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How to Have a Great Visit to Durham, UK: Insider Tips for Visitors

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Have you ever wanted to visit Durham, England but weren’t sure what to do or see? If so, this blog post is for you!

With just over 200,000 residents living in the city at any given time, the city of Durham has thrived as a historical centre for education and culture.

The city has a rich history spanning back to the 9th century. The area was historically home to many religious figures and aristocrats who were drawn by its natural beauty.

In fact, it was one such aristocrat who built the famous castle that still stands today. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of museums, gardens, pubs, restaurants and hotels – all with that unique English charm.

There are several sights which are major draws for visitors all year round including the Durham Museum, Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites).

things to do in durham

The Great North Museum: Understanding the History of Durham

If you visit the Durham Museum, you will see the history of Durham, including the remains of a dinosaur that was discovered in the North East of England.

The remains, which are about 80 million years old, are almost the only ones in the world.

They are on display, so you can see them yourself. The history of Durham also includes many things that helped to shape the culture of England. You can see them at the Durham Museum.

The Durham Museum is on the southern edge of the city of Durham. To get there you can take the bus or the train. You can also drive.

When you get there, you can walk around the museum and see the things that are in it. There are many different things to see.

The Durham Museum is a place where you can learn about the history of Durham and the North East of England.

It also gives you a chance to learn about other things, like the cultures of different people in other parts of the world.

how to visit durham

Durham Castle: An Important Piece of Cultural Heritage

Durham Castle is an important piece of cultural heritage in the city of Durham. It was built by a king from the Norman period. That was about 1,000 years ago.

The king wanted to use the castle to control the people who lived in the area. You can see the remains of the castle today.

They tell you how the castle was used in the past. They are in a park where there are many other things to do and see.

The remains of the Norman castle stand on top of a hill near the city of Durham.

To get there you can walk or drive. You can also take the bus. You can see the remains of the castle from outside and walk around them.

They are on the top of the hill and look over the city and the River Wear. You can also go inside the remains of the castle.

There are buildings there, called “the dungeons.” You can walk through them and see what they were like.

selective focus photography of white concrete church during daytime

Durham Cathedral: A Major Religious Sight

If you visit the city of Durham, you can also see the Durham Cathedral. Durham Cathedral is a major religious sight. It is a church where people go to worship.

You can also see the Great Cloister and the Galilee Chapel there.

The Great Cloister is a place where monks lived in the past. The Galilee Chapel is where church processions typically began throughout history. The church is on a hill near the city of Durham.

You can walk up the hill to get there. You can also drive or take the bus to get there. There are many beautiful things to see in the church.

They include things like stained glass windows and a wooden roof. You can also see the remains of an old altar where people used to offer special things as a way to ask God for help.

You can also see the tombs where the kings and bishops who built the church were buried.

Museum of Life and Science: Understanding the Natural Beauty of Durham

If you visit the city of Durham and go to the Museum of Life and Science, you can learn about the natural beauty of the area.

You can see many different things that are from the natural environment near the city. They include plants, animals and fossils from the past.

They help you understand how the natural world as we know it came to be. You can visit the Museum of Life and Science on Tuesday – Sunday.

You can get there by car, bus or train. There are many different things you can see and enjoy in the museum.

Morning Walk in Auckland Park: Appreciating the Natural Environment

If you visit the city of Durham, you can go on a morning walk in Auckland Park. It is a park that is next to the city. It is surrounded by nature.

You can go to the park any time of the year. But in the morning, you can enjoy seeing the fresh flowers that bloom there in the spring. You can also see many kinds of trees and bushes.

They show the rich environment in which Durham is located.

You can walk around the park and see many things. You can also sit and rest on one of the park benches.

It is a good place to think about nature and how it helps us live. You can also take a guided walk in Auckland Park.

During the walk, a guide will tell you about the park. You can learn the names of the different plants and trees that are in the park.

things to do in durham black and white bed near brown wooden table

Where to Stay in Durham?

If you visit the city of Durham, you can stay in a hotel or in a bed and breakfast. Hotels are good places to stay because they have many different kinds of rooms and other things.

They are places where people can stay and relax. You can also stay in a bed and breakfast. They are like hotels, but the owner of the house also lives there.

You can find information about hotels and bed and breakfasts with the Tourist Information Center. It is in the city center.

You can also find information with the Durham Tourism website.

Here our our top 5 recommendations of places to stay in Durham:

  1. Hotel Indigo – A luxurious and historic hotel in the centre of Durham, with all the modern amenities.
  2. The Townhouse – Situated in a Grade II Georgia Townhouse, the creatively designed interiors make this hotel extra special.
  3. The Avenue – A cosy and simple hotel that will make you feel relaxed and right at home straight away.
  4. The Kingslodge Inn – This hotel has a great countryside feel and is sat right next to a nature reserve, making it great for outdoors lovers.
  5. Bowburn Hall Hotel – A charming and modern country hotel with a lovely garden and a beautiful restaurant.

Where to Eat in Durham?

If you visit the city of Durham, you can eat in many different kinds of restaurants. They include many different kinds of foods.

You can also eat in pubs. They serve beer and other drinks. You can also eat in cafes. They are small places where you can buy and eat special kinds of food.

You can find information about restaurants and pubs with the Tourist Information Center. It is in the city center. You can also find information with the Durham Tourism website.

Here are top 5 places for places to eat in Durham:

  1. Shaheens Indian – If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you have to head to this restaurant. It has rave reviews proclaiming it has the best curry in the North!
  2. Tealicious Tearoom – A great traditional English tearoom, this is the perfect spot to head for lunch or afternoon tea.
  3. Cross Keys Inn – If you want delicious and fulfilling pub grub, then this is a wonderful place to head.
  4. Ye Old Elm Tree – This traditional and welcoming pub is a great budget option for those wanting a delicious but affordable meal.
  5. Cafedral Durham – In a beautiful spot next to the cathedral, this is a great spot to head for lunch or tea and cake.

You can visit the main points of Durham city centre in a day but if you want to really make the most of it, it is worth staying for 2-3 days.

Durham is known for its beautiful scenery and long history, especially its amazing cathedral and castle.

Yes, it is well known for its beautiful and historic city skyline.

Durham is great for a city break, with historic locations, shops, eateries and lovely walks to keep you busy.

Durham Cathedral is free to enter, however, donations are encouraged!

people walking on street between buildings during daytime

Final Words

It is easy to visit the city of Durham. You can walk to many of the places that are interesting. You can also take the bus or Metro train to other places.

It is a good idea to visit the city of Durham. You can learn about the history of the area. You can see the remains of a castle that was built many years ago.

Another highlight is that you can also see the Durham Cathedral. It has been there for many years.

You can also see the natural beauty of the area. Also, you can walk in Auckland Park and enjoy the many plants and trees that grow there.

You can also visit the Museum of Life and Science and see the remains of plants and animals that lived many years ago. When you visit the city of Durham, you can do many different things.

Check out my post on Cheshire if you want to read about another great city in the North of England.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon!

Ta-ta for now! x

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