Discovering Durham
Writer Bill Bryson described Durham Cathedral as ‘the best cathedral on planet Earth’, and it certainly is a very handsome building indeed. In fact, it sits in a Unesco World Heritage Site with a number of other exceptional sights, including Durham Castle and the Palace Green Library, which, from 1 July to 30 September this year, will house the Lindisfarne Gospels.
The richly decorated manuscript will be the centrepiece of Lindisfarne Gospels Durham, a new exhibition charting the tale of St Cuthbert and the book written in his honour, with other events, specially written performances and talks taking place across the region. The cathedral, final resting place of the patron saint of northern England, will provide a magnificent backdrop for Jewels of the North: a festival of flowers.
It’s going to be a wonderful time to visit Durham, with plenty more great things to see and do. Around 500,000 visitors a year make their way to Beamish – the 300-acre Living Museum of the North – where costumed guides take you back into the past as you wander round the old high street, pit cottages and drift mine, village school, church and farm. Don’t miss a ride on the trams. There’s enough to fill a whole day here, including places to eat, such as the baker’s and a coal-fired fish and chip shop – and stock up on old-fashioned sweets at the confectionery shop.
I also loved The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, which recently found fame as the home of an unrecognised Van Dyck. The museum has a fascinating history, as it was purposebuilt in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, and is a wonderful building in its own right. The Silver Swan, a 1773 musical automaton, is enchanting and provided inspiration for Peter Carey’s novel, The Chemistry Of Tears. The swan ‘performs’ each day at 2pm, and the show lasts a short but beautiful 40 seconds.
Elvet Bridge, over the River Wear
The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, Aykley Heads, tells the proud 200-year-old story of the Durham Light Infantry, especially during the world wars. Letter and diary extracts, plus the actual voices of veterans, really bring the whole thing to life.
Don’t miss a visit to Crook Hall and Gardens, a medieval manor house in stunning gardens full of exquisite trees and plants on the outskirts of the city. The old hall is haunted by the White Lady apparently, too. Enjoy delicious homemade afternoon cream tea in the courtyard while you’re there.
Talking of food, the city has plenty of excellent places to eat, such as Finbarr’s Restaurant in Waddington Street. Many hotels and guest houses have excellent restaurants, too, such as Gadds Town House, just a short walk from the city centre. Out in the glorious Durham countryside, The Morritt Hotel, Greta Bridge, not only has the award-winning Gilroy’s Restaurant – where you can tuck into succulent Teesdale beef or lamb and fresh veggies – there’s also the Garage Spa next door. After all that sightseeing, who could resist the 55-minute hot chocolate body wrap. Simply divine…
Rooms at The Victorian Town House cost from £85 per night, including breakfast: 0191-370 9963, www.durhambedandbreakfast.com
Gadds Town House from £99: 0191- 384 1037, www.gaddstownhouse.com
The Morritt Hotel from £90: 01833- 627232, www.themorritt.co.uk
For more information on Durham: www.thisisdurham.com
Contact Wendy at wendygomersall@lady.co.uk
Pick of the plants Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection at Selborne, East Hampshire, is holding its 21st annual Unusual Plants Fair on 15 and 16 June. 01420-511275, www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
An Oasis on the ocean The world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis Of The Seas, which can accommodate 6,400 guests, will make its first-ever port of call into Southampton on 15 October 2014. Sail to Florida, with one stop at Vigo, in Spain, from £841 per person. 0844-493 2061, www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
The richly decorated manuscript will be the centrepiece of Lindisfarne Gospels Durham, a new exhibition charting the tale of St Cuthbert and the book written in his honour, with other events, specially written performances and talks taking place across the region. The cathedral, final resting place of the patron saint of northern England, will provide a magnificent backdrop for Jewels of the North: a festival of flowers.
It’s going to be a wonderful time to visit Durham, with plenty more great things to see and do. Around 500,000 visitors a year make their way to Beamish – the 300-acre Living Museum of the North – where costumed guides take you back into the past as you wander round the old high street, pit cottages and drift mine, village school, church and farm. Don’t miss a ride on the trams. There’s enough to fill a whole day here, including places to eat, such as the baker’s and a coal-fired fish and chip shop – and stock up on old-fashioned sweets at the confectionery shop.
I also loved The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, which recently found fame as the home of an unrecognised Van Dyck. The museum has a fascinating history, as it was purposebuilt in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, and is a wonderful building in its own right. The Silver Swan, a 1773 musical automaton, is enchanting and provided inspiration for Peter Carey’s novel, The Chemistry Of Tears. The swan ‘performs’ each day at 2pm, and the show lasts a short but beautiful 40 seconds.
Elvet Bridge, over the River WearThe DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, Aykley Heads, tells the proud 200-year-old story of the Durham Light Infantry, especially during the world wars. Letter and diary extracts, plus the actual voices of veterans, really bring the whole thing to life.
Don’t miss a visit to Crook Hall and Gardens, a medieval manor house in stunning gardens full of exquisite trees and plants on the outskirts of the city. The old hall is haunted by the White Lady apparently, too. Enjoy delicious homemade afternoon cream tea in the courtyard while you’re there.
Talking of food, the city has plenty of excellent places to eat, such as Finbarr’s Restaurant in Waddington Street. Many hotels and guest houses have excellent restaurants, too, such as Gadds Town House, just a short walk from the city centre. Out in the glorious Durham countryside, The Morritt Hotel, Greta Bridge, not only has the award-winning Gilroy’s Restaurant – where you can tuck into succulent Teesdale beef or lamb and fresh veggies – there’s also the Garage Spa next door. After all that sightseeing, who could resist the 55-minute hot chocolate body wrap. Simply divine…
Rooms at The Victorian Town House cost from £85 per night, including breakfast: 0191-370 9963, www.durhambedandbreakfast.com
Gadds Town House from £99: 0191- 384 1037, www.gaddstownhouse.com
The Morritt Hotel from £90: 01833- 627232, www.themorritt.co.uk
For more information on Durham: www.thisisdurham.com
Contact Wendy at wendygomersall@lady.co.uk
IN OTHER NEWS…
Solo sunshine The Mistral Hotel in Crete offers holidays specially geared towards single travellers (but friends can go together, too). Themed weeks cover walking, painting, photography and spring flowers, with activities from scuba diving to cookery. A week’s stay on a half-board basis costs from £525 per person; flights not included. 0871-990 2070, www.singlesincrete.comPick of the plants Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection at Selborne, East Hampshire, is holding its 21st annual Unusual Plants Fair on 15 and 16 June. 01420-511275, www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
An Oasis on the ocean The world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis Of The Seas, which can accommodate 6,400 guests, will make its first-ever port of call into Southampton on 15 October 2014. Sail to Florida, with one stop at Vigo, in Spain, from £841 per person. 0844-493 2061, www.royalcaribbean.co.uk