Top 8 Nightclubs You Need to Visit in Durham

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Durham is a great student city located in the Northeast and is a popular choice for university goers year after year, with Durham University ranking in at 6th in the UK university guide.  

Nightlife is an important part of student culture, so it’s no surprise that you want to know where to spend your nights when you move to Durham. There is a great bunch on this list with varied music genres, drinks deals and events. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and offer memorable experiences time after time! 

If you choose to stay in a Prestige Student Living property, you’ll never be too far from an exciting night out with your friends. You’ll have the luxury of going back to your close fantastic accommodation after a great night of partying. 

Make your way to the dancefloor and discover the top 8 list of clubs that Durham has to offer. It’s party time… 

Durham

1. Osbournes  

Osbournes is a bar and nightclub located in the heart of Durham city centre just off Elvet Bridge. With its great atmosphere with DJ’s, live bands and open mic nights playing different types of music to cater for all makes it a favourite for students and locals alike.  

Not only can you get happy hour cocktails, but it’s free to enter so you only have to break the bank for drinks. Even then, it’s reasonably priced with tons of drinks deals AND you can get a student loyalty card from the bar. You’ll be well looked after here! 

The good times will keep going in Osbournes as its open all week with a variety of different events happening every day of the week, for them much needed nights outs after a busy day of lectures.  

 

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Address: 21A Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA 

2. Klute  

We couldn’t not put Klute on the list. It’s Durham’s longest-running nightclub, providing generations of students with a goodtime across a 40-year period. If it’s been going for that long, it must be good right?! Well… the club was dubbed the title of the second worst nightclub in Europe a few years ago but has been re-vamped in recent times. 

It’s a favourite for both locals and students with its good value drinks, cheesy tunes, VIP lounge and bar which is open 7 days a week. The party never has to stop! Along with this, the club has weekly events such as Quid’s In Tuesdays, and Sunday Night Klute.  

Whilst we’re not sure if Klute is one of the ‘best’ nightclubs it’s definitely somewhere to experience whilst exploring Durham nightlife. Even if you only go once in freshers and never return. We’re kidding, it’s a fun-filled night out.  

 

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Address: Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AF 

3. Loft  

Loft is Durham’s only underground club and venue, which is located in the Northern Quarter of the city. With a mixed array of student events and themed nights such as Dnb and Jungle nights and House Party nights being only £1 for entry and drinks from £1.50, what’s not to love?!  

Not to mention, Loft is a student-only venue, so you don’t have to worry about dodging hen dos or being surrounded by older people. You’ll meet tons of fun-loving students whilst dancing till the sun comes up, except you won’t know if it’s morning or not, as it’s underground – but you get the gist.  

 

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Address: 15-17, North Rd, Durham DH1 4SH 

 4. Wiff Waff 

Wiff Waff is a bar and nightclub beneath the historic market square of Durham. Spread across two floors, the bar features 7 ping pong tables, 2 bars and 2 for £10 cocktails. So you can bring along your flatmates and have the best night all for a good price – just don’t get too competitive at beer pong, okay?! 

The vibes at Wiff Waff are great with tons of events with resident DJ’s such as Coco Mondays which brings all the best RnB & Disco tunes.  

They even have a photobooth so you can capture all those great memories with your pals! And cringe at the printed photos the next day. Cheers to the good times at Wiff Waff, you know you want to.  

 

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Address: Back Silver St, Durham DH1 3RA 

 5. Players Bar 

Players Bar is a must late night destination which is situated in Durham city centre.  You’ll never be short of a good time at Players with events such as Crowd 9, Swingers and Players Wednesdays taking place weekly. As well as their exciting nights hosting DJ’s, stage performers, live music and live sports.  

You can party with friends whilst enjoying a range of yummy cocktails and make the most of their student drinks deals. Enjoy VIP seating when you want a break from dancing. It’s open 7 days a week, so we’re sure you’ll be a Players regular in no time! 

Address: Unit 3 Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SQ 

6. Fabio’s Bar

Fabio’s Bar is Durham’s favourite Italian restaurant during the evening and by night it becomes a bustling bar and nightclub upstairs. So, if you’re feeling peckish whilst having a few drinks, you can order from the family-owned restaurant downstairs – best of both worlds! 

Boasting classic cocktails, a lively atmosphere and a mix of live DJs and bands, you’re always promised a good night out when you go to Fabio’s. They have student nights throughout the week and a mix of events for the weekend crowd with music genres consisting mostly of Rap, R&B, and Dance. Get your dancing shoes onnn. 

We’re sure you’ll love Fabio’s excellent atmosphere and cheap prices once you’ve made Durham your home.  

 

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Address: 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP 

7. Jimmy Allens 

Jimmy Allens is a beloved bar and nightclub located in the vaulted cellars beneath Elvet Bridge. It fits perfectly under the definition of cheap and cheerful with £1 shots and free entry– you can’t ask for much more really! They even have a beer garden if you fancy some early evening drinks. 

There’s a spooky history to this place as the the vaults were once dungeons where the piper, Jimmy Allen was imprisoned. The best part is, the bar staff will make you feel super safe, with the venue receiving praise for implementing safety measures to tackle spiking problems in the UK. 

You just must go to Jimmy Allens during fresher’s week to keep you dancing all night. 

 

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Address: 19, 21 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA 

8. Babylon  

Babylon is a Durham sports bar and nightclub perfect for watching sports or drinking cocktails and having a boogie. With student nights like CCTV, Wilder Wednesdays and Ignition happening weekly during term time as well as tribute act nights, live sports and music events taking place in Babylon, it’s for sure the place to be in Durham.   

Make sure to make the most of their two for £12 cocktail deal, all-day every-day. With something for everyone to enjoy from sport fanatics to cocktail lovers, you an all your flatmates can have a great time together at Babylon! 

 

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Address: 15North Rd, Durham DH1 4SQ 

That’s it, the end of our guide to the best nightclubs you need to visit in Durham. We hope you have a fantastic time exploring the nightlife in Durham, and please do let us know if you have any recommendations for us!  

If you are planning to move to Durham then explore our luxury student accommodation which is close to the bustling nightlife in the town, you can see our available properties here. 

Loved this blog? You should read our blog on Insta worthy walks in Durham next for something to do during the day in the beautiful city.