Epic waterfalls, scrumptious meals and historical past await you in Durham. Whether or not you’re visiting for a day or every week, these concepts for days out in Durham will provide you with an amazing flavour of the county.
Wow does it really feel nice to be exploring extra of the UK once more! There’s nothing like being cooped up for months to provide you not solely a brand new lease of life but additionally an enormous appreciation for our stunning nation.
Most lately, our travels took us to the North East England to discover Durham. It was my second time within the county. A few years in the past I spent every week exploring a few of Britain’s most stunning cathedral cities, and began my journey in Durham Metropolis.
I fell in love with the town. There’s an actual magic to it, with the picturesque views from the river as much as the citadel and cathedral, in addition to the thin buying streets weaving up the hill.
I felt like I’d solely dipped my toe within the water of what Durham supplied, so when the vacationer board, This Is Durham invited us to see extra of the county, I couldn’t wait! Three lockdowns, just a few delays and two postponements later, we lastly confirmed the journey and hopped on an early morning practice from King’s Cross.
A visit to Durham differs from many journeys to UK counties, because it affords such a wide range of landscapes. There are 4 areas to the county: Durham Metropolis, the Vale of Durham, Durham Dales and the Durham Coast. Every half has its distinctive options, and alongside the altering landscapes, there are new actions to attempt, locations to remain, meals to pattern and extra.
To make it simple to plan your journey, I’ve created 4 single day itineraries, every with nice concepts for enjoyable days out in Durham. It doesn’t matter what you’re excited about, there will probably be a time out for you!
4 Enjoyable Days Out In Durham That Everybody Will Take pleasure in
1. A Enjoyable Day Out In Durham For Energetic Adventurers
This time out in Durham is good for lively kinds who love exploring stunning countryside and immersing themselves in nature.
The Durham Dales had been a spotlight of our journey. This space incorporates Teesdale and Weardale and options undulating hills swathed in lush inexperienced grass, moorland and epic valleys with rivers passing by. There are a number of picturesque villages dotted by the county too, however it was the pure fantastic thing about the countryside that actually gained me over.
Hamsterley Forest
To benefit from your first time out in Durham I’d advocate beginning at Hamsterley Forest. The county’s largest forest has quite a few strolling, biking and horse-riding trails meandering previous enormous silver birch, oak, hazel, chestnut, pine, spruce and even sequoia timber. There’s even a Gruffalo path for teenagers, in addition to loads of journey playgrounds to maintain little ones entertained.
Eager cyclists will love hitting the paths, a few of that are actually difficult! For us, it was extra about an escape from the hustle and bustle. We popped trainers on and explored a few of the fairly strolling routes on foot, taking numerous pictures and having fun with the sounds of birds round us.
It’s a forest stuffed with surprises. A one level I stumbled throughout this paintings which appeared to mix effortlessly with its environment.
Parking at Hamsterley Forest is barely £6 for the day, so in case you’re in search of a time out in Durham for all of the household, it’s an amazing possibility (and on a price range too!)
Subsequent up, it’s time to proceed touring Durham’s spectacular countryside with a visit to the county’s most well-known water characteristic, Excessive Drive Waterfall. The drive from Hamsterley Forest to Excessive Drive takes you thru a few of the prettiest countryside in Durham. It’s correct street journey territory!
As you observe the course of the River Tees, there are enormous valley panoramas as you go. You’ll even move by some cute cities akin to Middleton-in-Teesdale. We needed to cease a number of occasions alongside the way in which to take pictures. It’s fortunate we weren’t in a rush!
Excessive Drive Waterfall
High Force Waterfall is a one of the spectacular waterfalls in Britain, with a powerful 21m drop carved by a gorge. The rocks round it have origins relationship again over 300 million years! I can’t even comprehend timelines like that!
To succeed in the waterfall, you park by the Excessive Drive Lodge, purchase a ticket after which trek alongside the well-kept path. It’s a scenic route taking round 10 minutes, passing by woodland, over a bridge and all the way down to the epic falls.
I used to be in awe of its energy. It had rained simply earlier than our journey, so water ranges had been excessive. The gushing water was loud and thrilling! I used to be mesmerised. There are many rocky areas in direction of the underside of the trail which you’ll discover safely, with out going close to the water’s edge.
Along with seeing Excessive Drive, we additionally stopped by Low Drive Waterfall, which is a brief drive away. It’s not as huge, however it’s very stunning and there’s a rope bridge to cross right here too (youngsters will love that half!) Should you’re in search of a beautiful strolling route on this a part of Durham, there’s a round route that passes by each waterfalls.
Eat: Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk
Should you resolve to observe in our footsteps, I’d advocate stopping for lunch on the Rose and Crown in Romaldkirk. This pleasant pub has an amazing environment and barrel-loads of nation appeal.
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The Rose and Crown is a really cute place to eat -
Cosy interiors right here too!
A lot of the components featured on the menu are sourced inside the county of Durham too, together with meat from Peats Butchers in Barnard Fort. I attempted the meat bourguignon pie which was wealthy and unctuous. Sadly, it was such an enormous portion I couldn’t squeeze in dessert!
Eat and Keep: Excessive Drive Lodge, Forest-in-Teesdale
For dinner and an in a single day keep within the Durham Dales, I’d advocate checking into the High Force Hotel. Situated throughout the street from the path to the waterfall, it is a pretty nation resort. We had a really comfy keep right here. Everybody was so pleasant and made us really feel very welcome. I am keen on northern hospitality – it all the time looks like folks have extra time for you as you go additional up the nation!
After our lively day in Durham, we sat down for a relaxed dinner within the resort’s restaurant. There’s a traditional menu on supply (steak, salmon, mussels, pies and so forth) together with some actually intriguing dishes too. I made a decision to order the Mediterranean lamb salad, which was completely divine. The flavours of yoghurt, contemporary coriander, pomegranate and lime had been a delight. If it’s on the menu if you go to, you easy must attempt it!
2. A Enjoyable Day Out In Durham For Lovers Of Historical past And Tradition
Barnard Fort
Like many individuals, I hadn’t heard of Barnard Fort till the information headlines final summer time… however it’s definitely been placed on the map! It seems to be a really fairly market city with an amazing unbiased buying scene, a 12th century castle (which was later developed by Richard III), a picturesque location by the River Tees and a number of other historic websites shut by.
The city itself has numerous character. There’s a fairly market place the place a market nonetheless takes place often.
Begin your day in Barnard Fort exploring the outlets, perusing every part from antiques and classic clothes, to hand-made presents, jewelry and engaging deli gadgets. One of many highlights for me was Chocolate Fayre – a treasure trove of candy treats. The scent was sufficient to attract me in.
Inside the shop you’ll discover delicately-decorated candies made by gifted chocolatiers, creamy ice cream and even an indulgent signature sizzling chocolate. Should you’ve obtained a candy tooth, you’ll be in heaven.
By likelihood, a print caught our eye exterior First Impressions Bespoke Framing, an artwork store within the city centre. We ended up rifling by the troughs of artworks by native painters, photographers and printmakers, and even purchased one to take dwelling. Each time we take a look at it we’ll bear in mind our morning in Barnard Fort!
Two of Durham’s most well-known websites are positioned near the city of Barnard Fort: The Bowes Museum and Raby Fort. I’d advocate visiting each in case you have time.
The Bowes Museum
There are two causes to go to The Bowes Museum: for the artwork assortment and for the constructing’s structure. The French-style chateau is totally spectacular, like one thing from a fairy story. It doesn’t really feel just like the kind of constructing you’d discover within the northeast of England!
It was constructed within the nineteenth century by John and Joséphine Bowes, who wished to create a world-class museum to introduce the world of artwork to the native folks.
It was an enormous success, and at present is taken into account as one of the essential collections of European artwork. Inside you’ll discover numerous treasures together with priceless artworks by greats together with Canaletto, Goya and El Greco. There are even some landscapes by Joséphine Bowes herself, who was a gifted painter.
The spotlight at The Bowes Museum is the 240-year-old silver swan automaton, which was created to maneuver utilizing intricate mechanics. After seeing the swan, you may watch a video to see its unbelievable motion.
After perusing the collections of artwork, style and furnishings, descend the museum’s grand sweeping staircase and go to Café Bowes. The museum’s café has a variety of brunch dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches in addition to just a few extra substantial choices. It’s the best place to relaxation your drained legs after exploring the higher flooring. I had the gin and maple cured salmon, which got here with potato salad and beetroot. It was mild and scrumptious and simply what I fancied after a busy morning within the museum.
Raby Fort
I couldn’t wait to go to Raby Castle on this journey to Durham. It’s one of the spectacular castles I’ve visited in England. This 14th century citadel has turrets, towers, a moat and even an enormous portcullis. Inside are majestic eating rooms, spectacular areas for entertaining, huge kitchens and servants’ quarters.
I’d advocate shopping for tickets to go inside, and even guide a guided tour if you wish to be taught all of the tales from historical past. After touring the citadel, spend a while exploring the big grounds. There are 200 acres of parkland and woodland in addition to conventional 18th century decorative walled gardens.
One of many highlights for me was seeing the animals that roam free on the grounds. There are a number of herds of deer, usually noticed grazing proper in entrance of the citadel and lake. Plus, you’re more likely to see a few of the long-horn cows too. What a sight this was… such a poser!
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Posing for the cameras at Raby Fort! -
Deer grazing at Raby Fort
3. A Enjoyable Day Out In Durham For Seashore Lovers
As talked about, top-of-the-line issues about visiting Durham is the actual fact you may expertise the town, seashore and countryside multi functional journey.
Seaham
On one among your days out in Durham I’d advocate visiting the seashore in Seaham. Durham Heritage Coast runs from Hartlepool to Sunderland and has an amazing coast path operating alongside the sting. Limestone cliffs line the shore, with pebbles and sea glass resting on the smooth sand. If the climate is sweet, it’s a surprising shoreline, however as with wherever searching on the North Sea, it may be fairly blustery, though it’s excellent for blowing the cobwebs away!
The spotlight of visiting the Durham coast was trying to find sea glass on the shore. Between 1850 and the Nineteen Twenties, Seaham was dwelling to the biggest glass bottle works in Britain. The Londonderry Bottleworks produced as much as 20,000 hand-blown bottles each day. All the things from drinks bottles to fragrance bottles, in quite a few totally different colors.
At the moment waste glass was dumped within the sea. Over time fragments have been formed and smoothed by the ocean, returning to the shore today as vibrant gems. I assumed we’d be looking and rummaging to search out them, however they had been all over the place! Clear ones, inexperienced ones, blue ones and even a surprising shiny turquoise fragment. I popped a handful in my pocket to take dwelling as one other memento of our time in Durham.
Seaham City
Seaham has a full of life seafront space, near the marina. Should you’re in search of locations to eat and drink, there are many nice choices. For espresso go to Black Truffle Espresso Store, for ice cream benefit from the retro vibes at Lickety Cut up Creamery and in case you’re in search of brunch or lunch go to The Lamp Room or Flamingo Bar and Café within the marina space.
Eat and Keep: South Causey Inn
For a little bit of enjoyable, we stayed at South Causey Inn which has a bar, restaurant and resort all on website. I say a little bit of enjoyable, as that is someplace that loves novelty. The restaurant has a retro film theme, there’s a double decker bus exterior (one among many quirky lodging choices) after which there are a number of themed suites to remain in too.
We had been proven to Captain Cook dinner’s Cabin, an opulent nautically-styled room with an out of doors sizzling tub. The eye to element made us smile. There was a captain’s outfit ready to be tried on, a globe-style drinks cupboard, treasure chests and even a ship’s wheel to steer our mattress on it’s course!
Should you’re in search of someplace actually enjoyable to remain, there are different themed rooms at South Causey Inn, together with a tree home, a roman villa, a log cabin and French boudoir!
4. A Enjoyable Day Out In Durham For Metropolis Lovers
Every of today out in Durham has lined totally different themes. For the ultimate day it’s time to go to Durham Metropolis.
Durham Metropolis has a compact centre full with cobbled streets, beautiful river views, historical college buildings, quirky outlets, a spectacular cathedral and an historical citadel. It’s one of the historic cities in England.
Durham Cathedral
You merely have to go to Durham Cathedral throughout your journey to the town. Over 1,000 years await as you discover the beautiful interiors, cloisters and undercroft.
Once I visited just a few years in the past the tower was below scaffolding. This time although, it was again out on present, and there was even an choice to climb to the highest! Should you get the prospect to do that, I undoubtedly advocate it!
It’s a steep climb up 325 steps. I’d say it requires some fundamental health and I wouldn’t do it in case you’re claustrophobic or petrified of heights. When you emerge on the high, you’ll be met by essentially the most unbelievable views of the town. I beloved this angle, with the citadel wanting so small subsequent door, and the cloister space of the cathedral offering such an ideal sq. of inexperienced.
It was additionally an amazing reminder of how inexperienced the town is. You possibly can see timber all over the place, notably across the river space.
Durham Fort
Final time I visited Durham I additionally took a tour of Durham Fort, which was in-built 1076 by William the Conqueror and is the oldest surviving constructing within the metropolis. Should you’re excited about historical past, I’d advocate this. The citadel is a treasure trove of Norman chapels, eleventh century carvings and ghost tales! It’s additionally nonetheless inhabited at present… primarily by Durham College college students who even have some halls of residence within the citadel! How cool is that?
Durham Riverside Stroll
The River Put on runs under Durham Fort and Cathedral. As talked about, the town may be very inexperienced, and also you’ll admire it all of the extra as you observe the Durham Riverside Walk.
This 3-mile round route is a beautiful method to see a distinct facet to the town. I’d advocate strolling simply earlier than sundown for some superb views of the buildings illuminated by the final golden rays of sunshine.
Eat: The Cellar Door
Durham Metropolis has an amazing fame for meals and after loving it a lot final time, I couldn’t wait to return to The Cellar Door restaurant, a brief stroll from the cathedral. Housed in a thirteenth Century cellar, that is an unbiased fine-dining restaurant serving wonderful dishes at reasonably priced costs.
Should you can go to at lunchtime, you’ll profit from the set lunch menu which is nice worth at £18 for 2 programs or £22 for 3.
I tucked right into a starter of asparagus with hollandaise and a poached egg, which had all of the ooziness and indulgence you search for. For my primary course I had an unbelievable trout dish which was served with diced Jersey royals, samphire and a punchy wild garlic oil. It was beneficiant, effectively cooked and superbly introduced. It might sound unoriginal visiting the identical restaurant on my two visits, however it actually is that good! Maybe I’ll be again there on my subsequent journey to Durham too!
I hope you’ve loved studying my recommendations for 4 nice days out in Durham. I beloved the number of surroundings and actions on supply on this picturesque a part of England. Should you’re planning a visit, undoubtedly examine locations are open and working earlier than you journey. After a tough 12 months for the tourism business, I used to be actually impressed with the security measures in place. Durham is a county with numerous open area, so in case you’re seeking to escape the crowds this 12 months, it’s an amazing possibility.
A giant because of This Is Durham for inviting me to discover the county. As all the time, all ideas and opinions are my very own.
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