Local area guide
Living in Durham
Thinking about moving to Durham? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.
Your guide to moving to Durham
Why Durham is a good place to live
Durham, a city brimming with charm and character, is a mix of city vibrancy and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal place to call home. Living in Durham offers a balanced lifestyle with a rich blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. Impeccably conserved medieval buildings sit alongside innovative developments, offering a visual feast for residents and visitors alike. The cost of amenities such as utilities and broadband is more affordable than the nationwide average, making everyday life a bit easier. With ample beautiful open spaces like Wharton Park, plenty of retail therapy options, a range of eateries, and cultural sites like the Gala Theatre, life in Durham is truly rewarding.
What's Durham famous for?
Durham is famous for its historic marvels, particularly the Romanesque Durham Cathedral and the Norman Durham Castle. Both these landmarks together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to Durham University, which is ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings in 2022. Pop culture hasn't ignored Durham either, with the city and its cathedral featuring in the well-loved Harry Potter films.
Things to do in Durham
There's no shortage of things to keep you entertained in Durham. For history buffs, there's the alluring Durham Cathedral and Castle. Shoppers can indulge at places like Prince Bishops Shopping Centre and Durham Market Hall. Foodies have an array of first-rate restaurants to choose from, and theatre buffs can look forward to memorable performances at the Gala Theatre. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, visiting the beautiful Holmside Park or trying out exciting adventures at Valhalla North Axe Throwing will make for a great day out. With so much on offer, life in Durham is nothing short of exciting and fulfilling.
We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.
Average asking prices in Durham today
We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.
Transport in Durham
Find the nearest train stations and other transport links in Durham.
Local connections
- Bishop Auckland
- National Rail
- 3 miles / 4.8 km
- Shildon
- National Rail
- 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
- Newton Aycliffe
- National Rail
- 7.4 miles / 11.9 km
- Heighington
- National Rail
- 8.3 miles / 13.4 km
Schools in Durham
Discover local primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Durham.
Education in Durham
- St Chad's Catholic Primary School, Witton Park
- Ages: 3 - 11 years old
- Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
- Witton-le-Wear Primary School
- Ages: 3 - 11 years old
- Toft Hill Primary School
- Ages: 4 - 11 years old
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2014)
- Escomb Primary School
- Ages: 5 - 11 years old
- Ofsted Rating: Requires improvement (2023)
- Howden-le-Wear Primary School
- Ages: 2 - 11 years old
- Hunwick Primary School
- Ages: 3 - 11 years old
- Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
Local pubs in Durham
In partnership with
Sportsman Inn
Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland, DL14
Saxon Inn
Escomb, Bishop Auckland, DL14
Red Lion
North Bitchburn, Crook, DL15The Red Lion was originally a farm, then in the late 1700's it became a Drovers Inn and was used by farmers to water and rest themselves and their stock on the journey to Bishop Auckland mart.
Joiners Arms
Hunwick, Crook, DL15Good Food,Good Wine,Good Company
Blacksmiths Arms
West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, DL14