Old Durham Gardens
A tranquil 17th-century garden and riverside escape, offering heritage orchards and peaceful walks along the River Wear.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Walled gardens are open
Old Durham Gardens
Best Time
Walled gardens are open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil 17th-century garden and riverside escape, offering heritage orchards and peaceful walks along the River Wear.
"A lovely little garden, not too far from the city centre. Entrance is free, but they have a donation box."
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
Limited parking! Enjoy a scenic riverside walk from Durham city center or Maiden Castle. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Check Walled Garden Hours
Walled gardens are only open Sun & Thurs, 2-4 PM (March 31-Oct). Plan ahead! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored 17th Century Walled Gardens
Walled Garden Area
Explore heritage fruit varieties and meticulously restored 17th-century gardens. A tranquil escape with historical charm.
Riverside Walks
River Wear Path
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Wear, with access to the gardens and surrounding natural beauty.
Orchards and Fruit Trees
Outer Garden Areas
Discover a variety of apple, plum, and other fruit trees, offering a delightful sensory experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Walled Gardens
Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
Limited parking! Enjoy a scenic riverside walk from Durham city center or Maiden Castle. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Check Walled Garden Hours
Walled gardens are only open Sun & Thurs, 2-4 PM (March 31-Oct). Plan ahead! :calendar:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Bring water, snacks, and a blanket for a perfect riverside picnic. :sandwich:
🎧 Enjoy the Serenity
It's a peaceful spot, perfect for quiet reflection or a good book. Hear the distant cathedral bells. :bell:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
Limited parking! Enjoy a scenic riverside walk from Durham city center or Maiden Castle. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Check Walled Garden Hours
Walled gardens are only open Sun & Thurs, 2-4 PM (March 31-Oct). Plan ahead! :calendar:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Bring water, snacks, and a blanket for a perfect riverside picnic. :sandwich:
🎧 Enjoy the Serenity
It's a peaceful spot, perfect for quiet reflection or a good book. Hear the distant cathedral bells. :bell:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Riverside
Dogs are welcome on the riverside paths, but check specific garden rules. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Durham Gardens is praised as a peaceful and beautiful spot, particularly for its riverside walks and heritage orchards. Visitors appreciate the free entry and the tranquil atmosphere, though the limited opening hours of the walled gardens and lack of facilities are noted drawbacks.
"This is a lovely little garden, not too far from the city centre. Entrance is free, but they have a donation box."
Yevhen Slautenko
"Lovely area that expands out larger than just the walled garden area, really quiet and peaceful. The walled area is only open a couple of times a week and only for a couple of hours. If visiting it's best to walk, as there are only a couple of parking spaces and it's at the bottom of a narrow cycle track route. No facilities...!"
Andrew Cartwright
"I found ODGs on a walk along the River Wear it's very peaceful and perfect for days out during spring summer. Fortunately I had a blanket water/food and a good book/writing pad I sat just outside the gardens on a steep hill so couldn't comment on the actual garden's etc. I was next to a path and could over hear ppl which was was quite good, I heard a woman saying she regularly heard girls screaming on their phones and I wasn't sure if she meant screams for help or something else the woman was acting weird with a black man. I am looking forward to another visit."
E J P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Old Durham Gardens is by walking along the River Wear from Durham city center or over the bridge from Maiden Castle. Parking is extremely limited, so public transport or walking is highly recommended. 
Parking is very scarce at Old Durham Gardens, with only a couple of spaces available. It's situated at the bottom of a narrow cycle track route, making it difficult for vehicles.
Yes, Old Durham Gardens are accessible via cycle paths along the River Wear. It's a pleasant route for cyclists.
Durham Old Gardens are a short 10-minute walk along the river from the university, making it an ideal spot for a quick escape between classes.
While direct bus routes to the gardens are limited due to their location, you can take buses into Durham city center and then enjoy the riverside walk to reach the gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to Old Durham Gardens is free, though there is a donation box available for those who wish to contribute to its upkeep.
The main walled gardens are typically open from March 31st through the end of October, specifically on Sundays and Thursdays between 2 PM and 4 PM.
Yes, the surrounding grounds and riverside paths are accessible even when the walled gardens are closed, offering a peaceful environment for walks.
No, tickets are not required as entry is free. However, it's essential to check the specific opening times for the walled garden area if that is your primary interest.
Information on special events or extended opening days is best found by checking local listings or the gardens' own community pages, as these can vary seasonally.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the restored 17th-century walled gardens, wander through orchards with heritage fruit trees, and enjoy peaceful walks along the River Wear.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities such as restrooms or cafes directly within Old Durham Gardens. Visitors are advised to come prepared.
Yes, the gardens offer beautiful scenery, especially the walled garden and the riverside, making it a picturesque spot for photography.
Dogs are welcome on the riverside paths and surrounding areas, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead and be mindful of the garden's tranquility.
Spring and summer are lovely for the blooming gardens and riverside walks, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. The walled gardens are only open during specific times within this period.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the gardens themselves. You'll find a range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Durham city center, a pleasant walk away.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. Visitors often bring their own food and blankets to enjoy by the river or in the open garden areas.
It's recommended to bring all your food, drinks, and a blanket, as there are no amenities available on-site.
The gardens feature various fruit trees, including apple and plum. While some visitors have mentioned picking fruit, it's best to be respectful of the garden's heritage.
After a walk around the gardens, many visitors head back towards Durham city center for coffee or enjoy a coffee from a takeaway cup during their riverside walk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Visiting during the off-peak hours or outside the walled garden's limited opening times can enhance the sense of solitude. Bring a book or a journal and make the most of this contemplative space.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate and be considerate of other visitors and the garden's environment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The surrounding areas also offer a glimpse into the past, with remnants of older structures and the natural landscape that has been shaped over centuries. The apple and plum orchards outside the walled section are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a diverse collection of fruit trees that contribute to the garden's unique charm.
Visitors can feel the layers of history as they wander through the grounds, imagining life in previous centuries. The proximity to the River Wear also adds to the historical context, as rivers have always been vital to the development and sustenance of settlements like Durham.
Exploring the Natural Beauty
+2The gardens are home to a variety of fruit trees, including apple and plum varieties, which add seasonal color and fragrance. During the right season, the orchards are a beautiful sight and offer a chance to see different types of heritage fruits.
The surrounding woodlands, like Pelaw Woods, also offer further opportunities for exploration and immersion in nature. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for reflection or an active walk, the natural beauty of Old Durham Gardens provides a refreshing experience. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, creating a unique and tranquil environment for visitors.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Once you arrive, be aware that there are no on-site facilities, including restrooms or cafes. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own provisions, such as water, snacks, and a blanket, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
The walled gardens themselves have specific opening hours (Sundays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM, March-October), which are crucial to check if you wish to see this particular area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit