Durham Obelisk
A hidden 90-foot sandstone tower concealed by woodland, marking Durham's forgotten astronomical heritage.
A hidden 90-foot sandstone tower built in 1850 by local philanthropist William Lloyd Wharton, the Durham Obelisk once served as an astronomical marker for Durham University's observatory. Now largely obscured by dense woodland, this forgotten monument peeks through the trees as a ghostly reminder of the university's early scientific ambitions. Accessible from Wharton Park with views also possible from The Jubilee Walk and Durham Cathedral.
A brief summary to Durham Obelisk
- Durham, Durham, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in summer when foliage thins slightly to catch glimpses of the obelisk's upper reaches, or in winter when bare branches create a ghostly silhouette effect against the sky.
- Start from Wharton Park for the most accessible and closest viewing point, reached via a short walk from Durham Railway Station.
- Combine your visit with views from Durham Cathedral's heights or The Jubilee Walk for multiple perspectives of this elusive monument.
- The obelisk sits on private land and is difficult to approach directly; viewing from designated public vantage points is the only practical option.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom capability to better observe details of the sandstone tower through the dense tree cover.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Parking Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Durham Railway Station
From Durham Railway Station, walk up the steps leading to Wharton Park, a journey of approximately 5–10 minutes on foot. The park car park is accessible from Framwellgate Peth, and accessible parking spaces are available with clear sightlines to the obelisk. This is the most direct and practical approach for viewing the monument.
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Bus Service to Wharton Park Area
Local bus services operate to stops near Framwellgate Peth and the Wharton Park vicinity. Journey times from Durham city centre are typically 5–15 minutes depending on the route. Check local transport schedules for current service frequencies and fares, which generally range from £1.50–£3.00 per journey.
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The Jubilee Walk Approach
Access The Jubilee Walk from the Durham Station Long Stay Car Park. This walking route offers views of the obelisk from a greater distance and takes approximately 20–30 minutes to reach optimal viewing points. The walk is moderately paced with some elevation changes.
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Durham Cathedral Viewpoint
Climb to the top of Durham Cathedral, located in the city centre, for panoramic views that include sightlines to the obelisk on the horizon. Cathedral entry fees are typically £6–£8 for adults. The ascent involves stairs and takes approximately 30–45 minutes including the climb.
Durham Obelisk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Durham Obelisk
A Monument to Astronomy and Local Enterprise
Rising 90 feet above the woodland that now conceals it, the Durham Obelisk stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century ambition and local philanthropy. Constructed in 1850 by William Lloyd Wharton, a prominent Durham benefactor, the sandstone tower was originally conceived as both a practical tool and a gift to the newly established Durham University. Built during a period of economic hardship, the project provided employment for local workers while simultaneously serving a scientific purpose—the obelisk functioned as a northern marker for the university's nearby observatory, helping astronomers determine true north during their celestial observations.From Scientific Instrument to Forgotten Relic
For several decades, the obelisk played an active role in Durham's astronomical research, its tall form catching the attention of scholars and students alike. However, the trajectory of the structure changed dramatically when the university's observatory shifted its focus from astronomical observation to meteorological study. With this transition, the obelisk lost its primary function and gradually faded from public consciousness. The tower, which once represented the cutting edge of scientific inquiry, became increasingly obscured by the encroaching woodland surrounding it, transforming from a beacon of knowledge into a hidden curiosity known only to those who actively seek it out.A Landscape of Concealment and Glimpses
Today, the Durham Obelisk exists in a state of deliberate obscurity, visible only to those who know where to look. The dense tree cover that surrounds the structure renders it nearly invisible during most of the year, though in summer months its upper reaches occasionally emerge from the foliage, and in winter it appears as a ghostly silhouette glimpsed between bare branches. The tower's isolation is further reinforced by its location on private land, making it inaccessible to visitors who might wish to approach it directly. A stairway still exists within the obelisk, leading to its summit, though the entrance was sealed approximately a decade ago, preventing any ascent to the top.Viewing Points and Access Routes
Despite its hidden nature, the obelisk can be observed from several vantage points across Durham. The most accessible viewing location is Wharton Park, reached via a short walk up steps from Durham Railway Station or accessed through the car park off Framwellgate Peth, where accessible parking spaces offer clear sightlines to the monument. The Jubilee Walk, accessible from the Durham Station Long Stay Car Park, provides views from a greater distance, while those climbing to the top of Durham Cathedral can also spot the tower on the horizon. These multiple viewpoints ensure that the obelisk, despite its seclusion, remains discoverable for determined visitors.A Paradox of Prominence and Obscurity
The Durham Obelisk embodies a curious paradox: a structure of considerable height and historical significance that remains virtually unknown to most residents of the city it inhabits. Its 90-foot form, which would dominate the skyline in many settings, has been effectively erased from public view by the very landscape that surrounds it. Yet this obscurity has become part of its charm and significance. Rather than serving as a grand civic monument, the obelisk functions as an unintentional memorial to Durham University's pioneering role in astronomical science, a hidden marker of intellectual ambition that rewards those curious enough to seek it out with a tangible connection to the city's scholarly heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Durham Obelisk
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Scarlet Ribbons
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Hidden Boutique at Age UK County Durham
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The Record Shed Durham
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WHSmith
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
