Durham Pride UK Access Information 2026
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 different needs, so we have provided information without making any suitability suggestions.
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. Accessible bays for Blue Badge holders are available 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, but will be unable to access the Parade route during the road closure.
Light levels – The event takes place outdoors between 11 am and 11 pm; therefore, we anticipate good lighting conditions.
Weather conditions – very wet weather could make some cobbled areas, pathways, and grassed areas slippery. We know it sounds obvious, but it is worth considering, 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 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 in 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. Some fixed seating with armrests is available. Please note that 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; they have handrails on the centre and sides. There is an 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 3-step level change around the statue at the exit from the Market Place onto Silver Street, but there are alternative routes using the slopes on either side. There is a mix of fixed stone and wood seating, low-level, some with armrests. |
| 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 the 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 BSL signer will be on stage during speeches. |
| Walkergate, Millennium Place (alternative route) | Tarmacadam road with adequate width, footpaths, and a slight incline. |
Event stewards will be available to assist as far as possible during the event. They will be wearing purple vests and lanyards with a card identifying them as Durham Pride UK Volunteers. They will do their best to help.
If you require specific information or assistance, please contact us prior to the event to discuss via support@durhamprideuk.org.