Lane 7

Lane 7 is Durham's answer to a proper night out that doesn't involve a pub crawl. It's a sports and social venue done up modern - think bowling, arcade games, pool tables, and a bar all rolled into one. The lanes themselves are well-maintained, the lighting's atmospheric without being dingy, and there's enough going on that you won't just stand around waiting for your turn.

It works best if you've got a mixed group - some folk who want to bowl competitively, others happy to mess about on the arcade or grab a drink. Families with older kids will have a decent time, though the evening crowd does skew younger and louder, so an afternoon session might suit you better if you're after something more relaxed.

The venue sits right in Durham town centre, which is handy if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Durham Grange is only a couple of miles away, and West Hall Glamping isn't much further. After an afternoon at Finchale Abbey exploring the ruins, or if you fancy a break from countryside walks, this fills a gap nicely.

Bowling costs you per game rather than per person, which stacks up if you're there a while, so budget accordingly. It's not the cheapest night out, but on a rainy evening when the weather's turned, it beats sitting in your caravan. Check their website for specific pricing and opening times before you head over - they run later on weekends.