Durham University Things To Do

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Durham University Things To Do Durham University’s museums, galleries and gardens offer opportunities for fun and learning for all. Not monitored 24/7.

Come and visit our Botanic Garden, Oriental Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Cosin’s Library, and join one of our tours of Durham Castle, located at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site. Botanic Garden: Durham University's 10-hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city and offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore and discover. Durham Castle Tours: Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, the Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University. Visitors are welcome to join our guided tours and special events. Oriental Museum: From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the Oriental Museum is devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. Museum of Archaeology: The Museum of Archaeology's collections range from the prehistory to modern times. Our gallery charting the story of Durham is housed within Palace Green Library. Cosin’s Library: One of the earliest public libraries in the Northeast of England, the library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin. Now open to the public after being closed for several years for essential conservation work, the library is now more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

The Oriental Museum will be opening from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM tomorrow due to the Teikyo Festival taking place.See you so...
16/10/2026

The Oriental Museum will be opening from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM tomorrow due to the Teikyo Festival taking place.

See you soon!

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As the nights draw in we are getting ready to celebrate one of the brightest events of the year here at the Oriental Mus...
16/10/2026

As the nights draw in we are getting ready to celebrate one of the brightest events of the year here at the Oriental Museum.

Diwali - the Festival of Lights🪔 - is almost here. Join us on Saturday 14 November, 6-8pm for traditional prayers to goddess Lakshmi, Diya painting, delicious Indian snacks, music and much more.

Tickets are £3 adults / children and are now available at Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diwali-at-the-oriental-museum-tickets-2001875654973?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Everyone welcome!

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Durham Castle is open for guided tours again from today.Though ordinarily a working college of Durham University, guided...
05/10/2026

Durham Castle is open for guided tours again from today.

Though ordinarily a working college of Durham University, guided tours of Durham Castle run throughout most of the year. Tours can be pre-booked in advance via Eventbrite, or directly from Palace Green Library reception or via telephone. Further details available on the Durham University Things To Do website.

See you soon!

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As our co-curated exhibition Gone But Not Forgotten: Remembering Britain's Vanished Species Through Art and Science come...
26/09/2026

As our co-curated exhibition Gone But Not Forgotten: Remembering Britain's Vanished Species Through Art and Science comes to a close on the 28th September, we are pleased to be keeping one element of the project on display a little longer.

Artist Stephen Livingstone, who worked with the Museum of Archaeology to create the Gone But Not Forgotten exhibition, recently spent three days as Artist in Residence in the museum. During his residency, he produced a striking triptych of charcoal drawings inspired by our Asian elephant skull from Durham University's Natural Science collections.

It's remarkable to see what can be achieved in just three days. Through careful observation and charcoal alone, Stephen has captured new perspectives on a familiar museum object.

The drawings will remain on display in the Museum of Archaeology until the 5th October. Why not drop in and take a look?

Free admission.

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📣 VISITOR ANNOUNCEMENT📣Durham Castle will be closed for tours between Sunday 27th September and Sunday 4th October due t...
25/09/2026

📣 VISITOR ANNOUNCEMENT📣

Durham Castle will be closed for tours between Sunday 27th September and Sunday 4th October due to Fresher's Week events taking place at the university. Tours will resume from Monday 4th October.

Tours can be pre-booked online via Eventbrite, or can also be purchased on the day at Palace Green Library reception.

We look forward to welcoming you then!

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The temporary exhibition 'Gone But Not Forgotten' comes to an end Monday 28th September. The exhibition brings together ...
22/09/2026

The temporary exhibition 'Gone But Not Forgotten' comes to an end Monday 28th September. The exhibition brings together museum specimens and original artwork by Stephen Livingstone to explore the stories of animals that have disappeared from Britain or become increasingly rare.

Drawing on rarely displayed objects from Durham University's Natural Science Collection, the exhibition features skeletons, skulls, taxidermy and paintings that reveal the traces animals leave behind and invite us to imagine the lives they once lived. From the giant deer and Great Auk to wolves and lynx, these remarkable species help tell a story of change, loss and survival.

By using art and natural history, the exhibition encourages visitors to look more closely at the natural world, reflect on Britain's changing wildlife, and consider why these stories still matter today.

The exhibition includes a loan of a Great Auk specimen from the Natural History Society of Northumbria, helping to showcase one of Britain's most iconic extinct birds.

Entry to the Museum of Archaeology is free.

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It was fantastic to welcome so many people Behind the Scenes at the Museum of Archaeology at the Heritage Open Days even...
19/09/2026

It was fantastic to welcome so many people Behind the Scenes at the Museum of Archaeology at the Heritage Open Days event last Saturday.

Didn’t get a chance to have your say on Saturday?

We would really appreciate it if you left us a quick comment or filled out our short survey to let us know what you enjoyed about your Heritage Open Day visit and what we could make even better.

Find our online survey here:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=i9hQcmhLKUW-RNWaLYpvlIAADZmQanxPjgTWBCR8ShZUMTUzU0xCSTRaTEo0MUhYRUJUTllJWUUyVy4u&route=shorturl

Thank you for joining us and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Keep an eye out for more family friendly fun coming in October half term…

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Does this 3D model look familiar? If you haven't already, why not pay a visit to the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre ...
18/09/2026

Does this 3D model look familiar? If you haven't already, why not pay a visit to the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre within Palace Green Library and explore our incredible 3D map of Durham City?📌🗺️

Created by students at Northumbria University with a 3D printer using filament consisting of glue and wood pulp, it was made to commemorate the original opening of the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Durham when it first opened in 2010.

Located in Palace Green Library, our friendly volunteers will be on hand to discuss any questions you might have about Durham's rich history. We hope to see you there soon!😊

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