Durham Holidays

Durham View breaks >>

Durham is one of the north’s most popular destinations in one of the most unspoilt pockets of the country, providing a unique visiting spot. The River Wear forms a loop that contains the city centre, the Cathedral and the Castle, providing spectacular views as you approach. The river offers a perfect area for countryside walks, or you could hire a rowing boat and cruise gently along to admire the skyline the city creates.

There is a variety of Museums, from the locally inspired Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archeology or the Oriental Museum with a wealth of international treasures. Gardens and houses, like those found at Crook Hall, offer an insight into local history, while the Botanical Gardens introduce you to the beauty of nature.

Durham is a compact city, with a great selection of shops, markets, restaurants and bars, in a pedestrianised area providing a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Or some choose to use Durham as a touring base, with easy access to the surrounding area and such places as the Beamish museum, showing how life was at the turn of the last century.
Read more on this destination in the AA Key Guide to Britain.

Durham Cathedral

An instantly recognisable image, this is a symbol of the north-east of England. A breathtaking location, and fantastic architecture, it is arguably England’s greatest Norman building and is one of Britain’s first World Heritage Sites.

Durham Castle

Home to University College, this was the Bishops of Durham principal palace. Although 100 students live here, it is also a registered museum, with the tiny Norman chapel an outstanding feature and was commissioned by King William the Conqueror.

Young couple enjoying a bike ride

Crook Hall Gardens

With walled gardens, fountain, orchard, maze and pool, set in 4 acres, this Medieval hall with Jacobean drawing room and turrets is worth a visit. Adhorned with floral displays, this beautiful location is said to be haunted.

Pretty butterfly in gardens

Botanic Garden

At Durham University there are unusual plants and inhabitants from the different environments being recreated from around the world, you can choose to sit and absorb the beauty or wander through the many different collections.

Oriental Museum

This is the only museum with a pure and directed focus on archaeology and art of the Orient. Introducing the cultures and history of the people. The collections of Chinese Artefacts are said to be one of the largest found anywhere in Europe.

Mother and daughter sightseeing

Old Fulling Mill Museum

Was central to Durham's cloth-making but home now to Durham University's Museum of Archaeology. Displaying a great impression of the North-East history and across Europe, with finds from Anglo-Saxon, Tudor, Roman and Medieval times.