Durham: A Fairytale City with a Side of Hipster Vibes
Forget Hogwarts—Durham’s real magic lies in its cobbled alleys, towering cathedral spires, and a student-fueled energy that keeps this ancient city buzzing. Whether you’re here to geek out on medieval history, sip craft ale by the river, or just pretend you’re in a Game of Thrones scene, Durham delivers.
Why Durham?
✅ UNESCO eye candy: The Cathedral and Castle are the most dramatic duo in England.
✅ Pint-sized but mighty: Tiny enough to explore on foot, packed with indie cafés and secret gardens.
✅ Student swagger: Thanks to Durham University, the pubs are lively, the food’s cheap, and the bookshops are legendary.
🚆 Getting Here & Around
✈️ Airport: Newcastle International (30 mins by train/taxi). Hack: Metro to Central Station, then a 10-min train to Durham.
🚆 Train: 3 hours from London, 1.5hrs from Edinburgh. Pro tip: Book Lumo trains for cheap fares.
🚶 Walkable? Yes, but hills are steep—wear comfy shoes.
🚗 Parking: Use Walkergate (cheap) or Park & Ride (Belmont is easiest).
Accommodation
Luxury
- Hotel Indigo Durham: Located in a Grade II listed building, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and a fine dining restaurant. Prices start at around £150 per night.
- Radisson Blu Hotel: Situated by the River Wear, this hotel features modern amenities, a spa, and excellent river views. Prices start at £120 per night.
Mid-Range
- Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County: A historic hotel with comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. Prices start at £90 per night.
- Premier Inn Durham City Centre: A reliable option offering comfortable rooms and convenient location. Prices start at £70 per night.
Budget
- Travelodge Durham: A budget-friendly choice with basic amenities and easy access to the city centre. Prices start at £50 per night.
- YHA Durham: A hostel offering dormitory and private rooms, ideal for solo travellers and groups. Prices start at £25 per night.
Food & Drink
🍽️ Eating & Drinking: From Pies to Michelin Stars
💰 Splurge-Worthy
Café 21: Durham’s only Michelin-starred spot. Try the North Sea cod with wild garlic. Book weeks ahead.
The Cellar Door: River-view fine dining with a “Taste of Durham” tasting menu (venison + County Durham cheese).
😋 Casual Bites
Flat White Kitchen: Brunch heaven. Order the “Huevos Durham-os” (eggs + chorizo + sourdough). Warning: Queue at weekends.
The Victoria Inn: A 17th-century pub with killer Sunday roasts and dog-friendly tables.
🍻 Pubs with Stories
The Dun Cow: Allegedly haunted, definitely serves Vaux ale (a Sunderland brew loved here).
The Library: Hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase in The Kingslodge Inn. Whiskey flights only.
What to See and Do
🧭 Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems
🏰 History That’ll Give You Chills
Durham Cathedral: The real Hogwarts (sorry, Oxford). Climb the tower for epic views, then hunt for Harry Potter filming spots. Local tip: Evensong services (free!) let you hear the choir’s heavenly acoustics.
Durham Castle: A 1,000-year-old fortress turned uni dorm (yes, students live here). Book a tour to see the Black Staircase—it’s darker than a winter’s night in Newcastle.
Crook Hall & Gardens: A medieval manor with Shakespearean gardens. Secret: The maze-like hedges hide a tearoom serving scones with clotted cream.
🌿 Green Escapes
Botanic Garden: A 10-acre oasis with tropical greenhouses and alpacas (!). Student hack: Free entry with a uni ID.
River Wear Paths: Walk from Prebends Bridge (Instagram gold) to Elvet Bridge, stopping at The Boat Club for a riverside pint.
📚 Quirky & Offbeat
The Empty Shop: A student-run arts space in a disused store—think zine workshops and indie gigs.
The Alchemist: A cocktail bar where drinks smoke and change color. Order the “Bubblebath” gin cocktail.
🎟️ Local Hacks & Events
Free entry: Cathedral’s cloisters (but £5 donation suggested).
Avoid: Race days (unless you love crowds and fancy hats).
Don’t miss:
Lumiere Festival (November): The city glows with light art.
Durham Regatta (June): Rowing races + riverside Pimm’s.
Final Thought
Durham feels like a medieval postcard—until you stumble into a vinyl shop or a speakeasy cocktail bar. It’s old-world charm with a young heart.
Ready to explore? Tag your Durham pics #DressedInDurham—we’ll share the best ones! 📸