Durham Pride UK Access Information 2025
Important note: This information is not a full access guide, but it is intended to provide some basic details to help visitors to plan their visit to Durham Pride UK. We recognise that everyone has a different need, so we have provided factual information and have not made any suggestions about suitability.
This information follows the Parade Route from Palace Green to the Sands and provides further information on potential access routes.
General information to consider.
Transport – Parking and road closures – this information will be available on the Durham County Council website to help you plan your journey. There are accessible bays for Blue Badge holders at existing car parks and park and ride sites. There will be additional restrictions on where you can use your Blue Badge because of the road closures and traffic management plan. Public transport and taxis will not be affected by the road closures.
Light levels – The event takes place outdoors between 10.30am and 11pm we therefore anticipate light levels will be good.
Weather conditions – very wet weather could make some of the cobbled areas, pathways and grassed areas slippery. We know it sounds obvious, but it is something to consider as some parts of the city are steep.
Street furniture – there is fixed street furniture such as litter bins, seating and traffic bollards around the city. This street furniture varies in design, material and size. There may also be advertising boards, café tables and seating outside some of the shops and restaurants.
Outline of information along the parade route and surrounding areas.
| Location | Access Information |
| Palace Green, Durham Cathedral – Parade starts here. | The road surface is tarmac with grass on the central area in front of the Cathedral. The grass area could become muddy in wet weather. The paths around Palace Green are a mixture of cobbles and paving with kerbs. There is some fixed seating available with arm rests. Please note we are expecting Palace Green to be very busy |
| Owengate | Owengate is the short approach between Saddler Street and Palace Green where the road narrows. There is a very steep incline onto Palace Green. The road surface is cobbles and on either side, there are narrow paths with kerbs. |
| Sadler Street | There are 14 steps at the junction with Saddler Street; the steps have handrails to the centre and side. There is alternative sloped access to the side of the steps which leads onto Saddler Street between the Market Place and Palace Green. Saddler Street has a steep incline on the approach to North Bailey and Palace Green. The surface is paved and cobbled with narrow paved footpaths. |
| Silver Street | Surfaces are a mix of cobbles and flagstones. The street is a very steep incline from Framwellgate Bridge into the Market Place with no seats. |
| Market place | The surfaces within the Market Place are mainly level, paved and free from kerbs. There is a slight incline from St Nicholas Church towards the statue. There is a level change of 3 steps around the statue at the exit from the Market Place onto Silver Street but there are alternative routes using the slope either side. There is a mixture of fixed stone and wood seating which are low level, some with arm rests. |
| Claypath | Tarmacadam road with adequate width footpaths, slight incline. |
| Providence Row | Providence Row is very steep with kerb flagstone paths. There are some dropped kerbs. |
| Freemans Place | Tarmacadam road with adequate width footpaths, level. |
| The Sands | Level grassed area. Level access via dropped kerb. Potential slip hazard if weather is poor, or has been poor prior to the event. Accessible toilets will be provided on site. The position of these will depend on the weather. A signer will be on stage. |
| Walkergate, Millennium Place (alternative route) | Stepped access up to Millennium Square is available next to the Premier Inn. There is also a ramp available, which has corduroy paving with handrails and adequate lighting. ** There are two lifts in the Millennium Place area. The lifts allow access from the car park and riverside to Piazza level and Millennium Place. There are power assisted doors to the lift. The car park is open 24 hours. The lift within Walkergate multi-storey car park gives access to levels 1, 2, 4 of the car park, level 6 (Missoula and Ebony Champagne Bar) and level 7 (Gala Theatre and Town). The other lift is located at the riverside on Freeman’s Place and gives access from the Riverside to levels 1, 3 of the car park, level 5 (The Bishops’ Mill) and level 7 (Ask Italian, Nando’s etc). There is also stepped access to Millennium place There is ramped access from Milburngate bridge. The ramp is situated behind the library with adequate handrails and lighting. The surface is block paving with adequate lighting. There are also several flight of stairs with level changes, 7 steps with corduroy paving. Seating available and well lit. |
Marshalls and Event Staff will be available to assist as far as possible during the event. They will be wearing purple vests and lanyards supporting a card identifying them as a Durham Pride UK Marshall and will do their best to help.
If you require specific information or assistance, please contact us prior to the event to discuss via admin@durhamprideuk.org.