Durham Indoor Market

Durham Indoor Market occupies a handsome Victorian market hall in the city's Market Place, just below the castle and cathedral. Trading since 1851, it houses a mix of independent stalls under a single roof, ranging from butchers, bakers and greengrocers to vinyl records, jewellery, gifts, vintage clothing and a growing number of small food and coffee traders.

The hall itself is worth a look for the ironwork, high ceilings and gallery running above the ground-floor stalls. It's a working market rather than a tourist showpiece, so you'll find long-established family businesses alongside newer independent shops, and prices tend to be sensible. Regular events include craft fairs, record fairs and seasonal makers' markets.

The market sits directly in the Market Place beside the statue of the Marquess of Londonderry, making it an easy stop when exploring central Durham. It's a good place to pick up local produce or a quick lunch before walking down to the river or up towards the peninsula.