Discover

Durham Markets is definitely more than just a market.  The Market Hall is where history and tradition meet contemporary retail.  Home to 40 independent traders, it’s a shopping experience.  Our traders are knowledgeable and passionate about what they sell.  If you can, make time to really enjoy your visit.  As well as the Market Hall, our weekly Outdoor Market transforms Durham’s Market Place into a bustling and busy hub, as do our monthly Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Markets.  Keep an eye out also for our evening Street Food Markets, as well as the range of events we’re involved with throughout the year in Durham, and other towns in the county.

About The Market

Durham Market Hall is definitely more than just a market … it’s home to approximately 40 local independent businesses, it’s a central Durham hub – a meeting place for all ages, and it’s a little piece of history in the heart of a fascinating city.

Many of our traders have been in Durham Market Hall for generations; take H Garnham and Son Pet Supplies who’ve been part of the Market Hall for more than 70 years, as the business has passed from generation to generation.

As well as operating the Market Hall, we operate the weekly Saturday Outdoor Markets in Durham Market Place, the Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Markets in Durham City Centre and Bishop Auckland, Street Food Markets in Durham City Centre and Bishop Auckland and 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 Chinese New Year celebrations.

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