11 Fun Things to Do in Durham for Couples

Last updated: 25 June 2023

From exploring the UNESCO world heritage-listed Durham Cathedral and Castle, to going ghost hunting in a 600 year old hotel, to enjoying the fresh air along the heritage coastal footpath, there’s a wealth of things to do in Durham for couples looking for a short break away.

We spent a few days in Durham to find all the things you can add to a short break itinerary that will include something that everyone can enjoy, such as historical sites (you know that’s my favourite!) and great places to eat, and of course, sandy beaches & water views (something Roma definitely loves). 

First of all, let’s cover the basics. 

Where is Durham?

Durham is located in the North East of England, with a population of 50,000 people and 20,000 students attending the historic university. The city is approximately a 30 minute drive from Newcastle Upon Tyne, a 60 min drive from the North York Moors National Park, and a 3 hour train journey from London King’s Cross station. Or, if you prefer a good road trip then it’s a 5 hour drive. 

Why Visit Durham?

The real question is, why wouldn’t you go to Durham?! It’s the home of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is made up of the absolutely stunning Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, it’s only a 30 min drive to one of the best coastlines in the country, plenty of natural green spaces to explore, a plethora of foodie destinations, and so much more! 

So without further ado, let’s dive a little deeper into 11 things to do in Durham for couples;

1. Durham Cathedral

When you mention that you’re visiting Durham the first thing that most people respond with is something about the Cathedral, and it’s little wonder, it’s not only incredibly beautiful but it’s also historically important for so many reasons!

Did you know that Durham Cathedral is part of Durham World Heritage Site, a historic and culturally important area comprising Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and all the buildings in-between them? The entire area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 for its Outstanding Universal Value and remains one of the most visited attractions in the North of England attracting over 700,000 visitors a year. 

A Brief History

In order to understand Durham Cathedral, you first need to understand who St Cuthbert was because they’re very closely linked. St Cuthbert, was a monk on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and is considered to be the most loved saint in the North-East of England for his preaching of Christianity. 

In the decades following the infamous Viking raid of 793 AD on the church of St Cuthbert in Lindisfarne, and the subsequent raids in the years to follow, the Benedictine monks left Holy Island with the remains of St Cuthbert (in 875 CE) and searched for a new home. After short stays in Chester-le-Street and Ripon,  the monks finally settled in Durham in 995 CE.  A stone church was built in 998 CE to house St Cuthbert’s remains and it quickly became a site of pilgrimage.

In 1093, Bishop William of Saint Calais ordered the construction of a new cathedral to replace the previous Anglo-Saxon stone church, built almost 100 years earlier, “on a nobler and grander scale”. The Cathedral that stands today was completed in 1133. 

The Cathedral was built to house the St Cuthbert’s Shrine and has remained a place of pilgrimage for over 800 years. 

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The Shrine of St Cuthbert

Located in the east side of the Cathedral, behind the High Altar and near the large stained glass Rose Window, is the Shrine of St Cuthbert, the final resting place of the beloved saint.

Today the shrine is located in a small semi-enclosed area and is relatively unadorned and simple which is ideal for quiet contemplation and, if you’re a pilgrim, prayer. 

There is a single row of benches at the periphery of the space so we recommend sitting down and taking a moment to reflect on the history of the shrine, the centuries that have passed, and the countless number of people who have come to pay their respects. 

Did You Know: There is a second skull buried in the tomb along with St Cuthbert? It is thought to be the skull of King Oswald of Northumbria, who was committed to the spread of Christianity across his kingdom.

The Shrine of St Bede

If you enter Durham Cathedral from the west entrance through the Galilee Chapel, you’ll be able to visit the Shrine of St Bede, one of the most important historians and translators in history. In fact, The Venerable Bede is referred to as “the father of English history”.

The Venerable Bede’s bones have been resting in Durham Cathedral for 1000 years, since 1022. The remains were originally placed next to the relics of St Cuthbert but were moved to the Galilee Chapel in the 14th century. 

The inscription on the tomb reads; HIC SUNT IN FOSSA BEDAE VENERABILIS OSSA which translates to “Here are the buried bones of the Venerable Bede”

Did You Know: That most of what we know about King Oswald of Northumbria today comes from the writings of St Bede?

2. Durham Cathedral Museum

The Cathedral Museum is technically inside Durham Cathedral but since it’s a ticketed Museum with its own entry fees I’ve added it as a separate activity you can choose to do in Durham if you wish (and you should because it’s AMAZING). 

Durham Cathedral Museum is home to some of the most important artefacts relating to St Cuthbert, England’s early Christian heritage, and the English monarchy. And so much more. 

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The Monk’s Dormitory

You can explore the story of the Benedictine Monks and the spread of Christianity across England in the Monk’s Dormitory, a large room with the original 15th century oak timber roof! It’s an extraordinary space to learn about the history of the Benedictine Monks.

Did You Know: There are also Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Scandinavian, and Roman artefacts on display in this area of the museum and reflects Christianity throughout the ages. 

Crown and Cathedral: Durham’s Royal Stories 

Durham Cathedral Museum also plays host to temporary exhibits.

Our visit coincided with Crown and Cathedral, in honour of the Platinum Jubilee marking the historic 70 year reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The exhibition explored the museum’s changing relationship with the monarchs over the centuries. With various historic items on display including the Bishop of Durham’s royal cope that was worn during the coronation of King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. All being well, I think we can assume the cope will be worn by the Bishop for the coronation of Charles III.

It’s worthwhile checking the Durham Cathedral website in advance of your visit to see the details about the latest exhibition.

Did You Know: The Bishop of Durham stands at the right-hand side of the soverign during coronation with the Bishop of Bath and Wells on the left.

The Treasures of St Cuthbert 

Located in the heart of Durham Cathedral, in the 14th century octagonal Great Kitchen, once used by the monks to prepare their meals, are the Treasures of St Cuthbert which are comprised of the remains of the 7th century hand-carved wooden Anglo-Saxon coffin, his Pectoral Cross (a crucifix that is worn around the neck), ivory comb, and portable altar. 

Did You Know: The Great Kitchen’s high ceiling, made from stone instead of timber which protected against fire, would have allowed the heat to rise far from those working in the kitchen. A welcome relief, no doubt. 

Durham Cathedral

DH1 3EH | Website

3. Durham Castle

Located only a short walk from the Cathedral, there’s no missing the 900 year old Durham Castle with its imposing stone Keep sitting atop a hill and the formidable gatehouse guarding the entrance to the historic grounds. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Castle is not only historically important but today is part of University College and the Keep serves as a student residence. 

The only way to visit Durham Castle is on a guided tour, as it’s a living and working space for students visiting by yourself is not an option. The benefit of booking a tour is that you’ll gain access to some of the interiors of the Castle including the Norman Chapel, the Tudor Chapel, and the Black Staircase, plus much more. Our guide, Rhiannon, was a superstar and gave us a great overview of the very comprehensive history of the castle, pointed out the most interesting parts, and happily answered questions. Total tour time was approx 45 min. Tickets do need to be booked and collected from the Palace Green Library, right near the tour starting point near the Gatehouse. 

A Brief History

Durham Castle was constructed in 1072 to provide protection for the Norman rulers who were facing constant rebellions from the local population and the ongoing potential for incursions from the Scots. The castle was built near the Cathedral on the Durham peninsula where the bends in the river and steep river banks provided additional security and protection. 

It was also at this time in 1075 where the political landscape in Durham underwent a rather sizable shift from relying on Norman Earls ruling the region to the establishment of the Prince-Bishops of Durham. King William I granted new secular powers to the Bishop of Durham which effectively allowed the Bishop to rule Durham as a state within a state on behalf of the King.  The new secular powers included; minting their own coins, levying taxes, and raising an army. The Prince-Bishops of Durham ruled in this way for centuries and generated enormous wealth as a result.  

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The Norman Chapel

If you book a Durham Castle guided tour then one of the first places you’ll visit will be the Norman Chapel, one of my absolute favourite parts of the tour! This chapel is not only the oldest part of the Castle, constructed in 1080, it’s the oldest part of Durham City and even predates the Cathedral! 

During your time in the Norman Chapel your guide will point out some startling bits of history and I don’t want to spoil the surprises when you visit but I will share one of my favourite parts which was the earliest known depiction of a mermaid in England! 

The below photo shows the mermaid’s head, eyes, hair, hands, and fish-scale body. The laser pointer is courtesy of Rhiannon showing the mermaid’s right hand.

Durham Castle

DH1 3RW | Website

4. Palace Green

A Brief History

The Palace Green was originally the location for the city market place. As with most city markets it would have been a hive of constant activity and in the 12th century Bishop Flambard decided to clear the Palace Green to ensure “the church should neither be endangered by fire nor polluted by filth”.

The good news was that the market wasn’t closed, it was moved north to its current location in the aptly named Market Place. A new church, St Nicholas’ Church (known locally today as St Nic’s) was constructed in the new market location, which was fitting since St Nicholas was the patron saint of merchants.  

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This Is Where History Lived

Whilst you’re standing in the Palace Green, take a moment and think about the amount of history that has passed under your feet in the centuries gone by. This location, between the Cathedral and castle, would have been right in the thick of daily life. 

Did You Know: In November 2013, as part of the Palace Green Library renovations, two mass burial sites containing 18 bodies were discovered in Palace Green?! After 2 years of investigations, the bodies have been identified as Scottish prisons captured during the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. 

Palace Green Library

Overlooking Palace Green you’ll also find the historic Palace Green Library which is home to Durham University’s special collections and is the location of the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre. 

We visited the Palace Green Library after spending hours in the Cathedral and Castle which was ideal because it helped provide some additional context and detail to the many sights we’d experienced during the day. 

After the Visitor Centre we headed over to the Museum of Archaeology Gallery for the special exhibition on prehistoric and Roman history. You know this exhibit was right up my alley so I spent an age reading every information board available and starring Roman ruin locations in Google Maps for future visits. You have until the 31st May 2022 to explore this temporary exhibit before it closes so don’t miss out!

We also strongly recommend stopping by the DLI Collection Gallery to explore the story of the Durham Light Infantry. The gallery may be small but the exhibits will move you. Don’t miss the Somme Memorial Cross which once stood on the battlefield and learn the story of Private Ernest Mitchell who crossed into No Man’s Land to paint it. 

There is a short film that plays on a loop in the gallery so pull up a seat and take a few minutes and hear the real stories of the brave men who formed part of this regiment. You won’t regret it. 

Palace Green Library

DH1 3RN | Website

5. Stay in a Castle

One of the most romantic things to do in Durham for couples is to stay in a historic 14th century quadrangular castle, now a luxury 4-star hotel. Lumley Castle has 73 unique, individual bedrooms, decorated with furnishings which evoke a period of a bygone era. Think four poster beds, feature baths, and rooms with stunning views over the parkland. 

It’s a great option for the culturally curious wishing to explore England’s top historical landmarks, or for a romantic couple’s retreat.

Situated just outside the market town of Chester-le-Street, the town’s history is ancient as records go back to a Roman-built fort called Concangis and was one of the sites the Monks from Lindisfarne settled in with the relics and body of St Cuthbert in 883 CE, at a time when they were given a church at Chester-le-Street, near Durham. 

A Brief History

The Castle takes its name from the man who was behind its creation, Sir Ralph Lumley. A well-known figure at the time, a popular soldier, renowned for his bravery in battles. He played a key role in the defence of Berwick-on-Tweed in 1388 and, in the same year, led the attack at the Battle of Otterburn.

In 1389 he converted the Manor House built by his ancestors into a castle – the remains of which can still be seen at the castle today.

In a quick fast forward through history, Lumley was caught up in a conspiracy to depose Henry IV and replace him with Richard II. It failed, he was thrown in jail, and eventually executed. After that, the Castle was given to the Earl of Somerset in 1421, with no sons to inherit the estate it went back to Lumley’s bloodline, – in this case Thomas, Sir Ralph’s grandson.

Thomas was an influential character,  played a prominent role in the War of the Roses, and the siege of Bamburgh Castle and accompanied Edward IV into battle to oppose the late Queen Margaret’s forces. He also successfully had his family’s peerage reinstated. 

In 1800, it came under the ownership of the Bishop of Durham which fell into the hands of the University when it was sold off from the University’s estate in the 1960s to fund the student residences. 

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Instagram Spots Aplenty

During your stay at Lumley Castle do make some time to explore the castle grounds because not only are they relaxing and tranquil, they do make for some fantastic photos. Take a walk around the quadrangular castle to find your preferred photo location. Also, the courtyard is ideal for relaxing with a drink because you can take a seat and admire all the history which surrounds you. 

Ghost Hunting

Ok, so this one is less of an organised activity and more a recommendation to keep your eyes and ears open during your stay at Lumley Castle because you might get the opportunity to meet their resident ghost. Yes, you read that right.  Resident ghost. 

The castle is believed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the county, where ghostly sightings have been reported of a woman named Lily Lumley who once married to Ralph Lumley, the founder of the castle. She was supposedly thrown down a well in the castle grounds by two priests for rejecting the Catholic faith, who then told Baron Lumley that Lily had left him to become a nun. Her ghost is said to float up from the well and haunt the castle.

Roma and I did keep an eye and an ear open during our stay just in case Lily decided to pay us a visit but, alas no visits… that we noticed. However, other hotel guests have reported sightings, including members of the Australian, Indian, and West Indies cricket teams who reported some strange encounters. 

One such encounter occurred back in 2001 when the West Indies Captain Jimmy Adams revealed that three members of the squad checked out of the hotel early to stay at another at their own expense because things were going bump in the night!

Another instance occurred during the 2005 Ashes campaign where Australian all-rounder Shane Watson reported feeling a presence in his room and ended up sleeping in fellow Aussie Brett Lee’s room! Unfortunately this ghosting sighting led to poor ol’ Shane having to deal with some embarrassment during the next match when English bowler Darren Gough proceeded to make ghost impressions on the pitch!

During a stroll through Lumley Castle I took a photo in the Library Bar, did I capture a strange light on the left side of the photos. Sigh, no. Just an exterior light shining in. Maybe next time. 

Escape Room

If you’re feeling brave enough during your stay at Lumley Castle to go ghost hunting then it sounds like you’d love the latest game from Escape Rooms Durham – Lily of Lumley – where you step into the role of paranormal investigator and work your way through ancient rooms to find Lily and help her escape a deadly curse! 

https://www.escapedurham.co.uk/lilyoflumley

6. Explore the Heritage Coast (after Brunch)

Did you know that located a mere 25 min drive from the centre of Durham City is one of the most impressive coastlines in the North-East of England? The Heritage Coast is the home of rugged cliffs, roaring sea views, and imposing headlands which not only makes it perfect for invigorating and refreshing walks but also ideal for Instagram. As long as the winds play nice…

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Visit Seaham and see ‘Tommy’

We can recommend starting your visit to the Heritage Coast at Seaham, a lovely coastal town with sandy beaches, a bustling marina, and a beachside promenade that was made for strolling along in the summer sun. 

Seaham is home to one of the most captivating World War I monuments that we’ve ever seen. ‘Eleven ‘O One’, or ‘Tommy’ as he’s known to the locals, is a sculpture by Ray Lonsdale of a weary soldier in the minute following the armistice at 11am on 11th November 1918. Standing in front of ‘Tommy’ it’s hard not to be moved when looking at his weary and exhausted frame, his sense of relief was palpable.

During our visit to Seaham we spoke with some locals who proudly informed us that ‘Tommy’ was initially only a temporary exhibit but that he meant so much to everyone in the town that they all rallied to raise the funds to keep him on permanent display. It was an inspirational story and another reason why “Eleven O’ One” should be added to your To Visit List. 

If the measure of great art is how it makes you feel then I believe that ‘Eleven O’ One’ is one of the best we’ve ever seen. 

A Healthy High-Quality Brunch

I don’t know about you but if we’re spending the day outdoors walking along sandy beaches, traversing steep hills, and walking for miles, then we’re going to need a good hearty brunch. If you’re the same then we’d recommend stopping by Flamingo Bar and Cafe located along the marina.

The Flamingo boasts a fantastic location with sea views, so if the weather is agreeable then it’s worth grabbing a table outside because there’s nothing better than having brunch with the waves crashing behind you.

A hearty way to start the day is Buddha Bowl of quinoa rice, edamame, roast paprika sweet potatoes, avocado, watermelon radish, falafel, cherry tomatoes, naked slaw, spinach, hummus, pomegranate, and a poached egg. Yum!

The menu offers an abundance of fresh and healthy foods, smoothies, and juices which will provide the sustenance required for a day of exploring the coastline. 

Russ opted for a fancy chicken mayo sandwich consisting of pulled chicken, light mayo, spinach, crispy onions and microgreens served on sourdough (or in a bagel if you prefer!)

Flamingo Bar and Cafe

SR7 7EE | Website

Durham Heritage Coastal Footpath

If you’re up for a good walk then you’re going to appreciate the Durham Heritage Coastal Footpath, an 11 mile (or 14 km) footpath that stretches from Seaham to Crimdon and links the various villages along the way. 

If the idea of an 11 mile walk is a little too much then there’s nothing stopping you from taking a drive from beach to beach for the sea views as there’s plenty of parking along the way. 

Did You Know: Blast Beach was once completely covered by waste from the Dawdon Colliery, one of the last coal mines to close. Based on the photo below it’s hard to imagine that this powerful coastline was once used as a dumping ground but today is so impressive that it was actually used as a filming location in “The Last Kingdom”.

Durham Heritage Coast

Seaham SR7 | Website

7. Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Whenever Roma and I were chatting with locals in Durham and mentioned that we were going to spend a day at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, we were immediately inundated with overwhelmingly positive comments  – “you’re going to LOVE it”, “it’s amazing”, “Oh we’re going back soon”. 

Seriously, we did not have a single person tell us that it was anything other than a great day out. Suffice to say, our expectations were high. And as I write this blog post today, I think back on their response, they were spot on. We had a fantastic time! 

A Brief History

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North was the vision of its founder, Dr Frank Atkinson, who wanted to ensure that the proud industrial history and heritage belonging to the North of England was kept alive in an ever-changing world by showcasing the way of life of the thousands of people involved in the coal-mining, ship-building, iron, and steel manufacturing industries.

Beamish Museum first opened in 1971, and has just celebrated its 50th year, it was the first regional open-air living museum of its kind in England. If you love the idea of immersing yourself in history rather than solely reading an information board in a traditional museum then Beamish Museum is the place for you! 

A visit to Beamish Museum is more than just experiencing the life and times of a single time period, you will time travel through multiple points in time in a single day – 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s. 

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Get Dolled Up in 1950s Style 

When visiting the 1950’s Town you must head to Elizabeth’s Hairdresser’s, a replica of the original hair salon (then known as Elizabeth’s Hair Fashions), to live the real 50’s experience with a traditional hairstyling, something that Roma was very excited for! 

For a reasonable £5 fee, customers can choose from a list of 3 different styles. Roma opted for The Bow, and the friendly and talented stylist team went to work doing what they do best.

The attention to detail inside the salon is fantastic! Not only do all the stylists look like they’ve stepped out of a 1950s women’s magazine, the hairstyling equipment and furniture were all authentic for the time period. There were original hair dryers on display (perfect for photos) and the chairs have been lovingly restored to their former glory with new padding and original seat covers. 
As the onlooker I was (sadly no hair and beard-styling was not an option in the 1950s…unlike 2022) I felt like I was watching a scene from Grease and loving every minute of it.

The 1950’s Country Life

Discover one of the newest additions to Beamish Museum, Spain’s Field Farm, and learn what life was like for the families living on a working farm during the 1950’s. However, there’s more on offer at Spain’s Field Farm than you first expect.

During your visit to Spain’s Field Farm you’ll learn that the building isn’t a replica. 

It’s the original farm house that was located in Eastgate, near Stanhope, was kindly donated by the Jopling family to the Beamish Museum for display! 

Did You Know: The entire building was moved stone by stone, all 1170 tonnes of it, and rebuilt in its current location and then lovingly filled with authentic 1950s items that bring to life the story of the multiple generations who lived there.

Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings in the 1900s Town

For regular readers of Roaming Required, you know I have two passions – history and anything deliciously sweet – so a visit to Jubilee Confectioners in the 1900s Town was inevitable!

We’d been advised that there’s generally a queue to get into the sweet spot (see what I did there) at the front counter of Jubilee Confectioners but that does mean that it’s generally a much more enjoyable experience inside the shop. It also helps manage the need for personal space for both customers and staff members.

The good news is that the line doesn’t take long to move and is helped by the sweet price list that you can peruse whilst you’re waiting. 

Our shop assistant was an absolute professional and quickly secured all the delicious looking candy, weighed them up on the counter using a traditional weighing scale (with the physical weights) and quickly bagged them up.

In the event that you finish all your 1900s sweets when you get home from the Beamish Museum, you can always order more online and get them shipped to you. Which is exactly what I’ll be doing shortly, something seems to have happened to my sweets we bought on the day hmm…)

Did You Know: Most confectioners of the time would have been family businesses where the family lived above the candy shop? I’m pretty sure I would be up in the middle of most nights sneaking downstairs to sample the treats. You know, quality control.  

Francis St Cottages (miner cottages)

Experience the home life of the coal miners and their families who lived in the Francis St cottages in the 1900s Pit Village. This row of six houses (part of an original 27 houses) used to stand in Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside. These sought after houses had a large allotment at the rear of the house. 

Each of the houses provide a unique perspective so make sure you speak with the “families” and ask them questions because you’ll learn something interesting. Also, make sure you pay attention to the interiors of the homes because the level of detail speaks volumes.  

Did You Know: That the small chalkboard at the entrance to the cottages is what time the miners needed to be woken up for their shift at the mine. The wake up call would entail someone banging on their window or door!

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

DH9 0RG | Website

Where To Eat After Visiting Beamish Museum

There’s a good chance that after spending the entire day exploring Beamish Museum that you’re going to be pretty hungry and in need of a good meal and, if that’s the case, then we can’t recommend the South Causey Inn enough as the perfect place for a great meal served by a very friendly and welcoming team. 

The South Causey Inn is located less than a 10 min drive from the Beamish Museum making it the ideal location for a post-visit meal. 

This venue is enormously popular. On the day of our visit they had several weddings, hen-do, a baby shower, and several social gatherings all running at the same time. It’s so well spaced out that we didn’t even realise all this was happening. 

They also have individual private dining pods in the garden which can be hired by those who wish to dine al fresco. I was so impressed by these pods, they come with internal heaters, solid floors, and doors, power/speakers for music, and festoon lights. Certainly seems like a great way to immerse yourself in the beautiful outdoor surroundings whilst being cosy and warm with food and drinks served to you. 

To our delight we discovered the venue is very dog friendly, with a resident dog who loves a cuddle, and they even run a monthly dog walkies breakfast club through the Beamish Valley and woodlands. 

While we popped in for dinner, you could certainly base yourself here as they also have rooms, some are kitted out with hot tubs, waterfall showers, copper baths and more. 

We asked the fabulous staff in the dining room what they’d recommend for dinner. The suggestions were plentiful and so we grabbed an array of dishes to share.

If you’re dining on a warm summery day, I’d recommend the goats cheese and beetroot salad, it was lovely. Tart and refreshing, with the sweetness of the roasted fig, and mustard mayo really great for this time of year. I’d add the Caprese bruschetta time and time again, that too was just spot on, it took me back to our many trips to Italy.

Russ loves chicken katsu, so there was no chance the crispy chicken strips with homemade katsu curry sauce wouldn’t make it to our table. I think I may have got a morsel before it was gobbled up. 

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I cannot turn down halloumi fries. There’s just something about the crispy fried goodness with the gooey squeaky centre that makes me very very happy.  At South Causey it comes with homemade chilli jam and citrus mayonnaise.

A local favourite is the homemade mince & dumplings. At the time of ordering I wasn’t entirely sure what this was going to be so we requested a smaller portion to share. It’s easy to see why this is a local favourite, a go-to hearty meal on a dark cold winter’s eve for this part of the country. 

The first bite was an interesting experience, taking me back to Australia of all places! The mince tasted just like an Aussie meat pie you’d have at the cricket! 

Russ loves a fillet, so spotting a premium fillet sourced from a local North East farm, served with beer battered onion rings, hand cut chips, garlic button mushrooms & tomato chutney was a sure thing. Tender, tasty, that’s not to like! 

I can’t believe we even considered dessert after all this, but when the dessert looks this good, it’s hard to say no. 

The Biscoff Tiramisu comes with Biscoff, amaretto, Tia Maria & espresso coffee served with Biscoff ice cream; and the triple chocolate brownie is served with white chocolate ganache sauce and a scoop of cherry sorbet which cut right through the richness of the chocolate.  

Both are suitable for vegetarians.

If you decide to follow our lead, do note that the portions are generous!

South Causey Inn

DH9 0LS | Website

8. Durham University’s Botanic Gardens

If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet during your visit to Durham then you can’t really go past Durham University’s Botanic Garden with its 10 hectares of mature woodlands, various gardens with flora and fauna from around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. 

A Brief History

The Botanic Garden has been in its current location since 1970 and was originally designed for research and teaching. In 1988, a visitor centre was opened to accommodate the 6000 annual visitors eager to explore the wide open space. Today, the Botanic Garden welcomes over 80,000 visitors each year. 

One of the best things about visiting the Botanic Garden is that it doesn’t matter if you want to stay for a short time, a few hours, or even the whole day, you can simply pick a direction and then start walking. 

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A Little Piece of Home

When looking at the Botanic Garden map near the entrance, it was the Australian and New Zealand Garden which immediately caught our attention so we made a bee-line there. It was a small taste (well technically smell) of home which brought a smile to our faces. 

Special Events and Exhibitions

The Botanic Garden holds various events throughout the year and many of them are free and included in the standard entrance fee. 

One such example of a special event was the Green Woodworking Event with local green woodworker, Chris Helliwell, that was running on the day we visited. Chris was conducting a demonstration showcasing traditional wood-turning skills involving a pole lathe and a shave horse on branches from a Monkey Puzzle tree, a type of Chilean Pine. 

Did You Know: The Monkey Puzzle tree has been around for millions of years and would have been a much sought after meal for those herbivorous dinosaurs! 

Durham University’s Botanic Garden

DH1 3DF | Website

9. Durham University’s Oriental Museum

Durham University’s Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of England dedicated to the archaeology and artworks from a variety Asian cultures and features fascinating permanent exhibits from all around the Asian world –  Japan, China, Korea, Himalayas, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Ancient Egypt. There are also various temporary exhibitions which are on display throughout the year so it is worthwhile keeping an eye on the museum website for current exhibitions.

A Brief History

The Museum’s founder, Professor William Thacker, believed that in order for students to better understand the languages they were learning, they also needed to understand the culture and countries themselves. 

The museum started out as a small collection of artefacts to be used as research material for the newly created School of Oriental Studies in 1951, part of Durham University, but soon grew to a size which warranted its own dedicated museum! 

When the museum first opened in 1960, the majority of visitors may have been students from university but today attracts over 33,000 visitors from across the globe. 

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The Colourful Terracotta Warriors

You’re probably heard of the famous life-sized Terracotta Warriors before, right? This 8000-strong terracotta army was discovered in 1974 protecting the tomb of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who died in 210 BCE, but did you know that when they were buried they would have been painted in bright colours!

The first floor of the Oriental Museum is focused purely on Chinese history and there are three exact replicas of the Terracotta Warriors on display – one general and two archers. 

Marvel at Handmade Samurai Armour

Located in the Japanese section of the museum is a full suit of armour which was hand-made in Japan. And whilst it is a reproduction of a o-yoroi style of Samurai armour from the 10th century, it is nevertheless very impressive and makes it easy to imagine how fearsome the Samurai would have looked on horseback during battle.

The colours of the armour would have helped identify the individual wear during battle, including their rank and family. 

Did You Know: This particular suit of armour was produced by a company who specialises in the creation of armour in films, including The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. 

Be Amazed in the Ancient Egypt Galleries

The Ancient Egypt Gallery collection contains some of the most impressive artefacts not only in the Oriental Museum but across the entire UK. The museum is home to more than 7,500 objects with some of these on display, some used as part of Durham University Egyptology studies, and others loaned out to other universities and museums from across the world. 

A visit to the Ancient Egypt Galleries will allow you to stand face to face with two ancient and ornately decorated sarcophagi with colourful inscriptions. During our visit we had the gallery to ourselves and it was such a thrill to be that close to an artefact that is literally thousands of years old and in such pristine condition.

I think it’s fair to say that we’re all probably aware of what hieroglyphics are, the ancient Egyptian writing system, but have you ever really spent time looking at them in detail? I’ve never really had the chance to stop and really look at them in detail (generally due to the constant crowds at London Museums) but since we had this gallery to ourselves – the timed tickets certainly helped – I finally had the time to really stop and stare at the hieroglyphics of a stone tablet. It’s definitely recommended!

The Ancient Egyptian Galleries contains some of my personal highlights from our visit to the Oriental Museum and if you get a chance to visit then definitely make a booking. 

Durham University’s Oriental Museum

DH1 3TH | Website

10. Glamping in Cheesedale (I mean, Teesdale)

It’s a little hard to believe that located a mere 35 minute drive from the middle of Durham City is an oasis of solitude, a private space where you can watch the changing colours of the evening sky, and the only sound to be heard is the weight of the world being lifted from your shoulders.

Oh, and the sound of the unwrapping of cheese. There’s also fabulous cheese to be had! Welcome to your glamping shepherd’s hut at Teesdale Cheesemakers. 

Your Self-Contained Piece of Heaven

When you’re glamping at the Teesdale Cheesemakers you’ll be staying in a self-contained Shepherds Hut and whilst that might not immediately conjure up images of a hotel-like stay, we’re very happy to report that nothing could be further from the truth. 

Each Shepherd’s Hut will provide you with your own private space complete with a full size double bed, a proper indoor shower and loo, fridge, coffee and tea facilities, a gas hob, heating, and power sockets. Yes, all the modern conveniences that you’d expect from a hotel room but with your own deck and views like these.

Don’t Miss These Highlights

Take Some Time to Switch Off. Literally and Figuratively 

With no TV installed in your shepherds hut, use this as an opportunity to take full advantage of your outdoor decking and take a seat and enjoy the view.  Why not leave your phones, tablets, and smartwatches inside too? Just you, a glass of wine, and the far-reaching views. 

Switch off and make the most of it. 

Prepare for Deliciousness

Allow time after your glamping stay to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cafe Cheesedale, the onsite cheese-centric cafe and shop where the menu revolves around the cheese made onsite. 

We opted for the full English, the pork products are from the rare breed pigs onsite who are fed from the whey, a by-product of cheesemaking.

Sustainability is key here with products such as bread, butter, pickles and chutneys all sourced locally. 

Turophiles won’t be able to help themselves to order one of the cheese toasties or cheese platters which feature the award-winning Teesdale cheeses.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a peek into the dairy and see where the cheese is made, or say hello to Georgia the pig, or Wallace the resident goat.

Discover the Teesdale Cheesemakers

Roma and I have agreed that it won’t be long until Teesdale changes their name to Cheesedale because it’s home to some of the best cheese we’ve experienced! You should try to book a Dairy Tour and understand why Allison and Jonathan are award-winning cheesemakers and the best at what they do. Spending some time glamping at the Teesdale Cheesemakers is definitely one of many fun things do in Durham for couples.

Teesdale Cheesemakers

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11. Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels, and Gardens

In what can only be described as one of the most surprising places we visited during our stay in Durham, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels, and Gardens was not only full of history dating back centuries but was also a contemporary art and cultural hub full of year-round activities and events. 

Roma and I spent far longer than we expected at Ushaw exploring it’s long and fascinating history, spending time in the current temporary exhibit (which we loved!), roaming the halls, and stumbling across one interesting thing after another. A completely surprising visit and definitely recommended.

A Brief History

To understand the history of Ushaw (pronounced AH-SURE) is to understand the state of England under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and their Protestant rule. It was a time where Catholics were persecuted and many fled the country, including those who would become instrumental in the creation of Ushaw, who fled to a town called Douai in Northern France. 

They lived in Douai comfortably for 300 years until the French Revolution forced them to return to England. It was in the 19th century that the ideal location was found, on top of a hill near Durham Castle and Cathedral, and construction began in 1804. 

The historic Georgian-style house, chapels, and gardens became a new Catholic seminary for training priests. The doors of St Cuthbert College opened in 1808. In 2014, Ushaw College opened its doors to the public and visitors have flocked to explore the historic grounds every year since

Don’t Miss These Highlights

Gaze upon the Stunning St Cuthbert’s Chapel

The largest and most impressive chapel at Ushaw is St Cuthbert’s Chapel, named for the most beloved and important saint of the North-East of England, St Cuthbert, whose body rests behind the High Altar in Durham Cathedral.

With its soaring arches, inspiring stained glass, and its Gothic architecture dominating the interior of St Cuthbert’s Chapel, I have no doubt that you, like us, will stand in silence whilst taking in all the splendour that surrounds you in this chapel. It really is remarkable.

Did You Know: That mass is still celebrated at St Cuthbert’s Chapel? If you’re interested then all are welcome each Friday at 12:30pm. 

Find the Secret Chapels

As mentioned, St Cuthbert’s Chapel is a beautiful place to visit but did you know that Ushaw has a total of 14 chapels? These additional chapels are located close to St Cuthbert’s Chapel due to the fact that there were so many people visiting that additional chapels were required to ensure sufficient space. Take a walk through the “hidden” chapels on your way to visit St Cuthbert’s Chapel. 

Each of the chapels is unique and created for a different reason but they were all quietly comforting and we’d recommend spending some time visiting them all. 

Explore the Temporary Exhibits

When we visited Ushaw, there was a wonderful temporary exhibit running; From Edinburgh to London & Beyond: Railway Posters from the Golden Age of Travel which was a collection of nostalgic railway posters showcasing popular cities across the UK.

This was a fantastic exhibit that Roma and I were really glad that we were able to visit because it took us completely by surprise, a fascinating peek into yesteryear where the concept of travel was still relatively new and exciting for the majority of people and just getting to your destination was half the fun. 

We were also fortunate that on the day that we visited we met Terence Buckle whose father, Claude Buckle, was a prolific painter of railway posters and many of his works were on display in the exhibit. Terence happily shared some insights into his father’s passion for railway posters and provided some context into the reasons behind some of the artistic decisions in the posters. Another bonus was that Terence was just lovely to speak with. 

Did You Know: The volunteers at Ushaw are just fantastic! Ok, so this technically isn’t a proper “Did you know” but the team were just so lovely to all visitors and were so happy to share their insights to ensure that everyone had a great time that I just wanted to give them all a shout out.

Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

DH7 9RH | Website

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a UK short break then we hope you do consider Durham because there’s just so much on offer in the city and the surrounding areas. We had a really fun visit and will definitely be visiting again in future! We hope that this post has shared some helpful and fun things to do in Durham for couples.

If you have any questions or need any help in planning your short break to Durham then please do feel free to reach out to us and we’d be more than happy to help you with planning your perfect weekend break in Durham. 

To start planning your own getaway in Durham, please visit thisisdurham.com/only-in-durham  

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This post is the product of a collaboration between Roaming Required and This is Durham where all experiences were gifted and we retained creative control for the blog and the content. All opinions expressed in the post remain our own.