The Half Moon Inn: Historic Riverside Pub in Durham
Historic Tudor pub in Durham offering quality ales, a lively local atmosphere, and a scenic riverside courtyard with cathedral views.
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.
A brief summary to The Half Moon Inn
- 86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ, GB
- +441913741918
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-12 am
- Tuesday 11 am-12 am
- Wednesday 11 am-12 am
- Thursday 11 am-12 am
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-1 am
- Sunday 11 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the riverside courtyard for a scenic and relaxing spot to enjoy your drink, especially on warm days.
- Try a selection of real ales or craft beers to experience the pub’s award-winning beverage offerings.
- Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, as the pub is popular and lively during peak hours.
- Engage with the friendly staff for recommendations and local insights—they are known for their welcoming service.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Half Moon Inn location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Half Moon Inn
A Tudor Gem on Durham’s Riverside
The Half Moon Inn occupies a striking Grade I-listed Tudor building, its historic charm preserved amid the bustle of Durham city. The timber-framed façade and period features transport visitors back centuries, offering a tangible connection to the city's rich architectural heritage. Situated on New Elvet, the pub overlooks the scenic riverside, providing a peaceful yet vibrant setting that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of nearby Durham Cathedral.A Focus on Exceptional Drinks
Unlike many pubs, The Half Moon Inn does not serve food, placing all emphasis on its impressive beverage offerings. It boasts a carefully curated lineup of real ales, craft beers, and a variety of spirits including gins and cocktails. The pub’s dedication to quality has earned it recognition from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and inclusion in the Good Beer Guide. Patrons can enjoy their drinks inside the cozy historic interiors or take advantage of the inviting riverside courtyard during warmer months.Atmosphere and Community Spirit
The pub is famed for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the friendliness of its staff, who are knowledgeable and eager to engage with guests. This creates a genuine local vibe where visitors often find themselves in lively conversations and enjoying excellent banter. The Half Moon Inn is a favored spot for after-work drinks, watching major sporting events on large screens, and relaxing in good company, making it a social hub in Durham’s nightlife.Riverside Courtyard and Scenic Views
One of the pub’s standout features is its riverside courtyard, a tranquil outdoor space where guests can sip their drinks while soaking up views of the River Wear and the iconic Durham Cathedral skyline. This setting enhances the experience, blending historic ambiance with natural beauty, and making it a perfect spot for both casual afternoons and lively evenings.Historic Significance and Cultural Presence
The Half Moon Inn’s interiors have been featured in BBC productions such as the series George Gently, highlighting its cultural significance and authentic period character. The pub’s preservation of Tudor aesthetics alongside modern comforts makes it a unique venue that bridges Durham’s past and present.Accessibility and Operating Hours
Open daily from 11 am, The Half Moon Inn operates late into the evening, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Its central location on New Elvet makes it easily accessible within Durham city, appealing to locals and visitors alike. The pub’s vibrant yet relaxed environment suits a wide range of guests, from solo visitors to groups seeking a quintessential British pub experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Durham Town Hall
0.3 km
Victorian civic landmark hosting culture, heritage, and community in Durham's historic heart.
Market place
0.3 km
Medieval marketplace meets Victorian grandeur—Durham's beating heart of commerce, culture, and community.
Framwellgate Bridge
0.4 km
Durham’s oldest stone bridge, a medieval marvel offering iconic views of the cathedral and river, steeped in history and timeless charm.
Durham British Israel Fellowship
0.6 km
Discover the Durham British Israel Fellowship: A historical church offering community spirit, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into Durham's rich heritage.
Kathedra
0.6 km
Explore the Kathedra in Durham, a stunning gothic stone chair by the river, perfect for history lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Durham Band Stand
0.6 km
A peaceful riverside bandstand with one of Durham’s most iconic cathedral views, perfect for quiet moments and photography by the River Wear.
Durham Viaduct
0.8 km
A majestic Victorian railway viaduct soaring over Durham’s River Wear, blending engineering excellence with stunning historic city views.
Durham
0.8 km
Explore Durham Cathedral, a Norman architectural masterpiece and spiritual sanctuary with stunning views, sacred relics, and rich medieval heritage.
Maiden Castle Earthwork
1.0 km
Explore Durham’s ancient Iron Age promontory fort with its impressive earthworks nestled in tranquil woodland overlooking the River Wear.
Durham Obelisk
1.1 km
A hidden 90-foot sandstone tower concealed by woodland, marking Durham's forgotten astronomical heritage.
Maiden's Bower
1.2 km
Explore Maiden's Bower, a serene Bronze Age cairn nestled in Durham's Flass Vale, where ancient history meets tranquil woodland beauty.
Ludworth Tower
8.0 km
A rare 15th-century pele tower standing as a testament to medieval border fortifications
The High Level Bridge
21.5 km
A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.
Tyne Bridge
21.5 km
An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the River Tyne, symbolising NewcastleGateshead’s industrial heritage and modern spirit.
Quayside
21.5 km
Quayside is a dynamic riverside district where iconic bridges meet vibrant culture, blending industrial heritage with modern art and lively waterfront life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Elvet Bridge
0.1 km
A medieval stone arch bridge over the River Wear, now a lively pedestrian walkway with cafes, restaurants and stunning views of Durham Cathedral and the city’s dramatic river gorge.
Durham Big Sing
0.1 km
A joyful community choral event in Durham celebrating inclusive singing and vibrant local music culture.
Elvet Waterside
0.1 km
Scenic riverside charm meets historic Durham city life at Elvet Waterside, a tranquil urban retreat by the iconic Elvet Bridge.
Escape Rooms Durham
0.1 km
Immersive puzzle adventures in Durham's historic centre—from spy missions to gothic mysteries.
Department of History • Durham University
0.2 km
Explore history where Durham’s rich past meets vibrant academic excellence at the University’s historic North Bailey location.
Umbrella alley
0.2 km
A vibrant canopy of colorful umbrellas brightening Durham’s Millburngate Shopping Centre with artful charm and urban whimsy.
Durham Museum
0.2 km
Medieval heritage and local history in the heart of historic Durham, near the cathedral.
Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University
0.2 km
Classical scholarship in a medieval setting: Durham's premier centre for ancient languages, philosophy, and Mediterranean studies.
Durham Castle
0.3 km
Explore over 1000 years of history in this Norman castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vibrant university residence in the heart of Durham.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
0.3 km
Free gateway to understanding Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval treasures
Durham Market Hall
0.3 km
Victorian market hall where 40+ independent traders celebrate Durham's heritage and local character.
Palace Green
0.3 km
Historic green heart of Durham, framed by Norman cathedral and castle, blending medieval power with academic heritage.
Museum of Archaeology • Durham University
0.3 km
Explore northeast England’s ancient past in a historic university library at the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The House of Eden
0.3 km
Discover handmade treasures and personalised gifts in this charming boutique nestled in Durham Market Hall’s vibrant heart.
Durham Pointers
0.3 km
Your welcoming gateway to explore Durham’s rich heritage, cultural events, and local insights from the heart of Market Place.
Essential places to dine
Notch Durham
0.0 km
Slow-cooked American barbecue and craft cocktails in Durham's vibrant city centre.
The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse
0.1 km
Discover exquisite steaks and crafted cocktails at The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse on Elvet Riverside - where taste meets tranquility.
19Twenty Bar & Grill
0.1 km
Modern grill and cocktail bar on Durham’s Elvet Bridge, serving gourmet burgers and steaks with scenic riverside views.
Zizzi - Durham
0.1 km
Modern Italian dining in the heart of Durham – wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from the cathedral.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Durham
0.1 km
Historic charm meets exquisite steakhouse dining in Durham’s unique circular room at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
Restaurant 17
0.1 km
Boutique dining below Elvet Bridge offering world-inspired dishes in an intimate, candlelit setting with fresh local ingredients.
The Cellar Door
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining with seasonal Modern European cuisine and scenic terraces in the heart of Durham.
Tango Durham
0.2 km
Lively American-style burgers, fresh local produce, and creative cocktails in Durham’s vibrant city centre with riverside terrace dining.
Flat White Kitchen
0.2 km
Experience Durham’s finest coffee and brunch in a cozy 17th-century townhouse with a modern rustic vibe and welcoming atmosphere.
Fat Hippo Durham
0.2 km
Savor bold, inventive burgers in a quirky multi-level venue on historic Saddler Street, Durham’s heart of casual dining.
Tapas Factory
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean flavors in Durham's vibrant city center.
Lebaneat
0.2 km
Experience authentic Lebanese flavors with generous portions and diverse dietary options in the heart of historic Durham.
Turkish Kitchen Meze and grill
0.2 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and meze in Durham's vibrant city centre, where tradition meets modern hospitality.
La Spaghettata
0.2 km
Durham’s longest-standing independent Italian restaurant, serving authentic, hearty Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting since 1996.
Zen
0.2 km
Experience authentic Asian fusion cuisine in a stylish Durham setting, blending traditional flavours with modern flair.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
7 Day Store
0.0 km
Discover authentic Asian flavors and ingredients at Durham’s vibrant 7 Day Store, open daily for your culinary adventures.
Oxfam Shop
0.1 km
Discover pre-loved books, music, and more at Durham’s Oxfam Shop—where every purchase supports global poverty relief and sustainability.
TJ Hughes
0.2 km
Durham’s trusted discount department store offering top brands in home, fashion, and electronics at unbeatable prices.
Circle Vintage Durham
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s largest curated vintage clothing collection in a charming historic boutique on Saddler Street.
The Georgian Window
0.2 km
Discover stylish ladies’ fashion, unique gifts, and elegant accessories in the heart of Durham at The Georgian Window.
Italian Clothes Room Inside Georgian Window
0.2 km
Discover elegant Italian fashion in Durham’s historic Georgian window boutique, blending timeless style with personalized service.
Rohan Durham - Outdoor Clothing & Walking Gear
0.2 km
Discover Rohan Durham, your premier destination for high-quality outdoor clothing and gear, perfect for every adventurer in the beautiful English countryside.
The Mugwump
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s iconic boutique blending vintage fashion, unique gifts, and local art in a charming historic setting.
Waceland Durham
0.2 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and streetwear essentials in a family-run boutique at the heart of Durham’s Saddler Street.
Prince Bishops Place
0.2 km
Durham’s vibrant shopping centre blending high street brands, local boutiques, and award-winning facilities in the city’s historic heart.
Discovering Durham CIC
0.2 km
Empowering Durham’s local producers through unique crafts, gifts, and community-driven retail on historic High Street.
Elvet & Bailey
0.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and local artisan treasures at Elvet & Bailey, Durham’s beloved boutique in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.
The Boathouse
0.2 km
Discover unique clothing and accessories at The Boathouse in Durham, a charming shop showcasing local designs and a welcoming atmosphere.
People's Bookshop Durham
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s vibrant radical bookshop, a volunteer-run haven for second-hand books and community stories.
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
0.2 km
Discover timeless Scottish knitwear and heritage fabrics at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Durham’s historic Saddler Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Half Moon Inn
0.0 km
Historic Tudor pub on Durham’s riverside offering award-winning ales, scenic courtyard views, and a warm local atmosphere.
Swan & Three Cygnets
0.0 km
Traditional riverside pub with a no-technology policy, affordable drinks, and cosy charm beside Durham’s historic Elvet Bridge.
The Library
0.1 km
A lively pub and social hub in Durham offering quality drinks, creative vegan dishes, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere from morning till late.
Tin Of Sardines Gin Bar - Durham
0.1 km
Discover Durham’s tiniest gin bar with a colossal selection, expert service, and an intimate, unforgettable atmosphere on Elvet Bridge.
Osbournes
0.1 km
A vibrant, intimate bar and club in Durham known for its lively music nights, extensive gin selection, and welcoming local vibe.
Blue Eye
0.2 km
Durham’s stylish cocktail bar with creative drinks, lively vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere on historic Elvet Bridge.
The Shakespeare
0.2 km
A historic and quirky Durham pub famed for its real ales, theatrical roots, and ghostly tales in a cosy 12th-century setting.
Dun Cow Durham
0.2 km
Historic Durham pub famed for traditional ales, Tudor Revival interiors, and a warm, authentic local atmosphere.
The Drunken Duck
0.3 km
A welcoming and lively British pub in Durham's heart, offering quality drinks and a classic atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
24 North Bailey Club
0.4 km
Durham students’ beloved late-night bar and social club, blending historic charm with lively events on the iconic North Bailey.
Champagne Bar
0.4 km
Sophisticated vintage champagnes and crafted cocktails in Durham’s vibrant Walkergate, blending chic style with welcoming warmth.
Slug & Lettuce - Durham
0.4 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Durham’s city center, perfect for social drinks, tasty meals, and vibrant events year-round.
Old Toms Gin Bar
0.4 km
Discover Durham’s riverside gem with over 250 gins, artisan boards, and expert Ginologists crafting unforgettable cocktails.
The Fighting Cocks
0.4 km
A lively, affordable pub in Durham’s city centre, perfect for casual drinks and socializing in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
The Woodman Inn - Durham
0.5 km
A traditional Durham pub with a spacious beer garden, diverse drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Klute
0.1 km
Durham’s iconic, unapologetically rough nightclub famed for nostalgic beats, cheap drinks, and a legendary student party atmosphere.
Jimmy Allens
0.1 km
Dive into Durham’s iconic vaulted nightclub where free entry, cheap drinks, and lively crowds create unforgettable nights beneath Elvet Bridge.
Fabio's Bar
0.2 km
Durham’s lively student nightclub and live music bar above the iconic La Spaghettata, buzzing with events and authentic local charm.
Bohemia Durham
0.4 km
Bohemia Durham pulses with vibrant nightlife energy, offering dynamic music and a lively social scene in the heart of historic Durham.
Loft Durham
0.6 km
Discover Loft Durham, the ultimate nightlife destination offering vibrant music, energetic dancing, and a chic atmosphere in the heart of Durham.
7even Nightclub
18.6 km
Sunderland’s alternative nightclub with two floors of indie, soul, and rock music, hosting themed parties and vibrant late-night events.
Warehouse Night Club(SR44)
21.5 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant underground gay nightclub scene at Warehouse Night Club (SR44), where eclectic music and lively parties come alive.
Digital
21.6 km
Experience cutting-edge nightlife with superior sound and vibrant energy at Digital, Newcastle’s premier clubbing destination in Times Square.
Powerhouse
21.7 km
Newcastle’s iconic four-floor nightclub blending rich LGBTQ+ history with vibrant, inclusive nightlife and dynamic music scenes.
TheCUT Newcastle
21.8 km
Discover Newcastle’s vibrant alternative nightclub with themed indie, rock, and disco nights in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Tup Tup Palace
21.8 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife in style at Tup Tup Palace, a luxurious club blending exotic décor with pulsating beats until the early hours.
The Social Club
21.8 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
Bohemia Newcastle
21.8 km
Neon-lit cocktail bar and compact club with graffiti murals, a mezzanine dance space and a sheltered courtyard terrace for late-night socialising.
TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
21.8 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at Tropicana, a lively nightclub blending cocktail sophistication with energetic club beats in the city’s heart.
Loca Loca | Newcastle
21.8 km
A compact, neon-lit nightclub on Groat Market serving late-night dance, chart and urban sets in an intimate city-centre setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly