Palace Green: A Scenic Gateway to Durham's Rich Heritage
Explore Palace Green in Durham, a scenic viewpoint showcasing stunning architecture and lush landscapes, perfect for photography and leisurely strolls.
Nestled in the heart of Durham, Palace Green offers a stunning vantage point showcasing the historic architecture and vibrant culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque location is perfect for leisurely strolls, photography, and soaking in the atmosphere of this charming city.
A brief summary to Palace Green
- Bailey Ct, Durham, DH1 3EP, GB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting for photographs.
- Check local event calendars for festivals or concerts that may be taking place at Palace Green.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the green while soaking in the beautiful views.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around Palace Green is perfect for walking and exploring.
- Take time to explore the nearby Durham Cathedral and Castle for an enriched experience.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the City Centre, head towards the Market Place. From the Market Place, take North Road and continue straight until you reach the end of the road. You will see the entrance to the Durham Cathedral on your left. Turn left into the courtyard and walk through the archway. This will lead you to Palace Green, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Cathedral and the Castle.
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Walking
From Durham Station, exit the station and follow the path to your left, leading towards the city centre. Continue along the path until you reach the roundabout, then take the second exit onto North Road. Walk along North Road until you reach the Market Place. From there, follow the previous directions towards Palace Green.
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Walking
If you are near the Gala Theatre, head towards the river and cross the footbridge. Once across, turn right and follow the path along the riverbank until you reach the foot of the hill. Ascend the hill towards the Cathedral, and as you reach the top, you will find yourself at Palace Green.
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Walking
If you are at the Botanic Garden, exit the garden and turn left onto South Road. Follow South Road until you reach the junction with St. Mary's College. Turn right onto St. Mary's and continue until you reach the main road. Cross over and walk directly towards the Cathedral, which will lead you to Palace Green.
Discover more about Palace Green
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Framwellgate Bridge
0.2 km
Durham’s oldest stone bridge, a medieval marvel offering iconic views of the cathedral and river, steeped in history and timeless charm.
Market place
0.3 km
Medieval marketplace meets Victorian grandeur—Durham's beating heart of commerce, culture, and community.
Durham Town Hall
0.3 km
Victorian civic landmark hosting culture, heritage, and community in Durham's historic heart.
Kathedra
0.4 km
Explore the Kathedra in Durham, a stunning gothic stone chair by the river, perfect for history lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Durham British Israel Fellowship
0.4 km
Discover the Durham British Israel Fellowship: A historical church offering community spirit, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into Durham's rich heritage.
Durham
0.5 km
Explore Durham Cathedral, a Norman architectural masterpiece and spiritual sanctuary with stunning views, sacred relics, and rich medieval heritage.
Durham Viaduct
0.6 km
A majestic Victorian railway viaduct soaring over Durham’s River Wear, blending engineering excellence with stunning historic city views.
Durham Band Stand
0.9 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 Obelisk
1.0 km
A hidden 90-foot sandstone tower concealed by woodland, marking Durham's forgotten astronomical heritage.
Maiden's Bower
1.0 km
Explore Maiden's Bower, a serene Bronze Age cairn nestled in Durham's Flass Vale, where ancient history meets tranquil woodland beauty.
Maiden Castle Earthwork
1.2 km
Explore Durham’s ancient Iron Age promontory fort with its impressive earthworks nestled in tranquil woodland overlooking the River Wear.
Ludworth Tower
8.3 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
21.6 km
An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the River Tyne, symbolising NewcastleGateshead’s industrial heritage and modern spirit.
Quayside
21.6 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
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
0.0 km
Free gateway to understanding Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval treasures
Museum of Archaeology • Durham University
0.0 km
Explore northeast England’s ancient past in a historic university library at the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palace Green Library
0.0 km
Explore Durham’s historic Palace Green Library, a treasure trove of rare books, exhibitions, and heritage in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durham Castle
0.1 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.
Durham Museum
0.1 km
Medieval heritage and local history in the heart of historic Durham, near the cathedral.
Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University
0.1 km
Classical scholarship in a medieval setting: Durham's premier centre for ancient languages, philosophy, and Mediterranean studies.
Department of History • Durham University
0.1 km
Explore history where Durham’s rich past meets vibrant academic excellence at the University’s historic North Bailey location.
Durham Cathedral
0.2 km
Discover Durham Cathedral’s Norman grandeur, sacred relics, and breathtaking views in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riverside walk
0.2 km
Explore Durham’s scenic 3-mile riverside loop with historic bridges, cathedral views, and tranquil green spaces along the River Wear.
Escape Rooms Durham
0.2 km
Immersive puzzle adventures in Durham's historic centre—from spy missions to gothic mysteries.
Revolution Durham
0.2 km
Lively lounge and restaurant on Durham’s riverside offering creative cocktails, seasonal British fare, and rooftop views of historic landmarks.
Umbrella alley
0.2 km
A vibrant canopy of colorful umbrellas brightening Durham’s Millburngate Shopping Centre with artful charm and urban whimsy.
Elvet Bridge
0.2 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.
St Margaret of Antioch Church
0.3 km
Discover Durham’s historic St Margaret of Antioch Church, a Norman gem blending centuries of architecture, art, and vibrant worship near the World Heritage site.
The Vintage Shop
0.3 km
Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm in the heart of Durham at The Vintage Shop in Market Tavern.
Essential places to dine
Lebaneat
0.1 km
Experience authentic Lebanese flavors with generous portions and diverse dietary options in the heart of historic Durham.
Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill
0.2 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of historic Durham with stunning river and landmark views.
The Cellar Door
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining with seasonal Modern European cuisine and scenic terraces in the heart of Durham.
Zizzi - Durham
0.2 km
Modern Italian dining in the heart of Durham – wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from the cathedral.
La Spaghettata
0.2 km
Durham’s longest-standing independent Italian restaurant, serving authentic, hearty Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting since 1996.
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.
The Undercroft Restaurant
0.2 km
Historic charm meets locally sourced British fare in Durham Cathedral’s tranquil medieval café.
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.
Turkish Kitchen Meze and grill
0.2 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and meze in Durham's vibrant city centre, where tradition meets modern hospitality.
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.
Gussto Tapas Bar - Durham
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas in a historic riverside setting at the heart of Durham.
PESTO ITALIANO
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with warm hospitality in the heart of historic Durham at Pesto Italiano.
19Twenty Bar & Grill
0.2 km
Modern grill and cocktail bar on Durham’s Elvet Bridge, serving gourmet burgers and steaks with scenic riverside views.
Tapas Factory
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean flavors in Durham's vibrant city center.
The Curious Mr Fox
0.2 km
A stylish riverside restaurant and cocktail bar in Durham, famed for fresh British dishes, quirky décor, and expertly crafted drinks.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Georgian Window
0.1 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
0.1 km
Discover elegant Italian fashion in Durham’s historic Georgian window boutique, blending timeless style with personalized service.
The Cathedral Shop
0.2 km
Curated gifts and books supporting Durham Cathedral's conservation, housed in medieval undercroft spaces.
Circle Vintage Durham
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s largest curated vintage clothing collection in a charming historic boutique on Saddler Street.
Cloth
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s hidden basement gem for costumes, vintage clothing, fabrics, and party supplies all in one quirky, creative boutique.
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.
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.
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 Boathouse
0.2 km
Discover unique clothing and accessories at The Boathouse in Durham, a charming shop showcasing local designs and a welcoming atmosphere.
BEAR BOTTOM
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts, collectibles, and local craftsmanship at Bear Bottom, Durham’s beloved indoor market shop.
Oxfam Shop
0.2 km
Discover pre-loved books, music, and more at Durham’s Oxfam Shop—where every purchase supports global poverty relief and sustainability.
Whittard of Chelsea Durham
0.2 km
Premium tea, coffee, and gifts in Durham's historic Market Place—where expertise meets elegance.
Collected
0.3 km
A warm, independent bookshop in Durham with curated reads, coffee, cakes, and a lively events programme on The Riverwalk.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Library
0.2 km
A lively pub and social hub in Durham offering quality drinks, creative vegan dishes, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere from morning till late.
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.
Osbournes
0.2 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.
24 North Bailey Club
0.2 km
Durham students’ beloved late-night bar and social club, blending historic charm with lively events on the iconic North Bailey.
The Fighting Cocks
0.2 km
A lively, affordable pub in Durham’s city centre, perfect for casual drinks and socializing in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
Tin Of Sardines Gin Bar - Durham
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s tiniest gin bar with a colossal selection, expert service, and an intimate, unforgettable atmosphere on Elvet Bridge.
Old Toms Gin Bar
0.2 km
Discover Durham’s riverside gem with over 250 gins, artisan boards, and expert Ginologists crafting unforgettable cocktails.
The Half Moon Inn
0.3 km
Historic Tudor pub on Durham’s riverside offering award-winning ales, scenic courtyard views, and a warm local atmosphere.
Swan & Three Cygnets
0.3 km
Traditional riverside pub with a no-technology policy, affordable drinks, and cosy charm beside Durham’s historic Elvet Bridge.
The Three Bridges
0.3 km
A lively British pub in Durham blending traditional charm with modern dining, drinks, and sports in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Holy GrAle
0.3 km
Discover Durham’s vibrant craft beer scene at The Holy GrAle, a quirky bar with local brews, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Ye Old Elm Tree
0.4 km
Historic Durham pub blending centuries-old charm with a lively, welcoming atmosphere and excellent real ales.
The Angel
0.4 km
A cozy and vibrant traditional pub in Durham, offering local ales, hearty meals, and lively events in a welcoming atmosphere.
Babylon Durham
0.4 km
A buzzing, budget-friendly bar and nightclub in Durham offering lively nights, packed dance floors, and a true local nightlife experience.
