The Half Moon Inn, Durham Travel Guide

4.4 (967)

Historic Tudor pub in Durham offering quality ales, a lively local atmosphere, and a scenic riverside courtyard with cathedral views.

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The Half Moon Inn

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
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Half Moon Inn.

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.

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Explore The Half Moon Inn on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Half Moon Inn, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

Take the local bus services operating from Durham Bus Station to New Elvet, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for evening service. A single fare costs around £2-£3 GBP.
Taxi

Taxis from Durham city center to The Half Moon Inn take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £5 to £8 GBP. Taxis are readily available in the city and provide door-to-door convenience.
Walking

From Durham city center, a pleasant 15-20 minute walk along well-paved urban streets leads to New Elvet. The route is accessible and suitable for most mobility levels, offering scenic views of the city en route.

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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.