Durham is a beautiful and historic city in County Durham.
The city has excellent transport links because Durham train station is on the East Coast Main Line, which provides direct services to cities like Edinburgh, Newcastle and London. For those commuting or travelling by car, the A1 passes just a few miles outside of Durham and connects through to the M1 as well. This makes travelling further afield by car quick and easy from here. Newcastle International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away, opening up travel options both nationally and internationally, for work or pleasure.
Education is well provided for here with many primary schools to choose from, including Finchale Primary School and St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School. There are plenty of secondary options too, including state schools like Durham Johnston Comprehensive School (which received an outstanding rating by Ofsted) and independent schools such as Durham High School for Girls. The city also has sixth forms and colleges available, as well as Durham University.
When it comes to shopping, Durham provides plenty to choose from. There are lots of exciting independent stores in the city, such as Circle Vintage Durham, People’s Bookshop, and The Georgian Window (a gift shop). The bustling Durham Markets date back to 1851 and have plenty of great independent retailers selling local food, fashion, records, books and much more.
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre is right in the centre of the city providing many of the high street names, like Boots, Next, Monsoon and Clarks. The Riverwalk is a new shopping and leisure centre located next to the river, with an Odeon Luxe and places to eat (like Turtle Bay). Just outside the city is Arnison Shopping Park and Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre.
Durham has a great food and drink scene, with something for all tastes and budgets. There are many cosy cafes throughout the city, such as Vennels Café, which serves delicious cakes and lunches. The city is home to fantastic pubs like Dun Cow Inn and Ye Old Elm Tree, as well as cocktail bars like Old Tom’s Gin Bar, or Champagne Bar. There are also exciting restaurants to choose from in the city centre; Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill serves up small and large plate options, and The Cellar Door is a 13th century cellar conversion where all the delicious dishes are created using fresh, seasonal produce.
Healthcare is provided by the University Hospital of North Durham, as well as local GP services.
There’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Many enjoy visiting the stunning Durham Cathedral or the historic Durham Castle, which dates back to 1072 and sits on a hill above the river. Head to Durham University Botanic Garden for its gorgeous landscapes and glass houses, or enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the river on a sunny day. In the evening, you can make the most of the exciting nightlife or catch a show at the Gala Theatre and Cinema.
Bill Bryson described Durham as the “perfect little city” and he’s not wrong. It’s a historic, picturesque place with cobbled streets and the gorgeous River Wear, yet it also provides all the fun that you’d expect from a bustling city centre.
