International

Things to do on a budget

Durham is extremely student friendly. There are many economical options for food, other essentials, entertainment, and sightseeing. For some ideas for less expensive things to do in Durham, please see below:

  • On those days when Durham is blue and sunny, you can climb the Cathedral tower for £5.  Entry to the Cathedral itself is free.
  • Row a boat with friends around Durham’s breathtaking and historic peninsula for £5 per person.
  • Durham University’s Botanic Garden is free to Durham students and is a lovely way to while away a sunny afternoon amongst the bluebells and butterflies.
  • For those wetter weekends, the University’s Oriental Museum and Museum of Archaeology both have excellent permanent and visiting collections to enjoy, free of charge. 
  • You can also visit the Treasures of Durham University exhibition at the newly renovated Palace Green library.  Again, entry is free with a Durham University student card.
  • The Durham Light Infantry Museum is also well worth a visit and entry only costs £2.60 with a student card.
  • Durham Regatta (festival of rowing) takes place at the end of the Easter term and will cost you nothing to enjoy, except maybe £1-£3 for an ice-cream or a glass of Pimms. 
  • A homemade picnic with friends on the riverside racecourse can be enjoyed whilst supporting your college team play in an afternoon cricket match.
  • Coffee and cake is a very popular choice and can be obtained for around £4 or less in a variety of Durham’s lovely coffee shops. Some cafés serve tea and scones at special discount prices, so watch out for these tasty and enticing offers.
  • If you fancy a change of scenery, a round trip to the bright lights of Newcastle, with a 16-25 railcard, costs as little as £3.90.
  • The Bede Film Society (based at St.Hilde and St.Bede’s College) shows recent films every Saturday and Sunday nights for £1 for members or £3 for non-members. 
  • College and Students Union societies run a wide assortment of outstanding and unusual events throughout the year available to all at very low cost. These may include anything from outdoor performances of Shakespeare in Durham Castle’s Fellow’s Garden to College beer festivals. Current events are usually advertised in your College but may also be listed on the Durham University ‘What’s On’ website.

*all activities and prices listed above are correct at the time of publication.