What to do in Durham when it rains
When Durham turns grey, head for the indoors — centuries of history in its museums, art to lose an hour in, and markets and cafés out of the rain.
Museums
Spend a few hours in the city's museums — many are free, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to take your time.
Art galleries
Duck into the art galleries; they're quiet, warm and rarely busier than on a wet day.
Historic sites
Explore the indoor historic sites and their covered galleries.
- Witton Park Viaduct Bishop Auckland DL14 0DW, UK
- Etherley Incline 3 Belts Gill Cottages, Witton Park, Bishop Auckland DL14 0DG, UK
- High House Trig Point N Bitchburn Terrace, Crook DL15 8AL, UK
- Gaunless Bridge 135 Oakley Grn, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9JF, UK
- Old Pub Crook DL15 0RB, UK
- Old railway Viaduct Plaque A689, Bishop Auckland DL14 7PY, UK
Covered markets
Browse the covered market — street-food stalls, local makers and somewhere dry to graze for an hour.
- Tesco Extra St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9AB, UK
Cafés
Claim a window seat in a cosy café and watch the rain instead of walking in it.
- The Dairy Barn High house farm, Crook DL15 8AN, UK
- Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre Low Ln, Bishop Auckland DL14 0AG, UK
- The 68 Cafe A68 Toft Hill Ln, Bishop Auckland DL14 0JF, UK
- M&S Foodhall Unit D, 39 Pier Avenue, Tindale Crescent, St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland DL14 9TE, UK
- Curlew cafe - High Farm Holiday Park Limited High farm holiday park limited High Farm, Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland DL14 0QA, UK
- Gulf Bridge End Garage, Bridge St, Howden-le-Wear, Crook DL15 8ES, UK
Indoor shopping
Hit the covered shopping streets and centres — everything under one roof.
Venue suggestions powered by Google — tap a name for the map, and always check opening times before you go. 13 places listed; the list refreshes regularly.