Exploring Attractions in Durham, the Essence of England's Charming Urban Center and County
Gonna tell ya, bro, 'bout the sickest weekend I ever had in the old country. Durham, England ain't no joke, mate. It's like a time capsule of the good ol' British isles, with all the castles, cathedrals, and tea time you could ask for. But this place ain't just your run-of-the-mill tourist trap. No siree, Durham's a whole region - Durham Dales, Vale of Durham, The Durham Coast, and the city itself.
I thought I had seen it all, but this place really took me by storm. I spent four damn days there, and I'm wishing I could've stayed longer. This joint even got the support from Durham Tourism to check it out, so you know it's legit.
Now, let's dive into the city of Durham itself. It's the perfect size for a weekend break, easy to explore on foot. They got all the cool bars and some kick-ass restaurants going, thanks to the university population living there. The UNESCO attractions are a no-brainer, but there's more to see than just the Cathedral and Castle.
You can stroll along the River Wear, grab a coffee, or hire a boat on a sunny day. Around Market Place, there's some top-notch architecture and some indie shops to browse. For boutique shops with artsy designs, hit up Fowlers Yard - a cute little cobblestone street with some hidden gems to discover.
Now, I ain't one to pass up on traditional pubs and fish and chips, but there are some funky spots to grab a coffee or meal too. Flat White is a fantastic coffee shop and cafe, with a faded wood and bright light inside that's basically Instagram gold. Zen's got some killer Thai meals, while Lebaneat's got tasty vegetarian options. Of course, you can't forget Greggs, the bakery chain that I can't seem to get enough of.
Durham's got plenty of green spaces too, like the parks near the river and the Botanic Gardens, which are just outside the city center near the University Campus. But let's be real, the main draw to the city is the UNESCO Cathedral and Castle, found on Palace Green.
I mean, this Cathedral, man. It's been standing tall since 1093 and was built for St. Cuthbert, so you can imagine it's something special. Inside, it's absolutely spectactular, with the stained glass windows illuminating the grand hall and chapel in different hues, including a modern stained glass window that's a work of art in itself. The Cathedral fills you in on the history and importance of Durham, from the Benedictine Monks who built the Cathedral to the Bishops of Durham whose stories intertwine with many of the attractions throughout the region. Don't miss out on climbing the tallest and narrowest tower of any Cathedral in England - if you can handle steps and not mind tight spaces, you'll get some sick views of the city and region.
Just off one of the cloisters, you'll find the Open Treasure Museum, with a collection from all over the world, but with a particular focus on local discoveries and gems like the original Sanctuary Knocker and the sword of St. Cuthbert.
Next up, Durham Castle. Now, it's the University these days, but you can still take tours online to step back in time like we're in some Harry Potter set. The tours take around 45 minutes to an hour and give you a feel for the grand dining rooms students use as a canteen and the ornate chapel. Get tickets for a tour if you can – trust me, it's worth it!
One of the coolest things about Durham Castle is that when the students leave for holidays, you can actually book in and stay there – not just in the dorms! Some of the old Bishop's suites, with grand four-poster beds, detailed bathrooms, and lavish living areas, are available for sleeping in, and the prices, given the UNESCO history you're bedding down in, are pretty fair.
Out of the city, check out Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. This place is hands down the best museum I've ever been to – and I've been to a bunch. It's an interactive museum with actors playing the characters of various eras, mimicking the daily life in this museum. You can even ride the steam rails and see old-school trams and buses.
In the 1900s town, I had a blast dressing up for a photoshoot and gorging on old-school sweets from the sweet shop, with the Downton Abbey sets as a bonus. Across in the 1900s village, I checked out the traditional mine, had fish and chips cooked up just like the old days, and visited houses where the 'owners' were always up for a chat! There's even a farm and a new 1950s village opening up soon.
Out in the Durham Dales, don't miss out on Raby Castle. Set amidst the rolling green hills, this castle is privately owned and offers tours most of the year – excluding winter. Inside, you'll find a grand entrance hall, dining halls, and multiple rooms adorned with detailed bathrooms and lavish living areas. Deer roam around the gardens, and there's a cute little café in the old horse stables, perfect for an English Afternoon Tea with daily specials. You can even book in to stay in some of the historic rooms if you want!
Over in Bishop Auckland, you'll find The Bowes Museum, modelled like a Chateau in France, but built as a museum and a gift from John Bowes and his wife, Josepha. Check out the famous Silver Swan automaton, which still gets wound up daily at 2 pm! The entire museum is bursting with art, theater memorabilia, musical instruments, fashion, and furniture, with interactive exhibits and interactive experiences for visitors.
Take a stroll through the old market town of Barnard Castle, which feels like it's been plucked straight out of the past. Besides the castle ruins, check out Egglestone Abbey, located just a little further down the River Tees.
Auckland Castle, located in a huge green space, has been restored and re-opened to the public as a museum. I only got to see the gallery inside, but it looks like they've put a lot of effort into making sure it's interactive, with audio in each room and a 'lived in' atmosphere throughout the castle.
Auckland Tower offers some amazing views from the terrace, and inside, you'll find all the history you might want to know about the Bishops of Durham over the years. The Auckland Project, a passionate organization, is working to make Bishop Auckland a tourism destination again and has creative hub and store called No. 42 too.
Locomotion, located in Shildon and reached by bus, is dedicated to rail and offers a huge collection of over 70 trains dating back over the years, with some even open for you to walk through. On certain days, you'll even see the old steam rail come to life again for people who want to take a ride.
Finally, head to Seaham on the Durham Heritage Coast to search for sea glass – I hadn't heard of it before, but it's cool as hell. The glass along the beach has been weathered by the waters over the years and is in all these beautiful colors – it's basically like finding shiny pebbles for your collection!
That's the lowdown on Durham, my dude. It's one of the best places I've ever been to in England, and I'd go back in a heartbeat. If you're planning a trip, make sure to check out the official tourist board website for more info!
- After exploring the historical charm of Durham's Cathedral and Castle, one can venture into its modern lifestyle, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and indie shops catering to the university population.
- For education and self-development, visiting The Bowes Museum in Bishop Auckland offers a collection of art, theater memorabilia, musical instruments, fashion, and furniture, with interactive exhibits and experiences.
- For entertainment, Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is an interactive museum where one can experience life in various eras, with actors portraying characters, steam rails, and old-school trams and buses.
