Best Shops in Durham
Want to shop in Durham? Explore the best shops, boutiques, and retail spots with maps and local guides. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best shops in Durham
Durham offers a unique shopping experience with a mix of charming independent boutiques, traditional markets, and modern shopping centers. Visitors can explore the historic cobbled streets lined with artisan shops selling handmade crafts and locally sourced products. From vintage clothing stores to contemporary art galleries, there is something for every shopper in Durham. Don't miss the bustling Durham Market, where you can sample delicious local produce and pick up souvenirs to remember your trip by.
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
33 shops
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Shopping Centre4.1★5,750 reviews
Arnison Centre
The Arnison Centre is a large, modern shopping destination located just north of Durham city centre in Pity Me. It combines the former Arnison Retail Park and Mercia Retail Park to offer a comprehensive shopping environment with major retailers like M&S, River Island, Next, Nike, Boots, and Sainsbury’s. With a variety of food outlets, free parking, and extended opening hours, it serves as a convenient retail hub for locals and visitors alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Shopping Centre4.0★3,466 reviews
Prince Bishops Place
Prince Bishops Place is Durham city’s leading shopping centre, located in the heart of the historic city just off the market place. This horse-shoe shaped mall hosts a vibrant mix of high street brands and local boutiques, alongside cafes and bars. With an award-winning 400-space underground car park and close proximity to Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a convenient and lively retail experience for locals and visitors alike.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 11:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Homewares Shop4.2★1,733 reviews
The Range, Durham
The Range in Durham is a comprehensive homewares and lifestyle store located at Unit C, D, Dragon Lane. It offers a diverse selection of products including home furniture, garden supplies, lighting, pet care, toys, and art materials. Open daily with extended evening hours on weekdays, The Range caters to a wide variety of household and creative needs under one roof, making it a convenient shopping destination for locals and visitors alike.
Mon–Sat 9:00–20:00 · Sun 10:30–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Discount shop4.1★130 reviews
TJ Hughes
TJ Hughes in Durham is a well-established British discount department store located in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. Offering a wide range of products including homeware, fashion, beauty, technology, and electrical goods, TJ Hughes provides premium brands at discounted prices. The store combines a family-run business ethos with a commitment to competitive pricing, making it a popular destination for savvy shoppers seeking quality and value in Durham city centre.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 10:30–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Book Shop4.7★75 reviews
Collected
Tucked along The Riverwalk in Durham, Collected Books is a warm, independent bookshop with a strong focus on women’s writing and contemporary fiction. With floor-to-ceiling shelves, a curated selection of titles, and a café serving drinks and cakes, it’s a haven for readers who love to browse, linger, and discover something new. The shop hosts author events, book clubs, and seasonal late-night openings, making it a lively cultural hub in the heart of the city.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Stationery Shop3.7★90 reviews
WHSmith
WHSmith at Durham Market Place is a well-established retail destination offering books, stationery, craft supplies, and convenience items in the heart of historic Durham. Located at 22-23 Market Place, this multi-category shop serves both locals and visitors seeking quality reading materials, writing supplies, and everyday essentials. The store operates six days a week with extended Saturday hours, making it a convenient stop while exploring Durham's vibrant city centre.
Mon–Sat 8:30–17:30 · Sun 10:30–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Record Shop4.9★34 reviews
The Record Shed Durham
Located inside Durham Market Hall, The Record Shed is a beloved record shop offering an extensive and diverse collection of vinyl albums, DVDs, and retro games. Known for its traditional music store atmosphere and friendly service, it also provides media transfer services, making it a hub for music lovers and collectors in Durham.
Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Gift shop4.1★50 reviews
The Works
Tucked into Arnison Retail Park on the northern edge of Durham, The Works is a one-stop destination for books, crafts, toys, games, and stationery at bargain prices. Spread across a bright, open-plan unit, it’s a favourite with families, students, and hobbyists looking for creative supplies and gifts. With its wide aisles, themed displays, and frequent seasonal promotions, it’s easy to spend an hour browsing everything from colouring sets and puzzles to school supplies and bestselling paperbacks. The store is fully accessible and sits within a larger shopping complex with cafes, supermarkets, and parking nearby.
Mon–Sat 9:00–19:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Tea Shop4.6★36 reviews
Whittard of Chelsea Durham
A premier tea and coffee specialist located in Durham's historic Market Place, Whittard of Chelsea offers an extensive selection of premium loose-leaf teas, specialty coffee blends, hot chocolates, and gourmet gifts. The shop combines traditional elegance with modern convenience, providing expert guidance on signature blends and curated collections. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking quality beverages and thoughtfully designed tableware in a welcoming atmosphere.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Second-hand Book Shop4.7★29 reviews
People's Bookshop Durham
Nestled in the heart of Durham at 70 Saddler Street, People's Bookshop Durham is an independent, volunteer-run radical bookshop specializing in second-hand books. Established in 2011, it serves as a vibrant community hub, offering an eclectic mix of titles that reflect local history, culture, and progressive causes. The shop champions the preservation of physical books in an increasingly digital world, fostering a unique literary atmosphere in a historic university city.
Wed–Fri 12:00–15:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Cloth
Located in the basement at 27 Silver Street, Cloth is a unique costume shop in Durham offering a diverse range of fabrics, vintage clothing, and party supplies. This quirky boutique serves sewing enthusiasts, vintage lovers, and party planners alike, with a carefully curated selection that blends creativity and nostalgia in a cozy, intimate setting.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Pears Boutique
Pears Boutique, located in Langley Moor Industrial Estate, Durham, offers a curated selection of day-to-evening clothing and unique gifts. Known for its stylish and versatile apparel, this boutique caters to a variety of tastes with quality garments and accessories. Its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated service make it a notable shopping destination in the Durham area.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Mugwump
Tucked away on Saddler Street in the heart of Durham, The Mugwump is a long-standing independent boutique brimming with character. Since 1966, it has offered a curated mix of women’s clothing, handmade gifts, glassware, and quirky homewares, all housed in a charming, slightly ramshackle building. With its maze of tiny rooms and rickety charm, it feels more like a treasure-filled curiosity shop than a conventional store. It’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike for unique cards, special presents, and a warm, personal shopping experience.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Discovering Durham CIC
Discovering Durham CIC is a vibrant community interest company located on High Street in Durham, UK. This unique shop combines a gift store, art dealer, craft shop, beer shop, supermarket, and health food store under one roof. It champions local producers by stocking their goods and reinvesting profits into business support within the community. With a welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings, it is a hub for those seeking authentic local products and creative crafts.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Georgian Window
Located at 50 Saddler Street in Durham, The Georgian Window is a charming boutique offering an eclectic mix of ladies’ clothing, handbags, gifts, scarves, jewellery, and fine bone china. Renowned for its tasteful and colorful accessories, this shop blends fashion and unique gift items in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Open six days a week, it is a must-visit for shoppers seeking quality and style in Durham’s historic city centre.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Durham Vintage
Durham Vintage is a beloved vintage clothing shop nestled in Langley Moor, County Durham, specializing in carefully curated garments and accessories spanning multiple decades. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and knowledgeable staff passionate about vintage fashion, the shop offers everything from elegant dresses to retro jackets. It serves as both a shopping destination and a community hub for fashion enthusiasts seeking sustainable, unique pieces with genuine character and history.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.8–2.5 hrs
Circle Vintage Durham
Circle Vintage Durham is a charming vintage clothing shop located on Saddler Street in Durham. Housed in a beautiful listed building, it offers the city’s largest curated collection of authentic vintage, retro, and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories from the 1920s through the 1980s, with some 90s and Y2K pieces. This family-run boutique is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts seeking unique, high-quality fashion gems.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
BEAR BOTTOM
Nestled in Durham Market Place, Bear Bottom is a delightful indoor gift shop offering an eclectic mix of toys, games, collectables, and quirky gifts. Known for its curated selection of popular brands and locally crafted items, it provides a unique shopping experience that reflects Durham’s vibrant community spirit. Open Monday to Saturday, Bear Bottom is a treasure trove for collectors and gift seekers alike.
Mon–Sat 9:00–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Amazing Antiques Etc. Limited
Tucked away in a business centre on the edge of County Durham, Amazing Antiques Etc. is one of the North East’s largest antique shops, spread over 10,000 sq ft and packed with over 3,000 vintage and antique pieces. Specialising in porcelain but offering everything from furniture to collectables, it’s a treasure trove for collectors and casual browsers alike. With new stock arriving weekly, there’s always something fresh to discover in this family-run emporium.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
The Cathedral Shop
Nestled within the medieval undercroft of Durham Cathedral, The Cathedral Shop offers a carefully curated selection of gifts, books, and religious items that celebrate the cathedral's rich heritage and spiritual significance. Every purchase supports the ongoing conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shop occupies a historic space adjacent to the Undercroft Café, making it an ideal stop during your cathedral visit.
Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00 · Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Elvet & Bailey
Elvet & Bailey is a charming gift shop located in Durham’s Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, offering a curated selection of handmade gifts, local artisan crafts, and unique treasures. Open Monday to Saturday, this boutique showcases a variety of products including jewellery, pottery, textiles, and personalised items, celebrating Durham’s creative spirit in a welcoming, intimate setting.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Located at 71 Saddler Street, Durham, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill offers a curated selection of quality Scottish woollen clothing and accessories. Renowned for timeless designs and practical styles, this clothing shop specializes in knitwear, cashmere, and heritage fabrics like Harris Tweed, catering to those seeking classic, durable fashion with a Scottish flair. The store balances tradition with modern retail comfort, welcoming shoppers with knowledgeable staff and a warm atmosphere.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 11:00–15:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Oxfam Shop
Located at 18 Elvet Bridge in Durham, the Oxfam Shop offers a diverse range of pre-loved books, music, clothing, and homewares. This charity shop supports global poverty alleviation by selling donated items, combining sustainability with community impact. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 11 AM to 4:30 PM, it’s a welcoming spot for bargain hunters and ethical shoppers alike.
Mon–Sat 9:30–17:00 · Sun 11:00–16:30Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
7 Day Store
Located at 6 New Elvet in Durham, 7 Day Store is a vibrant Asian grocery shop offering a wide range of authentic ingredients from across Asia. Open daily from noon to 9:30 pm, it provides an inviting atmosphere where visitors can explore Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Indian culinary products, including exotic spices, fresh produce, and specialty snacks. Friendly staff and occasional tasting events enhance the cultural experience.
Daily 12:00–21:30Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Gateway World Shop
Tucked in a historic gateway between Durham Market Place and St Nicholas Church, Gateway World Shop is a charming craft store offering a curated selection of fair trade pottery, jewellery, textiles, and handmade gifts. Run by a local charity, it supports artisans from around the world while providing visitors with unique, ethically made souvenirs. The shop’s warm, community-focused atmosphere and central location make it a delightful stop for thoughtful shopping in the heart of Durham.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Waceland Durham
Waceland Durham is a family-run vintage and streetwear clothing shop located at 34 Saddler Street. Established as part of a growing brand known for handpicking unique vintage gems and streetwear essentials from around the world, it offers a carefully curated selection for fashion enthusiasts seeking distinctive styles. The shop combines a welcoming atmosphere with a passion for quality and individuality.
Daily 11:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Italian Clothes Room Inside Georgian Window
The Italian Clothes Room is a charming ladies' clothing boutique located at 50 Saddler Street in Durham, housed within a distinctive Georgian window. It offers a curated selection of elegant Italian fashion, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary style. The store provides a warm, inviting atmosphere with expert staff ready to assist, making it a must-visit for fashion lovers exploring Durham's historic city centre.
Mon–Sat 11:00–17:00 · Sun 12:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Cutting Edge
The Cutting Edge is a charming gift and craft shop located in The Old School at St Margaret's Centre on Margery Lane, Durham. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and carefully curated handmade items, it offers visitors a unique shopping experience focused on local craftsmanship and artistic gifts. Open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 3 PM, it is a delightful spot for discovering distinctive souvenirs and creative treasures in the heart of Durham.
Mon–Fri 9:30–15:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Hidden Boutique at Age UK County Durham
Hidden Boutique at Age UK County Durham is a charming clothing shop in the heart of Durham offering a curated selection of vintage, designer, prom, and occasion wear for men and women. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, the boutique supports Age UK’s mission to improve the lives of older people through every purchase. Visitors enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff ready to assist, making it a unique shopping experience that combines style with a meaningful cause.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Ultimate Ladies Boutique
The Ultimate Ladies Boutique is a stylish clothing shop located in Unit 37 of Dragonville Industrial Park, Durham. Offering the latest fashion trends for women, it features a curated collection of contemporary apparel including faux leather pieces, knitwear, and statement outerwear. Situated in a bustling retail and industrial area, the boutique combines modern style with convenience for fashion-conscious shoppers.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Scarlet Ribbons
Scarlet Ribbons is a distinctive clothing boutique located at 3 Neville Street in Durham, offering a curated selection of unique fashion and local designs. This charming shop caters to discerning shoppers seeking stylish attire and accessories that celebrate individuality. Open daily with afternoon and evening hours, Scarlet Ribbons provides a welcoming atmosphere for fashion enthusiasts exploring Durham’s vibrant city centre.
Daily 12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
company shop
Company Shop in Durham is a membership-based surplus supermarket located at 17 Flass Street, offering discounted groceries and household essentials. It provides access to quality products from surplus stock, including dented or plain-packaged items, helping reduce food waste while saving money. Membership is free and open to workers in FMCG manufacturing, logistics, and emergency services, making it a practical resource for budget-conscious shoppers.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Sasa Girls
Sasa Girls is a charming fashion accessories shop located at 15 May Street in Durham, offering a curated selection of trendy and unique accessories that blend contemporary style with local craftsmanship. This boutique is a favored destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking distinctive pieces to elevate their wardrobe in a welcoming and stylish environment.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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