A Norman cathedral, winding streets and a glittering river make Durham one of the UK’s prettiest small cities. You could easily spend a few days here exploring the university collections, sipping coffee in the charming cafes, or getting lost in the wonder of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site on the western peninsula. So, what’s disabled access like in Durham?

Accessible accommodation in Durham

With rooms overlooking the River Wear, the Radisson Blu Hotel is a conveniently located city centre hotel that has been rated 4.5 star on Euan’s Guide. One guest was impressed with the hotel’s disabled access and wrote:

“The Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham is one of the few hotels in Durham which has accessible hotel bedrooms with wet rooms and is also wheeling/pushing distance from the centre of this beautiful city. The accessible bedrooms are huge. These are set up as twin beds with plenty of space around the beds and a further large seating area opposite. The ensuite accessible wet rooms are enormous.”

If you’d like to stay close to the university, Honest Lawyer Hotel has been rated 4 star on Euan’s Guide. While not fully accessible, one guest enjoyed staying and said:

“Although not perfect (needed more handrails in shower, front door of hotel very tricky in wheelchair etc.) this was a good place to stay. Once inside, no steps and lovely smooth floors with good turning space. Lovely accessible loo in the main bar.”

Places to visit in Durham with disabled access

Described as ‘one of the great buildings o Europe’, Durham Cathedral and the neighbouring castle is a World Heritage Site that was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. The cathedral is an unmistakable feature of the Durham skyline, and has been rated 4.5 stars on Euan’s Guide!

“It’s the must visit site in Durham, I visited many times and it still takes my breath away. There is a slightly tricky approach to the cathedral, but once you’re inside 90% of it is easily accessible. If you ask at reception they have a handy map showing you where all the ramps are in the building. There is a platform lift into the café at the back, which is also where the accessible toilet is located with an automatic entry door.”

Founded in the 17th Century, the Palace Green Library is a treasure trove within Durham University! The building is open to the public and has ‘over 100 Medieval manuscripts.’ One visitor wrote about their experience saying:

“The library has been adapted wherever possible, a platform lift from the main entrance to the reception is available. From the reception there is wheelchair access around the galleries on the ground floor and accessible toilets.”

Also part of the university is the Oriental Museum, ‘the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia.’ The museum has been rated 4.5 star on Euan’s Guide by one visitor who said:

“Small but well put together museum, very interesting and worth a look around. Very helpful and friendly staff! There is one accessible parking space just outside the front door.”

Durham also has a champagne and cocktail bar which is popular during the day for lunches and afternoon teas, and at night for a sophisticated atmosphere! Ebony Champagne & Cocktail Bar has been reviewed on Euan’s Guide by one guest who said:

“The bar is situated all on one level providing easy access around the whole venue for wheelchair users. A bar with a warm and welcoming environment.”

Have you been to Durham?

If you’ve visited Durham, add your disabled access reviews and ratings to Euan’s Guide! That way more disabled people will know what to expect before they go. Write a review >>

Last updated – April 2018