Things to do in Durham: Crook Hall Gardens

Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ

A beautiful haven just outside Durham City centre, Crook Hall is a Grade 1 Listed Building surrounded by peaceful interconnected gardens and amazing views of the city. 

Crook Hall

Crook Hall dates back to the 14th century and is considered one of Durham’s most significant medieval buildings. It is now managed by the National Trust but has been a private residence and residential building throughout its history. 

Before being taken over by the National Trust, Crook Hall was a popular wedding venue- the site of my very own wedding in 2018. A truly amazing place to tie the knot. It is lovely to see that they have even kept the padlocks on the bridge from couples who got married here. 

Wedding day!

What to do there

I would recommend spending a couple of hours here on a nice sunny day.

• Try to navigate the maze (not easy, as I found out on the wedding day!)

• Find a bench in one of the many unique gardens and enjoy a coffee

• Visit the second hand bookshop in the hall

• Visit the medieval hall- where many weddings took place

• Visit the cafe- National Trust

• Take in some amazing views from the gardens

• Take a walk on the footpaths that surround the gardens

Getting There

Just a 5 minute stroll from the centre of Durham. From the Market Place, head behind St. Nicolas’ church and through Millenium Place, down the steps to the Passport Office and cross Pennyferry Bridge. Walk past the front of the Radisson Hotel and Crook Hall will be 100 yards in front of you. 

There is a car park (free for National Trust members) and street parking also.

Discover Durham in a Day: The Ultimate Full Day Walking Tour

If you're looking for the best way to explore Durham, our Private Full Day Tour with Walkabout Durham is the perfect experience. Immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history as you explore the stories of the people and events that have shaped Durham. This in-depth walking tour takes you through the heart of the city's rich history, breathtaking architecture, and charming streets—all in a single unforgettable day.

Durham, just before Sunset

Why Choose a Full Day Tour of Durham?

Durham is a city that deserves more than just a quick visit. With its UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle, picturesque riverside, and historic streets, a full-day tour ensures you truly soak in the essence of this remarkable city.

The tour will also take you to some hidden gems and your local guide will share fascinating stories of local people that have lived and died in the city walls.

What does the tour involve?

Walking tours

We will break the day up into two short walking tours that take you through the cobbled streets and across the four historic bridges in the city. Hear about the complex and fascinating history of Durham whilst taking in some spectacular views from the riverbanks and around Palace Green.

Durham Cathedral

The jewel in the crown is of course Durham Cathedral. No visit to Durham can be complete without going inside this magnificent Norman masterpiece. Built to house the body of St. Cuthbert, it is steeped in history. You will get a full guided tour around the cathedral that compliments the outdoor walking tours perfectly. You will have the option of buying a ticket for the Cathedral Museum also.

Durham Castle

If available (we are at the mercy of the University on this one), you will also get a guided tour of Durham Castle. Commissioned by William the Conqueror it became the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham. Now part of Durham University, it provides a fascinating glimpse back through the middle ages. The tour takes around 45 minutes and is generally led by a guide from the University.

Refreshments

Included in the ticket price will be a morning stop at one of the city’s many independent café’s for a coffee and cake.

In the afternoon we will stop in one of the Durham’s traditional atmospheric pubs and you will get a pint of real ale (also included in the ticket).

Please note that lunch is not included but your guide will point out some fantastic places to grab a bite before re-joining you for the afternoon.

Optional extras?

Of course there are. If you like a little tipple, you can tailor your tour and add extras such as gin tasting, ale tasting or wine tasting.

Your guide will provide an extensive list of recommendations for food, drinks and things to do around the county.

Book Now

Don’t forget, this is a private tour and is exclusive to you. Check out details of the Full Day Tour here and book online. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to tailor the tour to suit your needs.

A Quick Look at Durham's Indie Bookshops

Durham is home to some fantastic independent businesses. This week, I have chosen to have a look at the three indie bookshops that are unique, inspirational and provide refreshing pull to the city’s high street.

BookWyrm

Nestled inside of Durham Market Hall is BookWrym. Founded by husbands Chris and Miles, it specialises in LGBTQ+ publications as well as books from small and independent authors. I spoke to Chris- pictured here on their iconic chair.

Chris- one half of the successful BookWyrm partnership. Cracking outfit too!

Chris told me that Miles is a successfully published author- originally of sci-fi and fantasy but more recently of children’s books. It is a thriving business, supported by students, tourists and a very healthy local customer base. They contribute to the Durham Book Festival as well as literary events around the city.

Chris said that, although this was their own creation, they took some inspiration from Portal Bookshop in York. Since setting up, they have also helped to inspire the creation of The Queerish Bookshop in Darlington.

Favourite book: Chris- The House in the Cerulean Sea by T J Klune.

Miles- Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Favourite thing about Durham: The community here in Durham.

Collected

Collected is a bookshop specialising in work written by women. The current store, at 44 Riverwalk, was opened in 2022 by owner Emma Hamlett.

Emma hard at work. Lovely selection of cakes! The shop will soon expand. Watch this space.

Emma has always been a bibliophile and avid recommender of books and when she left her career as a museum curator in 2020 she knew her new career lay in literature. She started her business from a mobile van until moving to the current location.

Why books by women?

Despite growing equality there is still a gender bias when it comes to publishing, the media and reading habits. The majority of literature put in front of us is created, published and critiqued by men. Therefore, Collected goes some way in addressing these dated norms.

The bookshops is flourishing and also has a small café where customers can enjoy a morning cappuccino and cake with their new purchase. Collected is expanding and will soon have an second floor.

Favourite thing about Durham: Emma says she loves how the city is classically medieval. It’s winding streets, vennels and the iconic setting inside the meander of the River Wear. (As a geography teacher, I was impressed by her observational eye!)

People’s Bookshop

First established in 2011, People’s Bookshop now has it’s new home on Durham’s High Street. It was always intended to be more than a book shop- it aims to ‘create a community hub, a space for the free flow of ideas…and a gathering place for radical Durham’.

People's Bookshop- their new location on the High Street has proved immensely popular.

Jeremy Corbin is a big fan of the shop and it oozes a charm that would attract anyone interested in political and social history and culture of the county. It is set up as a community benefits society and is run by 30 volunteers. It is now more popular than ever due to its accessibility and wide customer base.

Regularly, it [literally] rolls back it’s bookcases to host a range of events with refreshments. I have not been to one yet, but certainly will do.

Upcoming events at People’s Bookshop:

- Wednesday 6th February: Mark Chapman, God's Promises Mean Everything - book launch

- Friday 7th February: Tom Rowan- singer/songwriter- live performance

- Friday 21st February: Emory Southwick, Pride of Place: Queer Spaces of County Durham (Miles from BookWyrm will feature at this event).

So, when you next visit Durham, please pay a visit out independent bookshops. An amazing set of people who are really doing their bit to bring some exciting destinations to out city. My wife is going to kill me as I will now inevitably buy more books!

Peter Groark

Walkabout Durham