Exploring the Historic City and County Town of Durham in the North East England
To the west of Sunderland, sitting on the banks of the River Wear is the historic city of Durham. It is the county town of County Durham, and it was founded over the final resting place of St. Cuthbert. This city is known for its glorious Norman cathedral which is a center of pilgrimage in medieval England. Adjacent to the cathedral is the 11th-century Durham Castle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from the Celtic element “dun” that signifies a hill fort, and then the “holme” which is an Old Norse word that translates to an island.
As a city that is steeped in history, this city is home to many historic sites and magnificent museums. It also houses plenty of stunning gardens, alluring parks, scenic walk areas and beautiful open spaces ideal for outdoor activities. Having a vast range of first-class attractions and facilities, this city is a perfect destination for fun-filled trips, romantic getaways and family holidays.
The city is an incredible shopper’s paradise that has an astonishing range of shopping options. It’s an incredible shopping destination where shoppers will enjoy an excellent retail therapy. The city has two main shopping areas and the Market Place, and its surrounding streets is one of them. Within this area, the regular markets of the city are hosted since this is where the city’s Indoor Market is located. The Prince Bishop Shopping Center is also hosted in this retail area along with an impressive parade of national chain stores and retailers. On the opposite side of the Framwellgate Bridge, along Silver Street is the second shopping area of the city. Within this retail area, shoppers will find The Riverwalk Shopping Mall and a remarkable selection of retail outlets, national chain stores, and various shopping facilities.
The city is also a food mecca that has an extraordinary range of places to eat. From first-class tea rooms, humble takeaways, cozy public houses, fast food chains to fine dining restaurants, this city will surely have something to satisfy your taste and budget. Tealicious Tearoom is a first-class tea room in the city where a lot of people enjoys their afternoon tea. La Spada Ristorante located at 62-64 Front Street is the city’s top Italian restaurant that serves award-winning pizzas. For a taste of authentic French cuisine, Bistro Citron Vert at 1 Wellington Street is the place to visit.
Things to See and Do in Durham
One of the most prominent landmarks and tourist attractions in this historic city is the Cathedral. Travelers should also visit the Crook Hall & Gardens and the Castle on their trip to this city. Tourists should check out the breathtaking scenery that the Riverside Walk has to offer. For the adrenaline junkies out there, The Climbing Centre and the Fury Events are the perfect places to visit. To learn more about the rich history of the city, tourists should visit the Oriental Museum, The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre and the Museum and Heritage Centre.