The best museums in Durham in September 2025

These are the top 5 best museums in Durham, England, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Durham, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Durham.

You may need to reserve time slots for some museums in Durham. Check here to see which places and tickets you can already book in advance. 👉
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Looking for the best museums in Durham? These are the best ones:

  1. Durham Cathedral1

    Durham Cathedral

     Durham
  2. Durham Castle2

    Durham Castle

     Durham
    Durham Castle is not just a historical monument, but also a living, working part of Durham University. It houses a large main hall, two chapels, a library, university offices, and computer services. The main hall also serves as a dining hall for students and workers. Visitors can experience the unique blend of history and modern university life during their visit.
  3. Durham University Botanic Garden3

    Durham University Botanic Garden

     Durham
    Durham University Botanic Garden is a museum in Durham. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences.
  4. 4

    Oriental Museum

     Durham
    The Oriental Museum boasts a collection of over 23,500 artefacts from various Asian and Far East countries, including China, Egypt, Korea, India, and Japan. These artefacts provide a comprehensive insight into the rich and diverse cultures of these regions.
  5. Durham Museum5

    Durham Museum

     Durham
    Durham Castle, located in the city of Durham in Northern England, is a Norman castle that has been occupied by the University College of Durham University since 1840. The castle stands on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, directly opposite Durham Cathedral. It was originally built in the 11th century as a symbol of the power of the Norman kings in Northern England.

All museums in Durham