Durham

The questions people ask first about Durham, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
• SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
• Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
• SafetyA small, low-crime city; the real risks are the steep, cobbled lanes after rain, dark riverbank paths at night…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
• Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
• BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
• Museum or sight ticketCathedral entry (donation suggested)Free
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
• Mid-range bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
• High-end bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£200 (≈ US$300)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

NCL Newcastle International (About 40 km (25 mi) north; Metro to Newcastle Central then train to Durham, roughly 1 h door to door (check)) · MME Teesside International (Closest airport but few flights; limited public transport, so a taxi or car is usually needed (check)) · MAN Manchester (About 250 km (155 mi) south with far more routes; no direct train, change at York, about 3 h (check))NCL Newcastle International (About 25 mi (40 km) north; Metro to Newcastle Central then train to Durham, roughly 1 h door to door (check)) · MME Teesside International (Closest airport but few flights; limited public transport, so a taxi or car is usually needed (check)) · MAN Manchester (About 155 mi (250 km) south with far more routes; no direct train, change at York, about 3 h (check))

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

£45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed

Mid

£70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed

High

£120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed

• The railway station sits above the city: the walk down involves steps or a long steep road, so allow 15 min with luggage.
• The peninsula streets are narrow, cobbled and steep in places; pavements are tight for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• A city-centre congestion charge applies in the Market Place area between 10:00 and 16:00, with no charge on Sundays and bank holidays; pay before midnight.A city-centre congestion charge applies in the Market Place area between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with no charge on Sundays and bank holidays; pay before midnight.
• Durham Castle is a working university college: it closes to visitors at times for students and events, so check before travelling.
• The Miners' Gala (usually the first Saturday in July) fills the city; book beds and trains well ahead.