To help you along we've broken down some of our regions most popular attraction into these 5 sections:
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO & SEE - DURHAM
1.DURHAM CITY :
Four words sum up the county of Durham, old, beautiful , charming and interesting. Durham City has all of these, so start your “get to know Durham”, here. The famous author Bill Bryson described it a “ perfect little city ---and he’s not known for compliments. Why? because its just beautiful, the view of it from the mainline northbound train is staggering.
It’s got an extraordinary cathedral , a fine river with boating , one of the oldest uni’s, a castle and it provides a truly pleasant shopping experience. You can eat nice food, shop at an indoor market or just wander around, enjoying pleasant views in all directions.
2. HIGH FORCE: I implore you not to miss a trip to Middleton in Teesdale to witness one of nature’s wonders. There you’ll see the full, fast flowing River Tees suddenly taking a 21 metre drop through an awesome rock formation as a powerful spectacular waterfall- one of the best in England. The immense roar caused by thousands of gallons of water will take your breath away. Then when you can take no more, go for a cream tea at the High Force Hotel just across the road.
3. ONE FOR THE KIDS : The most influential voices among us also need their days out. For kids up to age 12 , Ruff ‘n’ Tumble Adventure House in Newton Aycliffe has a lot to offer. Its been called the North East’s finest indoor play centre. With plenty of room, it can take 150, and has wunnerful attractions like a giant waterfall slide, Drop Slide and Ball Blast Canon. It recently won an award was for its facilities and food.
4. BEAMISH MUSEUM: Well over half the population regularly watch period dramas like Cranford and Pride and Prejudice. So how would you like to travel back in time to actually see how our forebears lived ? Beamish Museum shows you what real life was like in 1825 & 1913. It’s a 300 acre open air museum with painstakingly constructed period houses, factories, mines and farms.. You don’t just see it you live it. Jump on a passing tram or see how cooking was done on an open fire.
5. THE GLASS & ART GALLERY : We live in an age of mass production with individual creativity often sorely lacking. So give yourself a treat go and see a display of work by 120 real artists and crafts people. There’s a whole range of painting, pottery, ceramics, glass, metal work, wood carving and textiles. As a bonus you get to see the well known stained glass artist Marilyn O’Keefe actually at work. This gallery is in Consett, open 7 days and with free admission !
6. UP UP & AWAY :
Did you see Stephen Tomkinson gliding over Africa in a hot air balloon. Wonderful wasn’t it ?. Well now you too can take to the skies and balloon ride over Durham. People who have done it call it “ amazing” “magnificent” and “ brilliant” One of the experiences, which everyone should do in their lifetime.
7. THE BOWES MUSEUM : Never seen a finer example of a magnificent 19th century building.It is worth the visit just to see it, never mind what’s inside . Standing in its own grounds just outside Barnard Castle, the Bowes houses three storeys of some of the finest creative work you’ll ever see. There is fine art,ceramics, glass, furniture textiles and dress. All of this costs just for just £7 admission and you can see it 362 days per year.
If like me you’re the sort of person who needs to regularly pull on hiking boots and get among high fells, lush meadows, whitewashed remote farms and stone cottages. Its a bonus to also discover many species of birds, wild flowers and waterfalls.
Where do you go to do this in Durham. Romaldkirk. A lovely village which looks pretty much the same as it did in the 18th century. Get on the B6277 towards Barnard Castle and stop when you get to this gateway to the Dales.Then you can take any number of interesting walks.
9. DURHAM INDOOR MARKET : Shopping malls, precincts and out of town retail parks have their place. But when I’m on holiday I’m looking for a contrast to everyday life and living, something a bit different. Hang the Tescos and M&S’s . Just off the Main Square in Durham you’ll find an indoor market. Just the ticket. Over 60 stalls, Soft Furnishing, tobacco, picture framing, embroidery, books, batteries, mobile phones, handbags guitars, amps, Far East food, pet supplies ,sweets, the list is endless and the prices are good. Roll up, roll up, any Mon to Sat 9 to 5pm and you might also just catch the Outdoor and Farmers markets too.
10. A HIGHLAND FARM IN DURHAM : I think we’re all farmers at heart. Farms are fun, relaxing and we always learn something. If you like highland cattle, pigs, ducks, hens as well as Stan and Olly the goats, take yourself along to The Highland Cattle Centre just down the hill from Whittonstall and you’ll feel the stress disappear. In beautiful, tranquil surroundings, you’ll see (and touch ! ) lots of animals . Or you can go for a walk or give the kids a pony ride. Open seven days a week
