Hotels and Travel

Destination - Durham

Durham City has a rich heritage.

Durham is situated in the North East of England on the River Wear. The river forms a loop around a rocky peninsula containing the historic city centre and the magnificent Cathedral and Castle. The Cathedral and Castle combine to give the City of Durham one of the most distinctive skylines in the world.

Durham's medieval layout is still evident in the winding streets and vennels beneath the cathedral and castle site. The city has a modern shopping centre, but also offers a haven of peace with pleasant walks along the wooded river banks and the opportunity to take boat trips on the River Wear. The University Botanic Garden has trees and plants from all over the world and is well worth a visit. The city is well served with museums illustrating the county's fascinating blend of Christian, social and industrial heritage.

Durham University was founded as the University of Durham by Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a Royal Charter in 1837. It was one of the first new universities to open in England for over 500 years, and claims to be England's third oldest after Oxford and Cambridge.

Durham is a compact city yet offers a wide range of facilities.  Shops, hotels and restaurants co-exist happily with the Victorian Market. Much of Durham’s shopping area is closed to traffic, making for a more relaxed atmosphere. some of the Durhams hotels include the Marriott and Travel Lodge.

Take time to sit in the cobbled Market Place and enjoy some of the street entertainment, particularly during July and August. The monthly Farmers’ Market is a welcome new addition, here you will find fresh local specialities to take back home. In spring and summer, stunning floral displays adorn the City for which Durham regularly wins prizes.

From Durham it is easy to explore the Durham Dales, part of the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These dales offer some of the country's finest scenery - a blend of rugged upland, impressive waterfalls, gentle river valleys, wildflower meadows and dry stone walls. The heather moor lands to the west are pierced by the headstreams of the Derwent, Tees and Wear. At High Force, the Tees falls dramatically over massive boulders for 70 feet to form the largest waterfall in England. The remote and beautiful high Pennines offer panoramic views from moor land roads. The 19th Century lead mining in Upper Weardale is brought to life at Killhope Lead Mining centre.

Durham’s inns, restaurants and cafés offer something for everyone with food from all over the world. For atmosphere, choose from 17th century alehouses to an internet café. Try Durham Lamb Squab Pie, a local speciality

Durham is equally as well-served when it comes to watering holes, with more than forty within a mile radius of the Cathedral. For the scariest pint in Durham, try The Shakespeare Tavern , the "most haunted pub in England".

Click here for a list of hotels in Durham and the surrounding area.