Discovering Durham: The Charm of Saddler Street’s Historic Heartbeat

Saddler Street in Durham is another quintessentially historic street that runs through the heart of the city, connecting the Durham Market Place with Durham Cathedral and Castle, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This narrow, cobbled street, which follows the line of an ancient Roman road, is characterized by its medieval and Georgian architecture, offering a picturesque backdrop that feels steeped in history.

Saddler Street and Elvet Bridge Junction.

Medieval Beginnings

At its heart, Saddler Street retains elements of its medieval origins, evident in the narrow cobbled pathway and the layout of the street itself, which follows the course of an old Roman road. The street’s narrowness and the close proximity of buildings on either side are characteristic of medieval urban planning, designed to maximize limited space within the city walls and to provide defensive advantages.

Georgian and Victorian Influences

As one progresses along Saddler Street, the architectural narrative unfolds further with the addition of Georgian and Victorian elements. These periods introduced larger, more symmetrical windows and facades, reflecting the era’s emphasis on light, space, and ornamentation.

The Georgian buildings, with their elegant proportions and classical details, speak to a time of aesthetic refinement and social aspiration. Victorian architecture adds a layer of decorative complexity and variety, with some buildings featuring Gothic revival elements—a nod to the medieval cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. These styles coexist with earlier structures, creating a rich tapestry of architectural history.

Turkish Kitchen Meze and Grill is a Turkish restaurant offering both an exquisite dining experience and good food. The place serves small plate starters, wraps, salad and grill as well as vegetarian options.

Turkish Kitchen Ground Floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP Visit Website

In the same building but upstairs accessible via a side entrance is Fabio’s Bar and La Spaghettata Italian Restaurant, an independent restaurant serving cocktails, drinks, classic Italian food, pizza an

Fabio’s La Spaghettata First floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP Visit Website

Pizza Express, 64 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3PG – Visit Website

Contemporary Additions

Among the historic fabric of Saddler Street, contemporary interventions have been carefully integrated. Modern renovations and new builds are designed with sensitivity to the street’s historic character, using materials and forms that complement the existing architectural heritage. These contemporary elements ensure the street continues to evolve, meeting the needs of its current inhabitants while respecting its historical context.

Waceland, Durham clothing shop 34 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU – Visit Website

Fat Hippo Burger Restaurant 36 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU – Visit Website

The Mugwump for fashion and style 37 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU – Visit Facebook Page

Commercial and Residential Mix

The buildings along Saddler Street have traditionally housed a mix of commercial and residential uses. Historically, shopfronts on the ground level with living quarters above were common, allowing merchants to live close to their businesses. This arrangement is still seen today, although the nature of the businesses has evolved. The street is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, housed in buildings that showcase the street’s architectural diversity.

The queue for Flat White Kitchen on a busy day. The popular little coffee shop on Saddler Street specialises in baked goods and cafe fare. The business is located in a renovated 17th century townhouse.

Flat White Kitchen, 40 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU – Visit Website

Landmarks and Features

Notable landmarks along Saddler Street contribute to its unique architectural and historical identity. These include ancient inns, historic public houses, and buildings once home to guilds and local trades. Each landmark tells a part of Durham’s story, from its commercial successes to its social and cultural developments.

Urban BASE estate agent 61 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

The Shakespeare Tavern 63 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

Saddler Street stands as a living museum of Durham’s architectural heritage, offering an immersive experience into the city’s past. The coexistence of different architectural styles along this historic street mirrors the layers of history that have shaped Durham, making Saddler Street not only a vital artery of the city but also a visual narrative of its evolving identity. Walking down Saddler Street is like traversing through time, with each building and facade revealing stories of the eras they were built in, contributing to the unique charm and character of Durham.

Circle Vintage 41 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU vintage clothing store. Visit Website

Shops and Businesses on Saddler Street

Saddler Street is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops and businesses, appealing to both locals and tourists. It hosts a variety of retail outlets ranging from independent boutiques and specialty shops to well-known brands. Visitors can find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and vintage items in the quaint boutiques that line the street. The street also boasts a selection of bookshops, offering both new titles and rare finds for the avid reader.

Tango Durham Hamburger Restaurant 39 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU which is also accessible from Elvet Bridge is now open next to Flat White Kitchen. At our last visit, this unit was unoccupied. Visit Website

In addition to retail shops, Saddler Street is home to a vibrant selection of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, where visitors can enjoy everything from a quick coffee and a snack to a leisurely meal. The dining options cater to a wide range of tastes, including traditional British fare, international cuisine, and vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that there’s something to suit every palate.

nkdBIRD 32A Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU offers buttermilk fried chicken, wings and chicken tenders as well as burgers and sides to take away or eat in. Visit Website

GoWaffle 33 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU offers a more trendy and contemporary dessert catering to students and young adults. Their offerings include bubble waffles with ice cream and various toppings, your conventional ice cream in cups and waffle cones, milkshakes and bubble teas. Visit Website

Among the businesses that contribute to the street’s charm are those housed in centuries-old buildings, adding to the unique shopping and dining experience. For instance, the street has been known to host artisan bakeries, where the smell of fresh bread and pastries fills the air, and independent fashion stores offering everything from contemporary designs to vintage clothing.

Vennels Cafe (sign above) is a bakery and cafe serving freshly baked goods and home made food. It is a hidden gem accessible via a small corridor. The cafe and shops are behind the Newcastle Building Society (below). Vennels Cafe 71 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP – Visit Website

Saddler Street also plays a role in Durham’s cultural and social scene, with several venues hosting music events, art exhibitions, and workshops, enriching the city’s vibrant community life.

Ch…Ch…Ch…Changes

The photos below were taken 9 months earlier, see if you can spot the changes. Despite the specific names of shops and businesses on Saddler Street changing over time due to the natural evolution of any vibrant urban area, the street remains a beloved and bustling part of Durham. Its blend of history, culture, and commerce makes Saddler Street a must-visit for anyone exploring the city, offering a unique glimpse into the past while enjoying the amenities and pleasures of the present.

The Art Shop and Kemble Gallery seen above is no longer open at our more recent visit.

Pizza Express and Turkish Kitchen has gone through some re-decoration to the shop front with Pizza Express going from all to Purple and the signs for Turkish Kitchen going from black to red.