The famous travel writer Bill Bryson, after seeing half the world, was gobsmacked when he saw Durham and wondered why no one had told him about it before. So much so that he decided to become Chancellor of Durham University and says, “If you have never been to Durham before, go there at once. Take my car, it’s wonderful.”
Easy to see why – the setting with the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle perched high on the tight meander of the River Wear is just stunning and is complemented by the small narrow streets that branch off all through the nearby town.
Its an easy day trip from Newcastle (see here for tips on Newcastle – A day in Newcastle), and one of the key stops on the main east coast line that runs through the UK. A must if in this part of the world.
Top tip – be sure to walk around the river right by the waterfront. The best bit is from Framwellgate Bridge to Prebends Bridge, but you can also walk all the Elvet Bridge.