Your local guide to Durham starts here! Durham Cathedral stands out with its massive towers and round arches. It’s over 900 years old and sits next to Durham Castle on a hill. The River Wear flows around this hill, creating beautiful views.
Beamish Museum lets you step back in time. You can ride old-fashioned trams and see how people lived a century ago. For a quiet visit, explore Finchale Priory, the remains of an old church by the river.
Plawsworth Hall puts you close to these sights:
- Durham Cathedral and Castle: 4 miles away
- Beamish Museum: 5 miles away
- Finchale Priory: 3 miles away
Stay with us to easily explore Durham’s old and new sights.
Key Takeaways
- Durham offers a rich history and stunning architecture, with Durham Cathedral and Castle as must-see attractions.
- The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore its main sights, shops, and restaurants in a day or two.
- Plawsworth Hall provides a comfortable, conveniently located base for visiting Durham and nearby attractions like the Beamish Museum.
- From family-friendly activities to cultural experiences, Durham caters to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal destination for various types of travellers.
Key Attractions in Durham City Centre
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is a must-see when you visit our city. It’s an important building that’s so special it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. UNESCO is an international organisation that picks out places around the world that are important to history or nature.
The cathedral was built over 900 years ago in a style called Norman architecture. This means it has big, round arches and thick walls that make it look strong and impressive. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stone columns and colourful stained glass windows.
Fun fact: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might recognise parts of the cathedral! Some scenes from the movies were filmed here.
We’re only 4 miles away from Durham Cathedral at Plawsworth Hall, so you can easily visit any time during your stay with us.
Durham Castle
Right next to the cathedral, you’ll find Durham Castle. It’s also a part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is now part of Durham University, but don’t worry – you can still visit!
They offer tours where you can learn all about the castle’s history and see its grand rooms. You might even hear some ghost stories if you’re brave enough!
Just like the cathedral, Durham Castle is only 4 miles from Plawsworth Hall. You could visit both in one day if you like.
The River Wear
The River Wear (pronounced “Weer”) flows right through the heart of Durham. It’s a beautiful spot for a walk or a picnic. The river winds around the hill where the cathedral and castle sit, making for some stunning views.
There are nice paths along the riverbanks where you can take a stroll. You might even see people rowing boats on the water – it’s a popular spot for that!
The River Wear is about 4 miles from Plawsworth Hall. After a day of exploring the city, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Hidden Gems in and Around Durham City Centre
Durham University Botanic Garden
If you love plants and nature, you’ve got to visit Durham University Botanic Garden. It’s like a big, beautiful park filled with all sorts of interesting plants from around the world.
The garden covers 10 hectares – that’s about the size of 14 football fields! You’ll find all kinds of different areas to explore. There’s a tropical house with plants that usually grow in hot countries, a bamboo grove, and even a garden that shows how plants were used for medicine in the past.
It’s a peaceful place to spend a few hours, and you might learn some cool things about plants, too. The Botanic Garden is about 5 miles from Plawsworth Hall, which is just a short drive.
Finchale Priory
The Finchale Priory is the place for anyone looking to step back in time. This old priory (that’s a type of church where monks used to live) was built way back in the 12th century. That’s over 800 years ago!
Today, the priory is mostly ruins, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. You can walk among the old stone walls and imagine what life was like for the monks who lived here long ago. The priory sits right next to the River Wear, so the setting is beautiful, too.
Finchale Priory is one of the closest attractions to Plawsworth Hall – it’s only about 4 miles away. It’s a great spot for a peaceful morning or afternoon out.
Family-Friendly Activities and Day Trips
Diggerland, Durham
Kids love big machines, and at Diggerland, they can drive them! This unique theme park lets children (and adults) operate real diggers, dumpers, and other construction vehicles. It’s a hands-on adventure that’s both fun and educational.
You’ll find rides like the Spindizzy, where you sit in a big digger bucket that spins around. There’s also the Skyshuttle, which lifts you high in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Don’t miss the racing cars made from real JCBs – they’re a blast!
The best part? Diggerland is only around 5 miles from Plawsworth Hall, making it an easy day out for the whole family.
Beamish Museum
Imagine stepping back in time to see how people lived 100 years ago. That’s what Beamish Museum offers! This open-air museum brings history to life with real buildings, costumed staff, and working exhibits.
You can:
- Ride an old-fashioned tram
- Visit a 1900s town with shops and houses
- Explore a 1940s farm
- Go down to a real coal mine
The museum is huge, covering 300 acres (that’s about 150 football fields!). You might want to plan for a full day here to see everything.
Beamish is just around 7 miles from Plawsworth Hall. It’s a perfect day trip that combines fun and learning for all ages.
Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street
Sometimes, the simplest outings are the most fun. Riverside Park in nearby Chester-le-Street offers a great outdoor space for families. It’s got everything you need for a relaxed day out.
The park features:
- A large play area with equipment for different ages
- Open grassy spaces perfect for picnics or ball games
- A lovely riverside walk
- A splash pad water play area (open in summer)
Pack a picnic, bring some outdoor games, and you’re set for a day of fresh air and fun. The park is just 2.5 miles from Plawsworth Hall.
Dining and Shopping in Durham City Centre
Local Dining Options
Durham’s food scene offers something for every taste. From cosy cafes to fine dining restaurants, you’ll find plenty of delicious options in the city centre.
For a true taste of the North East, try some local specialities:
- Pease pudding: A savoury spread made from yellow split peas, often served with ham
- Panackelty: A hearty casserole with meat, vegetables, and potatoes
- Durham Lamb: Known for its tender, flavourful meat
For a quick bite, head to Flat White Kitchen. They serve great coffee and tasty sandwiches in a quirky, multi-story building. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
If you’re after something special, try Restaurant 17. This fine dining spot offers creative dishes made with seasonal, local produce. It’s perfect for a celebratory meal.
All these restaurants are in Durham City Centre, about 4 miles from Plawsworth Hall, so you can easily pop into town for a meal out.
Durham Market Place Shopping
Durham Market Place is the heart of the city’s shopping scene. This bustling square hosts a variety of shops, from big brands to unique local businesses.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Indoor Market Hall: Open six days a week, it’s full of local traders selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts
- High Street brands: You’ll find familiar names like Boots and WHSmith
- Independent shops: Look out for unique stores like Elvet & Bailey for gifts and homewares
Don’t miss the outdoor market, held every Saturday. It’s a great place to pick up local produce, artisan foods, and handmade items.
For book lovers, a visit to the People’s Bookshop is a must. This independent store specialises in radical and local interest books. It’s tucked away on Saddler Street, just off the Market Place.
The Market Place is about 4 miles from Plawsworth Hall, making it easy to spend a morning or afternoon browsing the shops. Remember, many stores in the UK close earlier on Sundays, so plan your shopping trip accordingly.
Stay at Plawsworth Hall
After exploring Durham’s wonders, you’ll want a cosy place to unwind. That’s where Plawsworth Hall comes in. We’re not just a place to sleep – we’re your home away from home.
Our stylishly furnished cottages and apartments offer the perfect blend of independence and comfort. You’ll enjoy the space of self-catering with the style of a high-end hotel. Plus, we’re just minutes from Durham City, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
At Plawsworth Hall, we often welcome people wanting to:
- Book family holidays
- Visit relatives
- Relocate or look for a place to stay while they renovate
- Be comfortable during their business stay
- Spend some time from the city with our countryside cottage getaway
- Explore our local area
You’ll find ample parking, weekly housekeeping, and access to lovely communal gardens. Families will appreciate our complimentary cots and high chairs.
Start planning your Durham adventure today. Book your stay at Plawsworth Hall and give yourself the perfect base for exploring all that Durham has to offer. We’re excited to welcome you soon!
FAQs
Is Durham worth visiting for a day?
Absolutely! Durham packs a lot into a small area, making it perfect for a day trip. In just one day, you can explore the stunning Durham Cathedral, wander through the historic Durham Castle, and enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Wear. If you’re staying with us at Plawsworth Hall, you’re only a short drive away, allowing you to make the most of your day in Durham.
How long do you need to see Durham?
While you can see Durham’s highlights in a day, we recommend staying for at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate all the city has to offer. This gives you time to explore the main attractions at a leisurely pace, discover some hidden gems, and even take a day trip to nearby sites like the Beamish Museum. A longer stay also allows you to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere and perhaps enjoy some local events.
Can you walk around Durham?
Yes, Durham is a very walkable city! The city centre is compact, and many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. The streets can be hilly, and some are cobbled, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Walking is actually one of the best ways to explore Durham, as you can discover charming side streets and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise.
Is there much to do in Durham?
There’s plenty to do in Durham! Beyond the famous Cathedral and Castle, you can explore museums like the Oriental Museum or the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre. The Gala Theatre offers performances and films, while the Durham University Botanic Garden is perfect for nature lovers. Don’t forget about the shops and cafes in the city centre, riverside walks, and seasonal events like the Durham Miners’ Gala. With Plawsworth Hall as your base, you’re well-positioned to enjoy all these attractions and more in the surrounding area.
