Durham in Feb/March

[danny la rouge]

We’re doing a dog sit at the end of Feb start of March in Durham. We’ve not been before, but we know it’s a small place and a slow time of year. Nevertheless, what is there to do and see within reasonable striking distance? (Again, caveats are my chronic pain and chronic fatigue, so no cross country hikes or bungee jumping).

I like old things, stones, art, jazz, coffee, and pizzas.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Barnard Castle.

 

[danny la rouge]

Barnard Castle.

Brilliant. I’d forgotten that was nearby. I’ll have my new glasses by then, but still I should take a drive out there.

 

[souljacker]

Barnard Castle is a actually a nice little place. From there you can go to High Force too which is nice.

 

[Idris2002]

Angel of the North innit.

 

[spudulike]

Barnard Castle.

In which case, don't miss Bowes Museum

 

[hitmouse]

Not been to Durham in ages, but I'm pretty sure they have old things there. Think this probably has old things in: Durham Museum
I remember having a really nice time watching the Eurovision Song Contest in Durham once, but that's probably not an option in late Feb/early March?

 

[The39thStep]

Brilliant. I’d forgotten that was nearby. I’ll have my new glasses by then, but still I should take a drive out there.

My sister lives there, I'll ask her to keep an eye out for you.

 

[kebabking]

The cathedral is just off the scale.

The city itself is pretty interesting, lots of indy shops and cafes, the indoor market is nice - only problem is that it's pretty steep for walking around. Might be worth calling the cathedral ahead and seeing if they can reserve you a parking space up there...

The Durham Dales are really worth an explore - they are Teesdale and Weardale, effectively the eastern half the the North Pennines. I had an excellent time at a Pub/YHA in Edmundbyers, a few miles ast of Consett.

Beaches are pretty good.

 

[The39thStep]

Yarm is worth a visit , its on the Tees and has a interesting high street with quite a few indie shops, bars and restuarants. Sunak occasionally visits so best try to cordinate diaries.

 

[danny la rouge]

Yarm is worth a visit , its on the Tees and has a interesting high street with quite a few indie shops, bars and restuarants. Sunak occasionally visits so best try to cordinate diaries.

View attachment 408232

Looks charming. I’ll see if Sunak will allow me to connect with his diary on Googledocs.

 

[Elpenor]

I enjoyed looking for seaglass at Seaham beach. Free parking too

 

[StoneRoad]

Durham Cathedral & Castle.

Within probably an hour you have ...
Beamish Museum - but maybe better to do in good weather.
Shildon for Locomotion.
Raby Castle, Bowes Museum, Hexham Abbey
Barnard Castle [White Monk Tearoom is dog friendly]
Not far from Newcastle / Gateshead / Metrocentre [latter is not dog-friendly] for shopping / Discovery Museum etc
For cross-country hikes - there's always Hadrian's Wall !
[Museums for roman stuff in a number of places in the area]
Also not far from the North Sea coast - but don't go in the water, it's absolutely brassic at this time of year.

Further afield plenty more of places of interest ...

 

[Puddy_Tat]

I like old things

in view of this, and possibly stating the obvious, but how about Beamish Museum?

(it's near the village of that name, nothing to do with the porter / stout)

 

[DaveCinzano]

in view of this, and possibly stating the obvious, but how about Beamish Museum?

Two minutes too late

 

[Puddy_Tat]

Two minutes too late

meh

 

[A380]

15 minutes on the Train to Newcastle for a day trip to the Baltic, sepe the bridges and other toon stuff.

 

[neonwilderness]

The city and cathedral are great, but as mentioned it's pretty hilly. I think there's a fairly regular bus that runs to/from the cathedral though. There's an archeology museum in the university too, which might be good for stones. Also Diggerland

I've not been for years, but Beamish Museum is interesting. That'd be a day in itself, if not more. They've recently opened a 1950s bit.

If you go to Barnard Castle and/or High Force keep driving up into Teesdale (up towards Alston) and you'll get some great views. Just keep an eye on the weather though, it's a bit bleak up there.

 

[Magnus McGinty]

There’s a bookshop you might like whilst perusing the city:

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/peoplesbookshopdurham

Other than that, errrr, Beamish?

 

[klang]

A friend of mine has been a touring musician for most of her adult life. She's played mist of europe, asia, africe, the middle east and the Americas. She reckons the only time she experienced culture shock was when she ended up in Durham.

 

[Magnus McGinty]

A friend of mine has been a touring musician for most of her adult life. She's played mist of europe, asia, africe, the middle east and the Americas. She reckons the only time she experienced culture shock was when she ended up in Durham.

Not sure why. Theres some easily avoidable posh bits but apart from that is typical North East.

 

[Magnus McGinty]

Basically, the better things to see or do are in Northumberland or North Yorkshire. Neither of which are in close proximity.

 

[neonwilderness]

Basically, the better things to see or do are in Northumberland or North Yorkshire. Neither of which are in close proximity.

That is pretty a subjective. There's plenty of stuff mentioned here which is in County Durham and the ones that aren't are pretty close

Also, go to Beamish danny la rouge

 

[danny la rouge]

Also, go to Beamish @danny la rouge

Looks like that’s a must!

 

[WouldBe]

Doesn't Firky live that way. You could meet for a coffee.

 

[danny la rouge]

Doesn't Firky live that way. You could meet for a coffee.

Maybe I am Firky.

 

[Magnus McGinty]

Doesn't Firky live that way. You could meet for a coffee.

50 miles away in Northumberland. Unless he’s moved.

 

[dessiato]

If you go to Beamish you can revisit throughout the year on that ticket.

 

[WouldBe]

50 miles away in Northumberland. Unless he’s moved.

Close enough.

 

[Riff]

Visit the Hill Island Brewery located in Fowler's Yard just off Durham market place. Shameless plug as it's my mate's brewery.