Durham – Holiday Review
We visited Durham courtesy of ‘Visit County Durham’ who kindly put together an amazing itinerary. This was our first visit to the county so we were very excited to discover what Durham and the Durham Dales has to offer. Contact ‘Visit County Durham‘ online or at one of their information points in the city and around the county to help you plan the best itinerary for your break in Durham, Durham Dales, Vale of Durham and the Durham Coast.
Getting There
KingsCrossStation/DurhamStation
Durham is very well connected to other cities and towns by road and rail. We travelled by rail from London Kings Cross direct to Durham with LNER. The services are quite frequent, around 1 direct service per hour, (‘direct’ meaning some stops, but no need to change trains) and the journey took around 3 hours. Travelling in First Class was extremely comfortable with complimentary refreshments and snacks for almost the entire journey. There are power sockets to charge up tablets, phones etc., ample luggage storage space and a clean decent loo at the end of each carriage. The kids were given colouring-in books on the inbound journey which was a nice touch.
Car Hire
Car Hire in Durham with Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Durham station is actually less than a mile walk into the city centre, so it is possible to stay and explore the city for a few days on a break without any transport. However, we had an itinerary packed with sightseeing in the city and around the Durham Dales, so a car was the most convenient way to see everything the region has to offer. Once we arrived at Durham station we were met by Enterprise Rent a Car. They picked us up and drove us to their office, about a mile or so away so that we can pick up our hire car. We were given a very comfy and spacious Kia Optima which included a Sat Nav which came in very handy! Once we had finished using the car on our last day, we drove back to the Enterprise office, and were dropped off back at the station.
Accommodation
Hotel Indigo® Durham
We stayed at the Hotel Indigo® (part of the IHG group) which is centrally located in Durham city centre. This Grade II-listed building was once Durham’s Old Shire Hall, now newly renovated and opened in Spring 2018 as the Hotel Indigo® with a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill.
We were greeted by very warm and friendly staff at reception. We had arrived a little earlier than the check-in time and were expecting to use their luggage storage, however, our room was ready to our delight and gave us time to relax before heading out to do some sightseeing. For added security in the hotel our key cards operate the lift and public doors as well as access to our room. Facilities of the hotel include a coffee shop, fitness room with some gym equipment and on the 1st floor a bar leading to the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. Outside the restaurant is a grand staircase leading to the rooms.
Hotel Indigo® Durham
We were given a beautiful, spacious family room with 2 double beds. Although there were only 4 of us on this trip, the hotel does offer rooms for a family of 5, using an additional bed suitable for a child under 12 years old. In addition to the beds, there is a seating area with comfy armchairs and footrests, a flatscreen Smart TV, a Nespresso® machine, Free Smartphone to use during your stay, mini fridge, Tea & Coffee making facilities, a safe, a decent hairdryer, bathrobes, iron & board….the list is endless! and with touches of the old with pictures, books and a retro style phone. The bathroom deserves a paragraph of its own but you will have to see it for yourself. It is a huge room with a freestanding vintage style bath tub at one end and an ultra modern shower cubicle at the other end. There are lovely little extras like a lighted make-up mirror and speakers in the bathroom if you want to listen to the TV whilst having a soak.
Hotel Indigo® Durham – Family Room
Breakfast is served at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. The restaurant is in a grand circular room with many interesting original features combined with some modern touches. There is a continental buffet with cereals (including some kids’ favourites), pastries, cold meats, freshly sliced fruit, and fruit juices. You may also order a traditional cooked breakfast (veggie option too) or additional menu choices of pancakes, smoked salmon and kippers, with your tea and coffee etc. We also had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant on our first evening. The meals were delicious and they also have a children’s menu too, which included chicken strips, omelette, fish bites or make-your-own burger. We were able to have dinner from 5:30pm.
There is the option of using the hotel’s car park which is charged at £12 per day, but there are pay and display spaces at the front of the hotel that charge 80p per half hour between 8am-6pm (no charge all day on Sundays) so it’s possible to avoid some charges if you’re out all day.
We very much enjoyed our stay at the Indigo® and love the way it combines the old with the new. Although the hotel is very grand, we felt comfortable staying there as a family with children and were very much welcomed by the hotel and restaurant staff.
Attractions
The city of Durham reminds me of some other places in the UK. It reminds me of York and Windsor, with its narrow cobbled streets and imposing Cathedral, Castle and other medieval architecture. The Durham Dales are simply stunning. Even on the rainy day we had, there was something so tranquil and relaxing about driving along the countryside past the picturesque villages.
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral – Located just around 10 minutes walk from the hotel on a hill, passed the shops, restaurants, cafes over a bridge of the river Wear. A section of the cathedral is currently being renovated, however, still magnificent to look at as one of the most famous landmarks of the city and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a guided tour inside, however, you are free to walk around it on your own. Behind the cathedral there is a gift shop and cafe. We visited ‘Open Treasure’ which features special exhibitions showcasing the Cathedral’s incredible collections. A family ticket to ‘Open Treasure’ for 2 adults and 3 children is £17.50. Inside we were greeted by a member of staff who gave the children an activity booklet to fill and claim a sticker at the end. Click here for more details of the cathedral.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle – The castle stands just a few minutes walk away from the Cathedral so it is easily possible to visit both in one day. You need to book a guided tour to experience the 1000 year history of the castle. Tickets are available from the from Palace Green Library (which is located between the Cathedral and the Castle) or the World Heritage Centre, just next to the Castle. They will advise opening days and tour times. A family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children is £15.00 and the tour lasts around 45 minutes. Sadly we were not able to tour inside the castle on the day we were visiting Durham city as there was a private function taking place. So something we will need to do on our next trip! Click here for more details of the castle.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England – Located in Bishop Auckland, around half an hour’s drive from Durham city. This is one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen. I was worried that the kids will not stay awake (starts 9pm-10:30pm) or even be interested, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. They were fixated on the edge of their seats for the whole performance! Without spoiling the show, it’s about a boy going back in time, visiting major events, conquests, battles that have made history in England, and in parts of the story, focuses on the North East of England’s past. There are over 1000 performers, plus horses and other animals, special effects, props and awesome pyrotechnics. Top Tips: Get there an hour before the show as you have your bags checked and to enable you time to get from car-park to venue. It is advised to pre-book a car parking space at a choice of locations. You can either walk down to the venue, could be about 15-20 minutes walk (in some parts hilly and torch may be needed) or pay a supplement for a bus to take you there and back. Try not to bring a back pack or large bag as it could be confiscated till the end of performance. Its an open air show with no shelter so advisable to bring a waterproof jacket, comfy shoes, a blanket and a cloth to wipe down the seats as they could be wet from the rain. There are decent loos plus stalls selling food and refreshments before the show. For full details of the show and prices contact Kynren direct.
Raby Castle
Raby Castle – Located near Staindrop, Darlington, around a 45 minute drive from Durham. We were unfortunate to have a rainy day for this attraction, however we made the most of it. We arrived early so had time to stop at the gift shop and cafe for a hot beverage and cake. At the ticket office the kids were offered a Summer Nature Trail and Dragon Puzzle Hunt in the Walled Garden. We thought that was a great idea to get the kids involved, but sadly with the rain, we were unable to take part. The castle is very well maintained with many grand rooms full of magnificent paintings and furniture. We also saw the servant’s quarters including a bedroom and the kitchen. Staff were on hand throughout the castle to answer questions. Current family prices are £35.00 to visit the Castle, Park and Gardens for 2 adults and 3 children and £18.00 to visit the Park and Gardens only. Click here for more details of the castle.
Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum – Located at the market town of Barnard Castle. It is a grand building among spectacularly landscaped gardens. What we loved about the museum is that there were activities for the kids to do in each room related to the theme of it, such as board games, puzzles and colouring-in. There are currently some special exhibitions for fashion plus a selection of sketches from the famous Roald Dahl book, ‘BFG’ by the the illustrator, Quentin Blake. The highlight of the museum is a beautiful silver swan which comes to life in a special daily performance at 2pm. Turn up a few minutes before the start, so you can hear the story behind it told by one of the staff members. Facilities of the museum include, cafe, gift shop and ample free parking outside. Current family prices are £16.00 for 1 adult and up to 4 children, and £30 for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Click here for up-to-date details of the museum.
High Force
High Force – Located in the stunning North Pennines at Forest-in-Teesdale. This magnificent waterfall is about a 10 minute walk from the car park area, walking through a wooded pathway, taking in the serene scenery and listening to the sound of the water get louder as you get closer to the waterfall. Once you reach the waterfall you have the option of climbing down around 26 steps to the base, however, you can still enjoy this awesome sight from the end of the pathway. – Prices are £1.50 for adults and 50p for children aged 5-15. The Car Park charges a minimum of £3.00 for 3 hours parking, which gives you time to visit the waterfall and have a picnic afterwards in an designated area close to the car-park. Click here for more details.
Beamish – The Living Museum of the North
Beamish – The Living Museum of the North – A world famous open-air museum located around a 20 minute drive from the hotel. The museum tells the story of life in the North East of England during the 1820s, 1900s, and 1940s. There are lots to see by taking one of the trams or buses that operate all day to the different areas. You’ll enjoy stepping back in time, going into shops including a bakery, a co-op store and fish and chip shop . Our favourite was the sweet shop and we couldn’t resist buying a few bags of our childhood favourites including bonbons, and cola cubes! Other interesting attractions we enjoyed exploring included Rowley Station, the Colliery, and the school. The kids enjoyed going out to the school playground and playing with the skipping ropes and the metal hoops & sticks! Current family prices are £49.50 for 2 adults and 2 children (5-16 years old). Additional children are £11.00 each. Click here for more details.
Angel of the North
Angel of the North – This was an unscheduled visit, however, after looking at our map, we were surprised how close it was to Beamish, (around 15 minutes away off the A1 motorway) so we wanted to have a quick look at this famous landmark at the gateway to Tyne and Wear, just outside Gateshead.
A very BIG Thank You to the ‘Visit County Durham’ team for all their hard work arranging this trip for us. We absolutely loved every moment of our visit, even when it rained! We look forward to going back again in the future to see much more of the city, dales and discover the coast.
GALLERY
For more accommodation ideas in Durham and surrounding areas for a family of 5 +visit our Tyne and Wear/Durham page.