Historical city of Durham is a treasure chest full of discoveries
With its impressive history, quaint cobbled streets and lush green surroundings, Durham has all the ingredients for the perfect city break.
We stayed at the quirky but luxurious Gadds Town House, just a five-minute stroll from the city centre and main attractions.
The hotel – situated in a area where parking is ample but not free – benefits from rich but tasteful décor and friendly staff.
Of the various themed and unusual rooms we land the Ruby – characterised by the fact the shower is situated slap-bang in the middle.
If you trust your room-mate not to compromise your dignity by pulling back the curtain while you're washing, it's a comical and welcome feature. Overall the room is beautiful but slightly claustrophobic.
Breakfast is included and is of an exceptionally high standard. There are evening meals too (not included) or guests can enjoy a pleasant walk to one of the many eateries.
Both the Radisson's Filini restaurant, which overlooks the River Wear – and Oldfields – an award-winning eatery ideally placed for the modern theatre and city bars – offer good value and choice.
So what is there to do?
One treasure is Crook Hall and Gardens on the outskirts of the Durham.
Filled with history and trinkets from royal memorabilia to books, it's not hard to see why the beautiful home and gardens are a hotspot for weddings and school visits.
Visitors can admire the beautiful flower beds, listen to ghostly tales and take-on the outdoor maze.
Guests who prefer not to venture too far from the city centre can take a tour around the ornate cathedral and castle or spend some cash at the many boutique shops.
Another must-see attraction has got to be Beamish – the north east's equivalent to the Black Country Museum.
Just like its Dudley counterpart, the 300-acre site features historic buildings that have been lovingly restored and actors with a clear passion for the past. But, for me, it's a more complete attraction.
Whereas the emphasis at the Black Country Museum is clearly on the town and the mines, there's arguably more to see at Beamish – and more opportunities to spend your cash on sweets from yesteryear and the like.
If you're prepared to branch our further I couldn't recommend more the stunning Bowes museum in Neargate.
The 19th century building is full of breathtaking paintings, toys and artefacts collected from around the world.
It is also home to the ornate silver swan, a clock-work which draws a crowd every day at 2pm as it is activated.
A good option for the evening is to see a show at the £15 million Gala Theatre. The modern building has a comprehensive programme of live events, attracting some of the country's leading theatre companies, comedians, bands, musicians and dance performers
Durham boasts all the qualities that make you proud to be English. There are beautiful panoramic views and glorious buildings.
There's enough to do here to keep you busy for a long-weekend or even more. It's suitable for couples on a romantic break or even a honeymoon and it's ideal for families with young children.
Fact file:
For further information on Gadds Town House visit www.gaddstownhouse.com
For details on the Bowes Museum see www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
To enjoy Crook Hall Gardens, visit the website at www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
More details on the must-see attraction of Beamish are found at www.beamish.org.uk
For more general informationon the area www.thisisdurham.com is a good place to start.
By David Lumb
