Holiday rentals and lettings in Durham

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Durham?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Durham: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Durham: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Durham?

• Choice of accommodation: From characterful cottages to city apartments and log cabins, Durham suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In the cobbled medieval centre near the cathedral, or out towards the riverside and the surrounding dales.
• What guests love: A UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and castle, cobbled streets, wooded riverside walks and a lively university city.
• Best time to visit: Summer for river walks and events, spring and autumn for exploring the city, and quiet, atmospheric winters.
• Things to do: Marvel at Durham Cathedral, explore Durham Castle, stroll the River Wear and visit Beamish Museum.

Durham's holiday lettings are full of character, from historic cottages in Durham in the old streets to stylish apartments in Durham and cosy log cabins in Durham in the surrounding countryside. Many enjoy period charm or cathedral and river views, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a cobbled-street bolthole or a rural base near the dales, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• Period features and characterful interiors
• A garden or courtyard for warm evenings
• Parking or a central spot near the shops
• Holiday homes in Durham with room for the whole family

Wherever you base yourself, the cathedral, the river or the countryside is rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare cottages in Northumberland and cottages in the Lake District.

What are the best areas to stay in Durham?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the medieval centre is best for history and charm, while the outskirts suit the river and countryside. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Durham through Holidu often highlight the magnificent Norman cathedral, the cobbled streets and the wealth of independent shops, museums and pubs. Many mention the wooded riverside walks along the Wear, the lively university city and the easy access to Beamish and the dales, and return for the rare mix of history, culture and countryside all close together.

Set on a wooded loop of the River Wear in north-east England, Durham is one of the country's most striking historic cities, crowned by its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and castle on a dramatic rocky peninsula. Famous for its magnificent Norman architecture, cobbled medieval centre and thriving university, it sits close to Beamish Living Museum, the Auckland Project at Bishop Auckland and the rolling Durham and Northumberland Dales. Atmospheric and full of character, it makes a delightful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Durham?

Most visitors arrive by car or by train from Newcastle and further afield. Here are the most common ways to get to the city:

• By car: Durham is reached via the A1(M) and A167, within easy reach of Newcastle, Sunderland and the north-east coast. A car is handy for exploring Beamish, the dales and the villages, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Durham has its own station on the East Coast Main Line, with fast services to Newcastle, York and London. The station is a short walk from the centre, making it a relaxed, car-free way to arrive and explore the cobbled streets on foot.

🥗Where to eat in Durham?

According to Google Maps reviews, Brasserie Quartier is one of the best rated restaurants in Durham. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers rate The Cellar Door: modern British cooking in an atmospheric 13th-century former bakery on Saddler Street, perfect for a special meal after a wander around the peninsula.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather for riverside walks and events, while spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the city and the dales. Winter is atmospheric and quiet, with cosy pubs and the glow of the cathedral.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: River walks, rowing and city events
• Weather: Warm and often sunny
• Atmosphere: Lively along the cobbled streets

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Walking, wildlife and fewer crowds
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy pubs, museums and atmospheric walks
• Weather: Cool and crisp, sometimes frosty
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Durham hosts recommend an early morning walk across Palace Green to the cathedral before the day-trippers arrive, then a stroll along the wooded riverside path beneath the castle. Ask your host about the best riverside viewpoints and their favourite hidden pub.

1. Marvel at Durham Cathedral
2. Explore Durham Castle and Palace Green
3. Stroll the River Wear
4. Step back in time at Beamish Museum
5. Discover Bishop Auckland

1. Marvel at Durham Cathedral

   The heart of Durham is its magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture soaring above the peninsula. Begun in 1093, it is one of the finest medieval buildings in Europe, with its mighty pillars, ribbed vaults and the shrine of St Cuthbert. Climb the tower for sweeping views, wander the cloisters and soak up nearly a thousand years of history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the unmissable highlight of any visit.

2. Explore Durham Castle and Palace Green

   Facing the cathedral across the green stands Durham Castle, a splendid Norman fortress that has been home to bishops and, today, part of Durham University. Join a guided tour to see its great hall, Norman chapel and grand staircase, then linger on Palace Green, the historic heart of the peninsula. Together castle and cathedral form one of England's most memorable townscapes and reward a leisurely exploration.

3. Stroll the River Wear

   The River Wear loops gracefully around the old city, and its wooded banks offer some of Durham's loveliest walks. Follow the leafy riverside paths beneath the castle, cross the ancient bridges and watch the rowers glide by. Hire a rowing boat in summer or simply pause on a bench to admire the reflections of the cathedral. Peaceful and green, it is a delightful escape right in the heart of the city.

4. Step back in time at Beamish Museum

   A short drive from the city, Beamish Living Museum vividly recreates life in the north-east across the decades, from a Victorian town to a 1900s colliery village and a 1940s farm. Ride vintage trams and buses, chat with costumed characters and sample sweets made the old-fashioned way. Immersive and great fun for all ages, it is one of the region's most popular days out and a highlight for families.

5. Discover Bishop Auckland

   Just south of Durham, Bishop Auckland is home to the ambitious Auckland Project, centred on the restored Auckland Castle with its galleries, gardens and viewing tower. In summer, the spectacular open-air Kynren show brings 2,000 years of English history to life with a vast cast and dazzling effects. Cultural and surprising, the town makes a rewarding excursion from the city and a memorable evening out.