The Atlas Obscura Guide To Durham

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Durham, England

Updated December 5, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Durham

Durham, England

Durham Obelisk

An abandoned tower once used to study the cosmos hides within a thicket of greenery.

Durham, England

Café on the Green

Take afternoon tea in a 17th-century almshouse.

Durham, England

Palace Green Library

This library dates back to the late 17th century and was one of the first public lending libraries in England.

Durham, England

The Lanchester Diploma

The 2,000-year-old pieces of metal are an ancient soldier's military discharge papers.

Looking through the remains of the Priory church

Durham, England

Finchale Priory

The former "holiday home" for monks at the Durham Cathedral.

Durham, England

Stone Gargoyle Chair

An unusual stone chair can be found on the banks of the River Wear, not far from Durham Cathedral.

Durham, England

South Bailey Sewer Lamp

These lamps were created to expel sewer gases after an event known as The Great Stink.

See All 18 Things To Do in Durham

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Durham

Durham, England

Café on the Green

Take afternoon tea in a 17th-century almshouse.

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Explore Durham, England

History & Culture 6

Sculptures 4

Universities 4

Museums 3

Design 3

Bridges 2

Architecture 2

History 2

Statues 2

Ruins 1

Libraries 1

Rare Books 1

Games 1

Collections 1

Churches 1

Observatories 1

Unesco 1

Art 1

Military History 1

Saints 1

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has been to The Count's House
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has been to 'The Journey'
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Stories About Durham

The telltale “court hand” that indicates the official nature of the document.

Found: A Lost Charter Issued by King John More Than 800 Years Ago

Is there nothing that libraries can't do?

by Matthew Taub

March 27, 2019

The British Bake Off That's Resurrecting a Forgotten Medieval Cake

Competitors are baking soul cakes, a bygone Halloween treat.

by Abbey Perreault

December 10, 2018

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Durham

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Durham, England

Unusual Attractions in Durham

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Durham

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Durham, England

Durham Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Durham Activity

Stories About Durham

Found: A Lost Charter Issued by King John More Than 800 Years Ago

The British Bake Off That's Resurrecting a Forgotten Medieval Cake

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