Durham Travel Guides

Durham spotlight

Where to Stay in and Around Durham - City, Seaside, and Countryside

Visitors who want to be next door to Durham's prime attractions will find places to stay within walking distance of Durham's castle and cathedral. You can choose from modern chain hotels, smaller independent properties, bed-and-breakfasts, and guesthouses in the historic city centre and on the outskirts. You'll also find hotels and guesthouses in neighbouring towns like Hartlepool and Bishop Auckland, and on Durham Heritage Coast.

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Shopping Around Durham - Antiques, Souvenirs, and Snacks

If you're looking for a memento of your trip to Durham, you'll find purchases to please you in antique stores and museum shops. At farm shops and farmers' markets, you can buy local cheeses and other produce. Local folk have been buying and selling on Market Place for centuries, and this central square is still a shopping hub.

What to See and Do in Durham - From Museums and Monuments to Gardens and Cruises

Most visitors to Durham make a beeline for the historic centre with its magnificent monuments, collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After you've been wowed by castle and cathedral, you can soak up more history in Durham's museums and discover more recent industrial heritage nearby. For a breath of fresh air, you can stroll in attractive parks and gardens, or take a boat trip on the River Wear.

The Charm of Durham - Castles, Churches, and Countryside Beside the River Wear

Silhouetted above the city, medieval castle and cathedral catch your eye as soon as you arrive in historic Durham. College buildings cluster around the castle. Not far away, you'll find rolling countryside in the Durham Dales and broad seascapes on Durham Heritage Coast. Nearby Hartlepool has its own rich maritime traditions, and Bishop Auckland is the site of a stunning 12th-century palace and an even older Roman fort.

Dining in and Around Durham - A Where to Eat Guide

You'll find lots of eating choices in central Durham, in the countryside, and by the sea, ranging from country inns and riverside bistros to gastropubs. In many places the emphasis is on traditional English cooking. You'll find plenty of restaurants that serve a hearty Sunday roast, and most menus feature staples like fish and chips and steak and ale pie. You'll also find Italian trattorias, curry houses, and Chinese restaurants.

The Insider's Guide to a Fun Break in Durham

Durham's medieval castle and cathedral make this city in northeast England special. Set in a steep-sided loop of the River Wear, Durham is one of England's most spectacularly sited cities. Nearby, you'll find dramatic coastlines, maritime heritage, Roman forts, and Norman strongholds. There's lively nightlife in theatres, pubs, and bars.

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