Durham is a wonderful City for river walks. I’ve said it for years. Being such a small, compact City, it only takes literally minutes to be within peaceful countryside surroundings.
Be they woodlands, open fields, or small hilltops with great views.
But while most visitors stick to the main peninsula, looping around the Cathedral, I want to let you in on a real secret. A place I’ve found myself drawn back to, one that feels a world away from everything.
Head South out of the City on the River Wear, on the Eastern side , and within a mile, you’ll find the Old Durham Gardens. This isn’t just a park; it’s a 17th-century historic garden , totally away from any hustle and bustle.
It’s one of those “hidden gems” that you almost hesitate to write about, for fear of spoiling it. It’s a place that, frankly, doesn’t make it easy for casual visitors. And that, I’ve discovered, is its greatest strength.
Why This Garden Remains a True Hidden Gem
You won’t see tour buses here. You won’t see crowds. Why? Because access by car is “restricted,” to put it mildly. The gardens are tucked down Bent House Lane, a single-track, no-through-road.
This isn’t a bug; it’s a feature.
This place rewards walkers. It’s designed for those of us willing to take the “pleasant woodland or riverside walks” to find it. It filters out the noise and leaves you with the prize: a 350-year-old garden you can often have all to yourself.
In fact, this is just one of many great stops along the river. So, let’s walk there.
How to Get to Old Durham Gardens (The Walker’s Way)
The best way to arrive is on foot, which lets the sense of discovery build. The gardens lie less than a mile east of Durham City Centre.
You have two main walking routes:
The River Wear Path (My Preferred Route): Start in the city centre and follow the riverside path south (east bank). You’ll pass the Durham Amateur Rowing Club and Maiden Castle sports grounds.
The path leads you right to the foot of the gardens, where you’ll enter the lower orchards first. It’s a beautiful, flat, and easy walk.
The Pelaw Woods Route: For a slightly more adventurous route with better views, you can walk through the lovely Pelaw Woods. This path takes you along the top of the gorge and drops you down towards the gardens’ upper entrance.
For navigation, the postcode is DH1 2RY. But I’d recommend just following the river; you can’t miss it.
Uncovering 350 Years of Secrets: The Garden’s Story
As soon as I entered, I felt the history. I saw the Damson Trees that, I’ve learned, date back to before 1650! This place has seen a lot.
When you stand in the gardens, you’re standing on layers of history that are older than the Cathedral itself. The name “Old Durham” comes from a 2nd-century Roman villa that once stood nearby.
But the gardens we see today? Their story is a dramatic one of rise, fall, and resurrection.
The Medieval Origins (1400s): In medieval times, the area was owned by the local St Nicholas’ church. In 1443, the powerful Bishop Neville gave the land to Kepier Hospital , a wealthy pilgrim hostel.
The Creation (1630s-1660s): After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the estate was sold to the Heath family. It was John Heath IV, between 1630 and 1665, who first laid down the magnificent formal gardens you see today. He even put his initials and the date on the door of the gazebo.
The Golden Age (1700s): The gardens passed to the Tempest family, who (despite moving away) renovated the gardens and remodelled the gazebo between 1725 and 1735. This was when the upper garden was enclosed with high stone walls for growing south-facing fruit trees. It was known as a place for public recreation, even hosting outdoor musical concerts in the summer evenings.
The Long Decline (1940s-1980s): The grand manor house was demolished long ago. After WWII, the gardens were sold off in 1949, and the public entrance was blocked. The gardens, now devoid of purpose, “gradually slipped into decline and disrepair”. For decades, this historic gem lay derelict and ruined.
The Rebirth (1985-Today): In 1985, Durham City Council bought the derelict land and began a faithful restoration, replanting the gardens according to their historic 17th-century layout. Then, in 2010, the Friends of Old Durham Gardens (a registered charity) was formed.
Today, these beautiful gardens are maintained not just by the council, but by passionate volunteers. When you visit, you’re not just seeing a relic; you’re seeing a living project of community-led restoration.
A Walker’s Guide: What to See in the Gardens
The gardens are split into two main sections, and it’s crucial to know they have different opening times.
The Lower Garden & Orchards (Open 24/7)
This is the largest part of the gardens (over 80% of the area) and it’s open to the public at all times, free of charge.
This is what you’ll walk into from the river path. It’s a beautiful, open space with restored orchards and flat lawns, perfect for a picnic. The ancient Damson trees are here , along with heritage varieties of fruit trees being replanted by the volunteers.
From here, you get the best view in the park: looking up the steep slope, past the terraces, to the imposing 17th-century gazebo.
The Upper Walled Garden & Gazebo (Restricted Opening)
This is the historic heart of the gardens, the 20% that is fenced off.
The Gazebo: This stunning little building dates from the 1600s and was remodelled in the 1700s. It’s a Grade II-listed building and the true architectural gem of the site.
The Walled Garden: This is the formal, structured garden as it would have been in John Heath’s time, with beautiful planting beds.
IMPORTANT: The Upper Walled Garden and Gazebo are NOT open 24/7. They are opened by the volunteers on Thursdays and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, from April to September.
My advice? Plan your walk for a Thursday or Sunday afternoon. It is absolutely worth it to see inside. But even if you come on another day, the 24/7 Lower Gardens are a magnificent and peaceful spot in their own right.
My Final Thoughts
Old Durham Gardens is everything I love to discover. It’s not just a park; it’s a story. It’s a place you have to earn a little, by taking that lovely walk along the Wear.
It’s a testament to the passion of local volunteers and a perfect, quiet escape from the city. If you’re planning a weekend in Durham and want to find a truly authentic, beautiful, and free spot that most tourists miss, this is it.
I must admit, the terrace down to the lower gardens even today looks and feels special. Go discover it.
Hiker’s Essentials: Plan Your Visit
To make it easy for you, here are the key facts at a glance.
Where are the Old Durham Gardens?
- Address: Bent House Lane, Durham, DH1 2RY.
- Location: Less than a 1-mile walk east from Durham City Centre.
What are the Opening Times?
- Lower Walled Garden & Orchards (80% of area): Open 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Upper Walled Garden & Gazebo (20% of area): Open only on Thursdays and Sundays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, from April to September.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Entry is completely free for all parts of the garden. Donations to the Friends of Old Durham Gardens are, of course, welcome.
What About Parking?
- I do not recommend driving. Access is via a single-track, no-through-road. Parking is extremely limited. The best (and most enjoyable) way to visit is by walking from the city centre via the river or Pelaw Woods.
Is it Dog-Friendly?
- Yes, as a public park and walking area, it’s a fantastic place to bring a dog on a lead, especially in the 24/7 lower gardens.
Discover More in Durham
Once you’ve found this hidden gem, why not explore more of the area?
- Plan your full Weekend Break in Durham with my complete guide.
- See the city’s main attraction, Durham Castle, the Palace of the Prince Bishops.
- Explore more of the wider county with a walk in the beautiful Durham Dales or a visit to High Force waterfall.
