
Durham Market Hall
A vibrant indoor market showcasing independent businesses, offering unique crafts, local produce, and specialty foods.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more vendor interaction

Durham Market Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more vendor interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant indoor market showcasing independent businesses, offering unique crafts, local produce, and specialty foods.
"A quirky indoor market with something for everyone, well worth a mooch around!"

☕ Coffee Break Options
Multiple coffee vendors inside, plus nearby cafes like Foster's for a great brew.
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the hidden gems tucked away; there's something for everyone.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Independent Artisan Stalls
Throughout the Market Hall
Discover unique handcrafted goods, from jewellery and textiles to mosaic lights and art.
Local Produce & Specialty Foods
Various food vendors
Fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, freshly ground coffee, and more.

Market Hall Wines & Spirits
Market Hall Wines
An impressive selection of wines, beers, and spirits from around the globe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Discovering Unique Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Coffee Break Options
Multiple coffee vendors inside, plus nearby cafes like Foster's for a great brew.
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the hidden gems tucked away; there's something for everyone.
💰 Great Value Finds
Excellent prices on produce and unique handcrafted items. Support local traders!
♿ Accessible Shopping
Lift access available to the upstairs cafe for a comfortable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Coffee Break Options
Multiple coffee vendors inside, plus nearby cafes like Foster's for a great brew.
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the hidden gems tucked away; there's something for everyone.
💰 Great Value Finds
Excellent prices on produce and unique handcrafted items. Support local traders!
♿ Accessible Shopping
Lift access available to the upstairs cafe for a comfortable experience.
📅 Check for Events
Special events and markets are often scheduled; check for unique happenings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Durham Market Hall for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse range of independent stalls, and excellent value. The friendly vendors and the quality of products, from fresh produce to unique crafts, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While generally well-received, some may find the market can get quite busy during peak times.
"This is an excellent market. Great selection of produce and products. Prices are excellent value. We visit every time we visit our children. A special shout out for the fishmonger/s who extremely knowledgeable and supportive and the cheese shop. Excellent selection of cheese, and the plant shop tucked in the corner."
Andrew Brown
"Quirky indoor market
Something for everyone
So much to see
Coffee shops available too upstairs with a lift access too
Well worth a mooch around"
Alexis Brown
"The market hall has dozens of stalls, and every single person working here is a delight. I've visited a dozen times over the years, and I've not had a bad experience yet. Fun to window shop, and what you buy tends to be hand-crafted or hard to find via other sources."
Hydraliskus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Durham Market Hall is centrally located in the city centre, easily accessible by foot from most parts of Durham. If arriving by car, there are several car parks nearby, such as the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre car park. For those arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Durham train station.
Yes, several car parks are available near the Market Hall, including the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre car park and the Walkergate car park. These are within a short walking distance.
Absolutely! Durham has a good bus network, and the Market Hall is a short walk from the main bus station. It's also a convenient stop if you're exploring Durham on foot after arriving by train.
Yes, Durham is only a 10-minute train ride from Newcastle, making Durham Market Hall an excellent addition to a day trip exploring the city's historic sites like the Cathedral and Castle.
Combine your visit to the Market Hall with exploring Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and a walk along the River Wear. Many visitors find it's a compact city perfect for a day out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Durham Market Hall is free. You can wander through the stalls and browse at your leisure without purchasing a ticket.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but generally, the Market Hall is open from around 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. It's often open on Sundays too, typically from 11 am to 4 pm, especially during peak seasons or events.
Yes, Durham Market Hall hosts various special events throughout the year, including craft fairs, food festivals, and the popular Durham Christmas Festival. It's worth checking their schedule for unique happenings.
While not explicitly stated, most indoor markets have policies against pets for hygiene reasons. It's best to assume dogs are not permitted inside the Market Hall itself, though service animals may be an exception.
The general admission to the Market Hall is free. Individual stalls operate on a purchase basis, and while some special events might have separate ticketing, browsing the market itself is free.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stalls
You'll find a diverse range of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, coffee, handmade crafts, jewellery, textiles, homeware, and specialty wines and spirits.
Yes, a significant focus of Durham Market Hall is on supporting local and independent businesses, offering unique products you might not find elsewhere.
Absolutely! The market is a fantastic place to find unique, handcrafted gifts, from jewellery and art to homeware and specialty food items.
Yes, many reviews highlight the excellent selection of fresh fruit and vegetables available from dedicated produce stalls.
These specialist stalls are often located towards the back or in prominent positions within the market. Asking a vendor for directions is usually the easiest way to find them.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several options. You can find coffee vendors, a cafe on the first floor with lift access, and stalls selling fresh produce and baked goods.
You can find a variety of food options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and specialty drinks like coffee and wine.
While the Market Hall has food stalls and a cafe, for a dedicated brunch experience, nearby establishments like Flat White Kitchen are highly recommended.
Yes, there are coffee vendors within the market, and also a coffee place in the Durham food hall, and another place right next door called Foster's.
While specific vegan or vegetarian stalls aren't always highlighted, the variety of fresh produce and baked goods often provides suitable options. It's best to check with individual vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the Market Hall's historic architecture and the vibrant displays of the independent stalls make it a visually interesting place for photography.
Focus on the colourful produce, unique handcrafted items, the architecture of the building, and the interactions between vendors and shoppers for engaging shots.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or stalls.
Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for capturing the atmosphere without too many distractions.
It's respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. Wider shots capturing the general ambiance are usually fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to spot different types of produce or find interesting handmade items. It's a great opportunity to teach them about supporting local businesses and the diversity of products available. While not a dedicated children's attraction, the market provides a stimulating environment for a family wander.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive souvenirs, consider picking up a small, affordable handmade item or some delicious local treats. The market provides a chance to experience the local culture and find unique mementos without breaking the bank. Grabbing a coffee from an internal vendor rather than a chain cafe can also save money.
couples
Consider visiting during a weekday morning for a more intimate experience, allowing you to chat with vendors and each other without the weekend crowds. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the local flavour of Durham.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Durham's Independent Spirit
Visitors often rave about the quality and variety of goods available. The market is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Durham, providing a platform for creators to connect directly with their customers. This personal touch is a significant draw, making each visit a potential discovery of something truly special. The positive experiences shared online highlight the friendly nature of the vendors and the overall welcoming environment.
Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir, fresh local produce, or simply a pleasant place to browse, Durham Market Hall offers a rich shopping experience. It’s a place where you can support local economies while finding items that tell a story, far removed from mass-produced goods.
Navigating Durham Market Hall: Tips from Visitors
For those seeking refreshments, there are convenient coffee options available. As one Reddit user noted, there are coffee vendors within the market, as well as nearby cafes like Foster's and a place in the Durham food hall, ensuring you can easily grab a drink while you shop. The market also features a cafe on the first floor, accessible by lift, making it a comfortable spot for a break.
Accessibility is also a positive point, with lift access to the upstairs cafe, making the market more inclusive for visitors with mobility needs. The overall sentiment from reviews and social media is that the market is a delightful place to spend time, offering a good value and a pleasant atmosphere for shoppers of all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit