Durham proves that you don’t have to attend a city uni to have a fun nightlife experience. In fact, for Durham students, you don’t even need to take the twelve minute train to Newcastle to have a good time (although that can be fun, too.) With each of the university’s 17 colleges having its own dedicated bar as well as a range of different venues in town, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best student bars in Durham to have a fantastic night out and make some fond memories.
The Undercroft Bar
Affectionately known as ‘The Undie’ or ‘Undies,’ the Undercroft Bar is the resident bar for University College. It has a unique selling point, which is that it is located in Durham Castle. It holds the title of oldest student bar in the world, and its warmly lit stone walls give it an ambience that is rivaled by none. The Undercroft hosts a variety of different events from formal dinner nights to live music, quizzes and open mic nights.
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Tin of Sardines
Tin of Sardines is a cute and cozy little gin bar. During the warmer months, their outdoor patio area is the place to be, with a perfect view of the River Wear. If you’re a gin aficionado, this place is hard to beat with over 200 varieties of gin available to try. Even if gin isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the atmosphere with their selection of beer, wine and cider.
The Half Moon Inn
The Half Moon Inn offers a classic pub atmosphere in a Grade I-listed Tudor building. You can catch a game, check out an event or just have a chat with friends. They have a variety of offers, including St. Patrick’s Day specials, shots & bombs, drinks packages, or two cocktails for £10. They’re especially known for their wide range of top-quality beer, which you can enjoy in their charming courtyard facing the Cathedral.
The Stag’s Head
The Stag’s Head is the resident pub for Collingwood College. They offer all kinds of events from quizzes to performances on their two stages, the Ultraviolet and the Wild Side.
DSU
The Durham Student Union bar, also known as the Kingsgate, is another fantastic option for students. Many society socials and open mic nights take place there. Plus, they have loads of offers – what’s not to love?
See also: Top Places For A Student Night Out In Oxford