Alternative Durham - 10 things to do for £5 or less!

Jam Jah - £5

Undoubtedly one of the best nights out in Durham, Jam Jah is unlike anything you will have experienced before! A different artist plays each month, and you can buy affordable food and drinks for the night. Jam Jah runs on the last Friday of every month, in Alington House on the Bailey.

TESTT Space - Prices Vary

TESTT Space provides an array of activities from art exhibitions to gigs to public discussions, and many of the events are free! Follow their Facebook Page to keep updated on what is currently on. TESTT Space also offer affordable spaces for those interested in putting on their own exhibitions. Located just past the bus station on North Road, this venue is accessible via a flight of stairs only.

Oriental Museum – Free

Located between Trevelyan College and St. Aidan’s College, the Oriental Museum has a collection of more than 23,500 Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Egyptian artefacts. Highlights include ancient pottery and jewellery, stone sculptures, and antique arms and armour. It’s the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art of North Africa and Asia. As it’s run by Durham University, your campus card will get you free entry!

Botanical gardens – Free

Looking for somewhere peaceful to go to get out of the madness of Freshers’ Week? Located between Collingwood and Josephine Butler, the botanical gardens boast an array of exotic plants, alongside many unique pieces of artwork hidden within the gardens. The gardens are run by Durham University, meaning you can get free entry with your campus card!

Wharton Park - Free

A short walk up from North Road, you’ll find Wharton Park which has recently been reopened following a £3 million restoration programme. The park has existed since 1857, having been the home of the first ever Durham Miners Gala in 1871. The park now offers beautiful views of the Cathedral, an amphitheatre, outdoor gym and putting green, alongside much more.

Mining Art Gallery - £4

A bus ride out of Durham City, into Bishop Auckland (via the Arriva 56 service which is £1 to students with a campus card) you’ll find the Mining Art Gallery. Familiarise yourself with Durham’s mining heritage, through the artwork of local artists such as Norman Cornish. The gallery provides an opportunity to explore both the history of mining and the impact it had on County Durham as a whole.

Durham Cathedral – Free

One of Durham’s most iconic features is Durham Cathedral. The current building begun in 1093 and currently is the home of the shrine of St Cuthbert. As well as being a beautiful place to walk round, the Cathedral holds events such as art displays, film screenings, and markets. The Cathedral also featured in Harry Potter!

Old Durham Gardens – Free

Just a short walk from Maiden Castle, you’ll find the hidden Old Durham Gardens. Attached to a manor house, the gardens have a rich history which the volunteers in the gardens would be happy to explore with you! You may even fancy lending a few hours for volunteering or gardening in the gardens yourself. The gardens offer a great view of Durham City and the Cathedral, making the perfect place to take a break from uni stress!

Durham University Observatory – Free

Durham University Observatory was founded in 1839 and currently has the longest unbroken meteorological record of any UK University, whilst providing forecasts to the UK Met Office. Observatory Hill also provides one of the best views of the Cathedral in Durham, and proves a popular place for barbeques in the summer!

Durham Town Hall – Free

Durham Town Hall is a Grade II listed building, boasting a number of beautiful features such as stunning stained-glass windows, a Victorian Great Hall and balcony overlooking the Market Place. Behind the scenes guided tours of the building can be booked by contacting the Town Hall directly, and offer a great way to explore Durham’s history.

Chelsea Lowdon (2018), ed. Frank Simpson (2019)