Aside from its world-famous museums, UNESCO-listed castles, and cathedrals, there is more to Durham City than meets the eye. As a matter of fact, it may come as a surprise for some tourists that Durham is not just a city but is an entire region that is divided into four areas namely Durham City, The Durham Coast, Vales of Durham, and Durham Dales.
This makes Durham City a true hidden gem in Europe that most tourists mistakenly just pass on through. But if you manage to stop by and stay a little longer, you will find out that Durham City is more than just museums, which is why it is worth your time.
8 Durham City
Yes, the city itself is already a treat for those who want to take a break in Durham as the places to see are just close to each other and can be toured on foot. It boasts of a great bar scene and fantastic restaurants catering to the university populace that stays here. Also, if you are short on time, the UNESCO attractions in the city will already fill a couple of days in your itinerary.
The riverbanks in Durham also provide the perfect place to have a stroll, ride a boat, and have coffee as the city is located beside River Wear.
7 Durham Cathedral
UNESCO added new sites to its world heritage list. Among one of UNESCO’s World Heritage List is the Durham Cathedral – and it should be as this is arguably the greatest cathedrals you will ever see. What is more astonishing is that this cathedral, as grand as it is, was only built within 40 years, and is still standing proud today. The Durham Cathedral also serves as the burial place of Saint Cuthbert to whom the building was dedicated to.
The cathedral is comprised of many divisions – the side rooms (which is now a museum), the main hall, the tower, and plenty of beautiful cloisters that can be seen in movies such as Harry Potter.
6 Durham Castle
This once palace turned into a university is also among UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Built in 1072 by King William the Conqueror, it has a long and diverse history and also has been home to many popular personalities such as Durham’s Prince Bishops.
Inside you will find the grand dining hall, extravagant suite rooms that are used by Bishops, a decorative chapel, carving underground, and an artifacts museum that lines the hallways. But probably the best thing that you can do when visiting Durham Castle is that during the students’ vacation, you can rent not only the dorms but also the castle’s lavish rooms.
5 Beamish
Beamish, also known as the Living Museum of the North is probably the best museum you will ever step foot into. It is home to many interactive experiences, which will make your visit here worth the effort. Immersing yourself fully with England’s history will not be a problem in the Beamish as you will see it come to life in front of you.
If you are new to the living museum concept, it is basically the same as your usual museum only that to make the experience life-like, actors play in the scenes together with interactive elements that make this museum a place to enjoy for adults and kids alike.
4 Raby Castle
What makes Raby Castle unique from other castles in Durham is that it is privately owned, meaning, it does not form part of the English Heritage operated by the government. Set in the lush green knolls of Durham Dales, the place will remind you of Scotland for its lochs and greenery. Add to that a great lake that reflects the entirety of the castle as in a mirror and deer that trots around the garden, the Raby Castle will surely be hard to miss.
3 The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum can often be mistaken by new tourists as a palace or a castle. Built in the 19th century by John Bowes, this building is actually a gift to his wife Josephine who is a French actress. The couple is a product of a long-distance relationship and because of their busy lives, unfortunately, both of them did not see the completion of the museum in their lifetime.
Inside the Bowes Museum, you will find a great collection of the spouses like their art collections, personal treasures, and some exhibited items, the most popular being the Silver Swan, which is among the few automatons of the 18th century that is still being wound up every 2 pm daily.
2 Barnard Castle Old Market Town
If you are coming from The Bowes Museum going to Raby Castle, you can stop by briefly at Barnard Castle’s old market town. The stroll will take you back to memory lane as the town is filled with old-fashioned pubs, hunger-inducing cafes, and shops that are made from brick. Behind the town, you will see Barnard Castle’s ruins or what remains of it.
1 Bishop Auckland
Name after Durham’s bishop, this beautiful old town market is home to an old-style café named The Auckland Cupcake Co. that is always frequented by vacationers with a sweet tooth. Local goods can also be found here through the small shops surrounding the area. Bishop Auckland is managed by the Auckland Project, tasked to transform the town into the tourist destination it once was.