Location and Directions
The Oriental Museum is located on Elvet Hill, Durham DH1 3TH.
Use the links on the right to view maps guiding you to the museum. These maps can also be downloaded by using the links at the bottom of the page. Directions for those travelling on foot, by bike, using public transport or by car are given below.
You can also use Transport Direct to create a door to door travel plan for all these methods of travel.
Reaching the Oriental Museum
By Foot
From the train station: leaving the train station, take North Road down towards Framwelgate Bridge. Before reaching the bridge go uphill, taking the first left past The Fighting Cocks public house to continue up cobbled South Street to reach Quarryheads Lane. Here, turn left and walk for a few minutes to reach a roundabout. Turn right here, going up Potters Bank until reaching Elvet Hill Road on the left. Walk along Elvet Hill Road until you reach the Oriental Museum on the right. Please note that this is a hilly route, which takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
Alternatively: at Framwelgate Bridge, just before crossing the bridge, take the steps down to the river bank path and follow the scenic riverside path up to Prebend's Bridge. Here, turn right up the hill, and then left at the stone cottage. Continue through the white gate to reach the roundabout and then continue as above.
From Kingsgate Bridge: turn right up New Elvet, and stay to the right through Church Street and Anchorage Terrace to reach the junction with the New Inn public house. Here, follow the hill straight up South Road to reach a right turn onto Elvet Hill Road. Here, follow signs to the Oriental Museum. This is a 30 minute up hill walk.
Cycling
Information on cycle lanes and routes in Durham can be found on Durham County Council website or try the cycle planner provided by Transport Direct. There are cycle racks directly in front of the museum entrance and further cycle racks can be found in front of Elvet Hill House, to the side of the museum. Visitors are very welcome to use these racks but do so at their own risk.
For more information on cycling in Durham, see the Durham Bicycle Users Group website and for information on cycle hire across the North East see the Visit North East England website.
By Bus
There are several express coach services daily from most major cities to Durham city. From Durham bus station, catch the 6 and 6a to Bishop Auckland and alight at the stop for the Botanic Garden. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and turn down Elvet Hill Road. You will see the museum ahead of you at the corner of Elvet Hill Road and Mill Hill Lane. For up-to-date travel information, please see www.traveline.org.uk, or contact Traveline on 0871 2002233.
By Rail
Durham railway station is on the East Coast Main Line. It is a principal stop and is called at by many intercity services. The journey takes approximately three hours from London, one and a half hours from Edinburgh, forty-five minutes from York, or fifteen minutes from Newcastle.
By Car
From the South: Drive north on the A1(M), exiting at Junction 61 (signposted Durham Services). At the exit roundabout, take the A177, passing through Bowburn and Shincliffe. As you enter the outskirts of Durham, turn left at the first roundabout. Continue to follow the A177, turning left at the set of traffic lights. Follow the A177 up the hill. Just past the entrance to Collingwood College turn right onto Elvet Hill Road. The Oriental Museum is located up the first road on the left and dedicated disabled parking together with a small number of spaces are available at the museum entrance. Some roadside metered parking is also available on Elvet Hill Road.
From the North: Drive south on the A1(M) and exit at Junction 62. Take the A690 signposted for Durham and Consett. At the next roundabout take the third exit signposted City Centre and Consett. At the roundabout at the bottom of the hill take the first exit. At the traffic lights after the Pelican crossing take the right fork. At the next set of lights go straight ahead on the A177 up the hill. Just past the entrance to Collingwood College turn right and follow the directions as above.
Visitors wishing to visit the city centre might also consider using the nearby Park and Ride facilities which are just a short walk from the museum on South Road. From here a regular bus service travels in and out of the city centre. For more information on Durham City Park and Ride including a map and payment details see the the visit Durham tourism website.
