Overview and Attractions
The Durham Travel Guide outlines local visitor attractions, places of interest, entertainment and includes useful tourist information for travellers. The city guide features travel information on local transport and travel, entertainment, events, facts & figures, maps and accommodation.
The city of Durham is located in County Durham in the North of England. The area was once part of the Northern Kingdom of Northumbria, the area around the border between England and Scotland.
Durham is one of the most scenic cities in the UK; the surrounding areas in County Durham provide some of the finest and most unspoilt landscape in the UK.
The city is not always at the forefront of tourist’s thoughts when looking for a place to visit within the UK, visitors that do visit will be rewarded with plenty to see, do and enjoy in the city.
The geographical location of Durham in the north of England close to Scotland has meant it has always been of strategic importance. During the 19th century the city was home to the carpet making and weaving industries along with the coal industry.
The city has plenty of history; the centre of Durham is a conservation area whilst the World Heritage Site in the city includes Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral and the buildings between them in the city centre.
The city includes over 600 Grade I and Grade II listed buildings including fine examples of historic buildings covering a number of eras.
The City of Durham has been accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since back in 1986. This medieval city is regarded as having outstanding history and heritage of great importance not only nationally but is also of international importance.
The compact nature of Durham city means that it is easily navigated by foot; famous local attractions include Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Durham University that are extremely popular among visitors to the city.
The city has benefited from retaining its own charm and character over the years making it a great place for visitors with an interest in history, culture and heritage in particular.
The well known Durham University dates back to the 19th century, it is among the oldest universities in England. The university has played a prominent role in the history of the city.
Durham has gained a higher profile in the last few years with its own county cricket team Durham County Cricket Club and cricket stadium, the Riverside Ground that stages international matches.
Market Place in the city hosts a number of regular markets, including farmers market and outdoor retail market. Durham Market Hall housed inside a restored Victorian Hall includes over 50 traders offering a wide range of services, foods and goods. There are a number of food outlets and eateries.
Stanley is situated less than 10 miles from Durham city. This market town is close to Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum. Tanfield Railway, the world's oldest existing railway, opened back in 1725 is located close by.
Close by to Tanfield Railway is Causey Arch, well known as the oldest single span railway bridge in the world, built in 1725.
The District of Easington includes the areas from Sunderland to Hartlepool and includes the stunning natural coastline that offers visitors plenty of natural beauty. The limestone cliff tops contain a wide array of flora and fauna.
Castle Eden Dene is well known for its scenic beauty and for being the home of the Angus Butterfly. Walkers can enjoy a number of scenic walks along the coastline.
The Durham Dales are part of the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Consisting of Tessdale and Weardale visitors can enjoy some of the finest scenery in England, with a mix of river valleys, rugged upland, moors, waterfalls and meadows.
At High Force, the Tees falls dramatically over boulders for 70 feet to form England's largest waterfall. The remote high Pennies offer some spectacular views over the moorlands.
The town of Darlington is located 20 miles south of the city of Durham. Once known for the railways, the rich history is showcased at the Darlington Railway Museum located on the 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, famous for being the world's first steam worked public railway.
Local attractions include South Park, a Victorian park with rock and rose gardens, a lake, cafes and play areas.
Entertainment is available at the Darlington Civic Centre housed inside a charming Edwardian era building, the theatre hosts a varied programme of music, dance, opera and comedy and pantomine.
Hartlepool is located 18 miles south east of Durham. The coastal town includes a number of visitor attractions, a marina, beaches and scenic countryside. The town has benefited from redevelopment and regeneration projects in recent years including the redevelopment of the docks area into the marina.
Local attractions include the Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience; recreating a 18th century seaport that includes the quayside, museum of Hartlepool and HMS Trincomalee warship. The Heugh Gun Battery Museum, a restored 19th century coastal defence battery.
Hartlepool Marina includes a number of shops, bars, restaurants, boats, water-sports facilities and hosts a number of events. Local shopping facilities include the town centre Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and a number of retail parks in Hartlepool Marina.
Chester-le-Street is a historic market town dating back to Roman times, located 8 miles north of Durham. Home to a number of outdoor street markets each week, the town is also known for its scenic cricket ground, home to Durham County Cricket Club.
Local attractions include the parish church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, a Grade I listed building and includes the Ankers House Museum with displays dating back to the Roman, Medieval and Saxon eras.
Riverside Park includes a play area, ornamental gardens and events arena making it a popular place to enjoy a walk.
The charming city of Durham is one of the lower profile cities in England, it is sometimes missed by visitors to the UK; yet the city has plenty to offer visitors. It is a great place for the discerning visitor who wishes to see the history, culture and natural beauty of the city and the surround north England countryside.
The location in the north east of England means Durham provides a convenient base from which to explore a number of areas in England and Scotland, with Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, the Lake District and the Scottish Borders are within reach as is neighbouring Yorkshire.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
