About Us

Durham Market Hall is more than just a market. Situated in the city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Durham Cathedral and castle, it’s home to approximately 40 local independent businesses, a central hub for Durham, a meeting place for all ages, and a little piece of history in the heart of a fascinating city. 

Many of our traders have been with us for generations. For example, H Garnham and Son Pet Supplies has been part of the Market Hall for over 70 years. The business has passed from generation to generation and is still going strong today.

Browse the aisles to find everything from home essentials like cleaning products and DIY accessories to unusual, bespoke gifts, including personalisation services. We have food and drink stalls, traders selling items for your hobbies, vintage clothing, book stalls, music shops, jewellery, toys, antiques, homeware, crystals, a card shop, upcycled items, a fabric and haberdashery stall, a flooring specialist, a key-cutter, engraving, phone repairs, hairdresser and barber, tattooists, body piercers, and so much more!

In addition to this, we operate the weekly Saturday Outdoor Markets in Durham Market Place, the Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Markets in Durham City Centre, and the Durham Christmas Festival. We also work with city centre partners in Durham to organise events throughout the year. Popular annual events include the Children’s Book and Fun Day, Nostalgia Day, Durham Classic Car Show and the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Why not take a virtual tour of the hall from the comfort of your home? Our virtual tour lets you discover our traders, visit the Mezzanine level, and look out across the hall. Alternatively, you can delve a little into our past with our Virtual History Tour. Enjoy!

Durham Markets Company was established in 1851 by an Act of Parliament and is one of very few privately owned markets in the UK. Initially open only on Saturdays, it underwent a major refurbishment in the 1980s and has since been open daily from Monday to Saturday, 9 am until 4:30 pm. In its 170-year history, it has only been closed three times, all during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/21.

Let’s Get Social!

If you’re on social media, follow us on our accounts to learn more about our incredible traders and to discover all the latest about our indoor and outdoor markets and events throughout the year. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

Passionate About Independents

We’re all passionate about independent businesses and their benefits to our high street, city and the wider area. We know that money spent with local independent businesses stays local and, in turn, supports other businesses and services in County Durham. We also know our traders are specialists in their trade. Come and shop with a fishmonger who can advise you on how best to cook a particular fish, with an expert in fossils, with a toy historian, or with someone who can work with you to create the ideal look for your home’s soft furnishings. Come into our Indoor Market Hall to repair your phone, have spare car keys cut, and get your trophies engraved. Looking to get a new tattoo, body piercing or aesthetic procedure? All of these are available within Durham Market Hall.  

Our traders can be divided into six categories: