River Wear Riverbanks & Prebends Bridge
Prebends Bridge
A tree-lined riverside walk that encircles the old town peninsula. The view back from Prebends Bridge toward the cathedral is Durham's most classic scene.
The River Wear makes a horseshoe bend around Durham, and wooded paths run along both banks. A circuit of the peninsula is about 3 km and takes around an hour on foot. Built in 1778, Prebends Bridge is the best viewpoint. The cathedral's west façade and the old riverside fulling mill are reflected in the water, and J.M.W. Turner once painted here. Along the way you pass Framwellgate Bridge, Elvet Bridge and the university's rowing boathouse. Admission is free and the path is open all day. You can enter from Market Place, or go down the slope on the south side of the cathedral.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Durham Cathedral & Castle
- Palace Green Library
- Durham Market Place
- Oriental Museum
- River Wear Cruises & Rowing Boats
- Durham University Botanic Garden
- Crook Hall & Gardens
- Finchale Priory