Search hotels in Durham

You cannot visit Durham without accepting that it is crawling with students 13 months out of the year. So you have to just accept the crowded cafes, the energy of youth everywhere in this historic, stunning town. Once you do, you can enjoy that every block offers photo opportunities and little paths to follow between gorgeous, quirky buildings, stairs that go who-knows-where, cafes and restaurants that have more character than entire states in America. I had delicious, home-made food at the Continental Cafe, where I was very pleased to find that their Malteaser Cheesecake was one of the best I've ever had, and I didn't think cheesecake was really something they did much int he U.K. If you get a chance to climb to the top of the Cathedral, you must do it. The views are stunning, and the climb itself makes you a living artifact! Do the Castle tour to see how some lucky students get to spend their university years, and also to see some beautiful architecture and a fine and ancient little stone chapel. Also, walk across every single bridge you can, and follow every little teeny path between buildings you can. WALK AND CLIMB if you want to really appreciate the city!! There is really no point in taking a car into the city at all, as only by walking can you really get to most of the best parts. And if you can manage to arrive on the train so that you can see the view from the approaching train, do it. Durham is incredibly beautiful even from the train! Just try very hard not to notice or look at the biggest eyesore I have seen in the NorthEast: the Subway on , I think, Old Elvet. What a shame. Almost as bad as seeing Starbucks.

Beautiful, picturesque place to visit. Extremely clean. Many restaurants offer good food;recommend Spags, a family run business. Avoid nightclubs, especially locals night, felt slightly bemused by some behaviour. Cathedral and St Cuberth's Church worth visiting. An excellent university, bursting with bright, fun loving students. Spent time looking at different colleges; St Mary's College offers a wonderful view of the city; breathtaking -first impression on arrival. Avoid wearing heels!

I particularly chose Durham as I have wanted to see the great cathedral, library and castle for a long time. Sadly because of the frosty weather my planned walk along the river did not happen. However the shops, cafes and restaurants were in abundance. The indoor market especially helped to keep out the winter chill a few times and there I bought a number of souvenirs and gifts. 'The Library' bar cafe provided me with a warming glass of red wine plus nice salad. Durham is very hilly with a lot of cobbled streets and steps up from the hotel but the main square pretty flat. My next visit will be in the spring or summer so I can do a long river walk.

Gorgeous picturesque place that I can't wait to visit again. I felt relaxed and like one of the residents thanks to all of the locals who were so friendly. Restaurant's we dined at were top quality,couldn't fault anything.

Shopping good and the town small enough for people who get easily bored of shopping. The cathedral is fab and there are some lovely coffee shops. A walk along the river is also wonderful. A really nice location and city break.

Durham is full of history and characher. Olde worlde streets but modern, up to the minute shops and restaurants are to be found in abundance. Of course, the castle and the cathederal can compete with any to be found elsewhere and there are many other historical sites to be explored. A good social scene at night, plenty of choice.