market

    Full Moon Market
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    Held every month on a full moon night in Durham, the aptly named Full Moon Market is a celebration of street food from different cultures and culinary styles around the world. If you’re raring to try something different for dinner, head on over to Durham’s historic Market Place.

    Here, you can have your pick of grub from a wide selection of street food vendors. Browse the stalls for delectable grilled meats, steam buns, fresh pizza, kangaroo burgers, and more. This monthly event also hosts live performances by local bands and artists. Before planning your visit, check which full moon night the market is scheduled to take place.

    Osoite: Market Place, Durham DH13NJ, UK

    Avoinna: Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 846153

    Kartta
  • 5

    Durham Ghost Walk

    Discover Durham’s darkest secrets

    Durham Ghost Walk
    • Perheet
    • Historia
    • Yöelämä
    • Uniikki

    If you’re looking for spine-chilling adventures, join Durham Ghost Walks, which take place every first Sunday of the month. The ghost walks offer 5 distinct tours. ‘Most Haunted Durham’ will test your psychic abilities in the city’s paranormal hotspots. ‘Pubs and Prisons’ takes you on a tour of Durham’s dungeons and their history. 

    ‘A Horrid History of Durham’ will give you family-friendly frights. ‘Adult Durham’, on the other hand, is an education on ancient fertility rituals. Finally, the ‘Gilesgate and the Silver Link Bridge’ tour will have you seek out ghostly scares in the city’s most haunted sites.

    Osoite: 32 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RD, UK

    Avoinna: Sunday from 8pm onwards

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 846583

    Kartta
  • 6

    Whisky River

    Come for cocktails at this riverside bar

    Whisky River
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    If you want to enjoy refreshing cocktails by the scenic banks of the River Wear, add the Whisky River on your itinerary. This Durham staple offers an extensive selection of premium cocktails that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. It also serves spirits, wines and beers, along with generous servings of tasty pub grub to go with your drink.

    The laidback atmosphere comes with live music from leading and up-and-coming performers. The staff is friendly and welcoming, more than ready to attend to your needs.

    Osoite: Elvet Riverside, Durham DH1 3UJ, UK

    Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to midnight, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to midnight

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 849511

    Kartta
  • 7

    Tin of Sardines

    Step back in time at this vintage-chic speakeasy

    Tin of Sardines
    • Yöelämä

    With seating capacity for only 16 people, Tin of Sardines is likely the smallest gin bar in the world – it certainly is the smallest bar in Durham, hands down. Even so, this cosy venue boasts an impressive drinks selection. Choose from 230 types of gin, 60 tonics, 40 mixers and an assortment of fresh fruits and herbs to create myriad combinations with.

    If you’re unsure of what to get, you can ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff for recommendations. In such a small but comfy space, the service feels even more personal and attentive.

    Osoite: 18 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA, UK

    Avoinna: Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 11.30 pm, Sunday–Tuesday from noon to 11 pm

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 741666

    Kartta
  • 8

    Ebony Champagne Bar

    Treat yourself at this classy champagne bar

    Ebony Champagne Bar
    • Pariskunnat
    • Luksus
    • Yöelämä

    Ebony Champagne Bar has just the right ambience for a date or a fancy night out in Durham. It’s elegant, but far from stuffy. With bold modern décor and expert staff, it’s easy to see why it’s the trendy place to be.

    Choose from the bar’s wide selection of vintage and non-vintage champagnes, fine wines, spirits, beers and over 40 different cocktails. Drop by on a Friday if you want to cap off your week with some fun live performances.

    Osoite: 8 Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SQ, UK

    Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 1 am, Sunday from noon to midnight

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 757121

    Kartta
  • 9

    The Library

    Meet new people at this fun and friendly bar

    The Library
    • Yöelämä

    The Library’s social atmosphere makes it a great spot for meeting new people in Durham. As a sports bar, it comes with 11 high-definition TVs and 2 big screens. They also have 2 pool tables if you fancy a game during your visit. Drop by on Thursdays to join its popular weekly pub quiz.

    Drinks at The Library include craft beers from local breweries, classic and signature cocktails, along with a selection of premium spirits. The bar also serves delicious pub grub, including burgers, chicken wings, toasties, and veggie nuggets.

    Osoite: 46 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU, UK

    Avoinna: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 846704

    Kartta
  • 10

    Osbournes

    Enjoy a lively night with cocktails and music in this old-style pub

    Osbournes
    • Yöelämä

    Conveniently located at the nightlife centre of Durham, Osbournes offers different events for every night of the week. On Mondays, it hosts an LGBTQ+ night called Rainbow Rooms. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are doubles night, while live music takes place on Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, its resident DJs take the stage. Sundays are open mic night.

    Osbournes has an extensive selection of reasonably priced ales, lagers, cocktails and spirits. Coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this old-style pub is a favourite among locals and tourists in Durham.

    Osoite: 21A Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA, UK

    Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 8 pm to midnight, Friday from 7 pm to midnight, Saturday from 2 pm to midnight, Sunday from 6 pm to 1 am

    Puhelin: +44 (0)1913 832783

    Kartta
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