Best Bars near Durham Cathedral

24 North Bailey Club, affectionately known as 24s, is a vibrant bar and social club located on Durham's iconic North Bailey. Open primarily to Durham University students, it serves as a lively venue for bar crawls, karaoke, film nights, and quiet drinks alike. The club is deeply embedded in student life, with profits reinvested to support the Durham Union Society and its events. Its classic yet cozy décor fosters a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Durham's historic center.

Located at 46 Saddler Street in Durham, The Library is a lively pub and sports bar known for its extensive drink selection, creative vegan options, and welcoming atmosphere. Open from morning until late, it offers a casual spot for locals and visitors to enjoy quality food, drinks, and social events in a quirky, student-friendly setting.

The Shakespeare Tavern is a beloved traditional pub located on Saddler Street in Durham, known for its cozy atmosphere, rich theatrical history, and reputation as one of the city’s most haunted pubs. Housed in a 12th-century building, it offers a welcoming space with real ales and a quirky, authentic vibe cherished by locals and visitors alike.

Located in the heart of Durham on North Road, Revolution Durham offers a dynamic blend of a stylish cocktail bar, restaurant, and lively nightlife venue. Enjoy creative cocktails, fresh seasonal dishes, and stunning views of the River Wear, Durham Castle, and Cathedral from its heated rooftop terrace. With a relaxed daytime atmosphere that transforms into a buzzing party scene at night, it caters to diverse tastes from brunch to late-night dancing.

Osbournes is a lively bar and small club located at 21A Elvet Bridge in Durham, known for its vibrant music nights, intimate atmosphere, and a strong local following. It offers a varied selection of drinks including a notable gin collection, and hosts popular DJ nights featuring drag queen performances. With late-night opening hours on weekends, it is a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts seeking a fun and energetic venue in the heart of Durham.

Blue Eye is a vibrant cocktail bar located at 25 Elvet Bridge in Durham, UK. Known for its creative mixology, stylish decor, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails. Open late into the night, it serves as a lively social hub, especially on weekends, with friendly staff and themed events enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike.

The Fighting Cocks is a popular pub located at 4 South Street in Durham, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and friendly vibe. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it offers a casual setting ideal for socializing and enjoying reasonably priced food and drinks in the heart of the city.

Nestled on Durham’s iconic Elvet Bridge, Tin Of Sardines Gin Bar is reputedly the smallest gin bar in the world, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and vast selection of over 200 gins. This quirky, cozy spot offers expertly crafted drinks tailored by passionate ‘Ginologists’ in a space licensed for just 16 guests, making it a unique and memorable experience for gin lovers and visitors alike.

Nestled in a Grade I-listed Tudor building on New Elvet, The Half Moon Inn is a renowned pub in Durham celebrated for its rich history, excellent selection of real ales and craft beers, and welcoming riverside courtyard. Known for its lively local atmosphere and friendly staff, it offers a quintessential British pub experience without serving food, focusing instead on quality drinks and conviviality.

Old Toms Gin Bar, located at 33 Riverwalk in Durham, is a vibrant and stylish spot famed for its extensive gin selection, artisan cheese and charcuterie boards, and expert bartenders known as Ginologists. With riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a perfect blend of historic gin heritage and contemporary mixology, ideal for relaxed afternoons or lively evenings.