Due to extreme laziness I'm virtually retired from Ciao, although I'll still read and post the odd o...
Due to extreme laziness I'm virtually retired from Ciao, although I'll still read and post the odd op every now and then......
Member since:16.01.2001
Reviews:369
Members who trust:124
The Prince Bishops were the medieval rulers of the area , by some dispensation from the King at the time. It's something I read of once , but then forgot about, but all the road signs remind you of this fact in no uncertain terms.
Durham is a beautiful city, in County Durham just off the A1 , approached via the A690. It is also on the main east coast railway line so is easily accessible from London and Newcastle / Edinburgh in the north.
I'm lucky enough to live in Newcastle, and so am a ten minute train journey away from Durham.
Durham is a university city like Oxford and Cambridge , and suffers from the same narrow streets and parking problems, so , although it has plenty of car parks and ring roads it's better to access it by rail.
Once you get there by rail there is a quarter mile walk down a steep hill to the city centre . If you're really lazy there are plenty of taxis and buses available.
The city stands on the river Wear, and the "Ox Bow" , flanked by the river stands the stunning Cathedral and the Castle (now University accomodation).
Most of the centre is effectively pedestrianised so it is very safe and easy to get round the city, but the walk up to the Cathedral can be slightly hairy as some people insist on driving up to the Cathedral , and parking adjacent to the grass quadrangle in front of the Cathedral.
Ther are lots of restaurants , mostly very reasonably priced, and also lots of "tea rooms" where you can get cakes and tea and coffee. There are all the usual chains represented, but tDurham's strength is in the unusual shops such as "The Mugwump" which sells unusual clothes and jewellery.
As it stands on the river Wear , you can hire rowing boats to while away the odd half hour and see the beautiful scenery along the riverside.
There is an ancient indoor market where you can buy everything from food to carpets, and this is open on all normal shopping days.
The main attraction though is The Cathedral, which is absolutely magnificent, and has various exhibition rooms, a restaurant , and shop attached. You can spend a few hours looking round here, and can go to the top of the main tower if you're up to the 232 or so steps. I've done it once, and you get absolutely great views of the surrounding countryside.
The Castle is across the quadrangle from the Cathedral and is open to the public, with guided tours taking place on most days.
The are many pubs in Durham , and most of these serve excellent food , and are reasonably priced.
I must apologise for the vagueness of the op, but Durham is a great place to explore, and othere aren't any places you need to avoid. If you can , try spending a full day, or longer. It is a beautiful and enjoyable city.
I go to Durham university and its such a great city to live in as well as visit. Take a walk down by the river next to framwellgate bridge because its beautiful down there. katy x
john.sw 27.05.2001 19:18
I am one of those who insists on driving up to the cathedral (my son has a flat by the College Green/Chorister School) but to date, I have never run anyone down! Durham is also a great place for a coffee - Nero's and Costa's are just two of the chains where you can get a rather special caffeine-filled cup to revive the spirit!
clanmac4 07.03.2001 16:10
It is a most memorable place, I have good and bad memories. My mothers ashes adorn a rose bush in one of the Durham church yards. No matter she was a great person. Dave (Lets depress everyone on a Wednesday afternoon!)
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