Best Bars near Oriental Museum

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.

The Stonebridge Inn is a popular gastropub located on the A690 in Durham, known for its friendly atmosphere, hearty home-cooked food, and a wide selection of real ales and draught beers. This family-friendly pub welcomes dogs and offers an extensive menu featuring traditional British dishes alongside pizzas, pastas, and burgers. With live music on weekends and generous portions, it’s a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking a casual yet vibrant dining experience.

Ye Old Elm Tree is a traditional pub located at 12 Crossgate, Durham, known for its cozy, friendly vibe and rich history dating back to at least 1600. It offers a well-curated selection of real ales, a lively yet comfortable interior with exposed stone walls and wooden beams, and a dog-friendly environment. Popular among locals, students, and visitors, it features an L-shaped bar, a separate upstairs room, and a heated outdoor patio, making it a versatile spot for socialising and enjoying quality drinks.

Located at 53 Crossgate in Durham, The Angel is a traditional British pub known for its warm atmosphere, local ales, and hearty meals. With a cozy interior featuring punk-inspired decor, live music nights, and a welcoming vibe, it offers a quintessential pub experience blending history and vibrant social life in the heart of the city.

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.

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 57 Crossgate in the historic city of Durham, The Holy GrAle is a vibrant craft beer bar known for its extensive selection of local and international brews. Housed in a former board-games café, this open-plan venue offers a quirky, relaxed atmosphere with vaulted basement live music sessions and a well-stocked bottle shop. It’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking quality cask ales and craft beers in a friendly, welcoming setting.

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.

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.

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.