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A Tour of Durham
Durham is a small, booming city located at the district of County Durham, which covers an area of only 186.68 square kilometres, in North East England . It is known for its steep, hilly embankments and in fact, its name comes from “dun-holm”, an Old English term that means “hill-island”.
Durham offers an unparalleled picturesque beauty, highlighted by amazing hilltop views and lovely wooded riverbanks. The city can be best enjoyed by walking, slowly taking in the breathtaking sceneries and strolling along the relaxed communties.
The River Wear makes an incised meander which encloses the city centre, as it runs north through Durham, on three sides and thus forms The Peninsula. There are pleasure boats that you can hire for an intimate tour of the River Wear. Another river, the River Browney flows from west of the city centre and comes together with the River Wear to the south of the city.
Resting upon the most magnificent point high above the River Wear, the famous Norman Cathedral and Castle is a sight to behold across Durham’s skyline. Coming from the South, the railway viaduct boasts of the best view of the Cathedral, which has been said to be the greatest railway view in all of Europe.
The Castle houses The Keep, built in 1073 and is the oldest student accommodation in the world. The Cathedral, no doubt one of the most astounding in the United Kingdom, has a tower that provides marvelous views of the city and the countryside. The Cathedral houses the Treasures of Saint Cuthbert, artifacts that date back from the sixth and seventh centuries.
For more historical education, the History of the Durham Light Infantry, as well as a small but interesting gallery, can be found at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery. Durham is also home to Durham University.
For cultural entertainment, there are performances to catch at the modern Gala Theatre complex, where ice skating is also offered during winter.
All this sight-seeing can leave a Durham tourist hungry and the city’s eateries and pubs have plenty of good delicacies to try out. The Bridge Hotel serves the Durham Lamb Squad Pie, a local specialty. For the best fish and chips in the city, dine at Yummy Bites on Neville Street. The Dun Cow on Old Elvet and The Shakespeare Tavern on Saddler Street, two of the more popular pubs, provide local real ale.
For hundreds of real traditional sweets and local tobacco blends, a Victorian covered market, the Durham Indoor Market is worth a visit. There are a number of bistros for light and contemporary meals and Italian restaurants if pasta and pizza are craved for. Locals are into mince pie and sticky bun, and you can find these at the many bakeries all over the city.
The people of Durham enjoy a temperate climate, no different from the type that the rest of the United Kingdom has. But no matter the weather, rain or shine, Durham is worth seeing.
Durham Hotels
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