Where are the best bars in Durham for students? | A guide to Durham student life and choosing the best accommodation

On average, around 20,000 students attend the University of Durham every year, including both part and full-time students. Based in the northeast and a part of its eponymous county, Durham is one of the smallest cities in the United Kingdom. Although Durham is a mere 10-minute train journey from Newcastle, which is often voted as one of the best cities in the United Kingdom for nightlife, potential students and tourists may be surprised to learn that Durham itself has an impressive array of popular bars, clubs and hidden gems in its nightlife.

This guide will take a closer look at the nightlife that Durham has to offer, including the best pubs and cocktail bars, and in which areas these are located.

Where are the most popular bars in Durham?

As the city of Durham is relatively small, most of the bars are within walking distance of one another. Just outside of Durham Castle, The Shakespeare is a popular traditional pub that provides some of the best craft drinks and is also famous for being Durham’s most haunted pub. Recently, the second floor has been refurbished as a gin bar called Y’Bard Spirits Bar.

Based on New Elvet, the Half Moon Inn is a traditional public house located in a grade I listed building. From there, take a short walk over the Elvet Bridge to the popular student bar Osbournes. The bar and club host a variety of student events, live music gigs and serve incredibly cheap drinks.

If you are considering moving to Durham as a student, it is important to find suitable accommodation as soon as possible.

Discover the most popular student locations in Durham here.

Where are the best places to go in Durham for cocktails?

Looking over the River Wear, The Boat Club is a cocktail bar located in a 500-year-old building and provides picturesque views of the city of Durham. Cocktails start from £7.50, with 2-4-1 happy hours every day on selected drinks. Also on the riverside, The Cosy Club is in The Riverwalk shopping centre next to the Odeon Luxe cinema; ideal for cocktails after watching the latest blockbuster.

For those who are fancying a gin, the Tin of Sardines Gin Bar serves over 200 varieties of the spirit, despite it being Durham’s smallest gin bar. There are seasonal offers for students, including discounts, 2 for £12 and cocktail offers so make sure to visit their website.

In Durham, there are a variety of accommodation types available for all years of university students.

Find out what options there are available for Durham students here.

What is the club scene like in Durham?

In the northern quarter of Durham, Loft is the city’s “only music-led events venue”. Open till late, every Saturday there is a student-only event Cheapskates that will not break the bank.

An institution of Durham nightlife is Klute. Despite being accredited as Europe’s worst nightclub, it has become a student must and is known for its cheap drinks and cheesy music. Located on the next street over, Fabio’s Bar is on top of the popular Italian restaurant La Spaghettata and hosts a variety of student nights and live music during the week.

If the club scene is not for you, Durham city centre offers a variety of things to do that are popular with students.

Find out about the best things to do in Durham here.

Where are the best student bars in Durham?

The University of Durham has 17 colleges, with each institution having its own bar. For example, the St Cuthbert’s Society, which is one of the largest and oldest Durham student communities, has two student bars: one down at the Bailey and the other at Parson’s Field. Make sure, once you sign up to one of the Durham colleges, that you are aware of the opportunities and events there are available.

The Durham colleges are located around the city and located near the University campuses and popular student areas in Durham.

Find out more about the local amenities in Durham’s most popular student areas here.

Hidden gems in Durham nightlife

Now for something completely different. In the heart of Durham, The Magic Corner is an immersive and interactive magic show bar that is custom-built and hosted by a member of the magic circle. Or try The Station House, which is a micropub based just around the corner from Durham Train Station. It serves some of the finest real ale and ciders and has won various accolades.

The Old Cinema Launderette combines elements that you would think would never go together; a retro launderette by day, and a licensed music and bar venue by night.

At Mansion Student, we provide Durham student accommodation at Ernest Place on Renny’s Lane, which is just a short 4-minute walk from the Old Cinema Launderette.

To arrange a viewing or to find out more information about our student accommodation, contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Durham?

Durham is a northeast city that is best known for Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both of which are grade I listed buildings. However, this is not all Durham has to offer; there is a range of activities, including museums, galleries and theatres.

Find out more about the best things to do in Durham here.

What accommodation does Durham University offer?

The University of Durham currently has around 7,500 beds spaces spread across its 17 colleges and private student accommodation. New undergraduate first years are guaranteed an offer of accommodation when joining one of the colleges.

However, for second, third and postgraduates, on-campus accommodation may not be suitable. At Mansion Student, we provide student accommodation in the popular Gilesgate area. Included in the price is an on-site cinema, private gym and study room at the students’ disposal.

Find out more about Durham student accommodation here.