The Bailey

[2] Vehicular access to the area is restricted by the Durham City congestion charge, which started in 2002 and is the UK's oldest such scheme.

[1][4]: 29 South Bailey begins close to St Cuthbert's Society, near to Prebends Bridge, at the southern tip of the peninsula.

It is situated on top of the narrow, high peninsula formed by a sharp bend in the River Wear.

[9][10] From the west, a passageway called "Windy Gap", leads down to the banks of the River Wear between two buildings which are now part of the university Music School.

Saddler Street is borne out of Owengate and North Bailey, continuing downhill to the Market Place.

With steep cliffs and the River Wear on three sides, Durham's peninsula has long been recognised as a prime defensive site.

The central and southern parts of the peninsula, including the Castle, the Cathedral, the College, and Prebends Bridge, are now designated a World Heritage Site.