Durham bid for city of culture 2025

The history-rich city of Durham has been shortlisted for the city of culture 2025.

With its intricate past and beautiful buildings-both new and old, the city is almost a synonym for culture.

Most known for its beautiful gothic cathedral, the roaring river and Harry Potter, the area has reportedly been a settlement since 2000 BC and boasts just as much history.

But it also has so much more to offer than just a pretty castle and the TikTok popular aesthetic ‘dark academia’.

“There is no shortage of fun to be had in county Durham. Prepare to be entertained,” said Lizzie Anderson, the multi-media officer at Durham County Council.

The shortlisting of the city, has already had an impact on local businesses, helping to boost visitors to the city as we pass the two year anniversary of lockdown one and the subsequent downfall of many small stores.

But from independent restaurants to book shops and cinemas, there’s a wide range of things to do and see in Durham such as catching a show at the Gala theatre and cinema or a visit to Beamish museum.

“It would shine a light on what the county offers, help change some of the old and out-of-date perceptions of the place, and encourage more people to visit and stay here,” said Graham Soult, the Vice-Chair of Durham Business Group, on winning the bid. 

The bid is being supported by residents and businesses in the city as well as those who live in the surrounding areas.

The Bishop of Durham and various members of the Durham University faculty have also lent their support to the campaign.

Find the official campaign here.