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Durham

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Durham

15 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Durham, England

Updated January 24, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Durham

The Durham Obelisk.

Durham, England

Durham Obelisk

An abandoned tower once used to study the cosmos hides within a thicket of greenery.

Cafe on the Green

Durham, England

Café on the Green

Take afternoon tea in a 17th-century almshouse.

Some of the buildings which form the Palace Green Library

Durham, England

Palace Green Library

This library dates back to the late 17th century and was one of the first public lending libraries in England.

The Lanchester Diploma.

Durham, England

The Lanchester Diploma

The 2,000-year-old pieces of metal are an ancient soldier's military discharge papers.

Details of the lamp.

Durham, England

South Bailey Sewer Lamp

These lamps were created to expel sewer gases after an event known as The Great Stink.

Stone Gargoyle Chair

Durham, England

Stone Gargoyle Chair

An unusual stone chair can be found on the banks of the River Wear, not far from Durham Cathedral.

Durham, England

Sanctuary Knocker

Hundreds of years ago, this lion-shaped door knocker could help a person accused of a crime find temporary safe haven in Durham Cathedral.

Looking through the remains of the Priory church

Durham, England

Finchale Priory

The former "holiday home" for monks at the Durham Cathedral.

See All 15 Things To Do in Durham

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Durham

Cafe on the Green

Durham, England

Café on the Green

Take afternoon tea in a 17th-century almshouse.

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Explore Durham, England

History & Culture 6

Design 3

Museums 3

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Universities 2

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Sculptures 2

Durham Leaderboard

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Stories About Durham

The telltale “court hand” that indicates the official nature of the document.

Found: A Lost Charter Issued by King John More Than 800 Years Ago

Is there nothing that libraries can't do?

by Matthew Taub

A pile of winsome soul cakes.

The British Bake Off That's Resurrecting a Forgotten Medieval Cake

Competitors are baking soul cakes, a bygone Halloween treat.

by Abbey Perreault

December 10, 2018

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