Durham United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 11/10/2024

Where is Durham?

Durham Cathedral skyline
A stunning view of Durham Cathedral towering above the treeline under a golden sky.

Nestled neatly in the northeast of England, Durham is a captivating cocktail of culture, tradition, heritage, and natural beauty. This city isn't shy about revealing its charm, lying patiently near the looping River Wear, just waiting to dazzle every discerning traveller with its historic allure and breath-taking views.

Population in Durham

Durham may be petite, but my oh my, does it pack a punch. While it's home to a cosy population of about 50,000 people (imagine ten times the population of a panda colony!), its residents form a vibrant community steeped in tradition and diversity, thanks to the international body of students from the world-renowned Durham University.

What is Durham Known For

Things that makes Durham distinguished? Oh, where to begin? First and foremost, it’s renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, both standing tall and proud since the Norman conquests – they sure built things to last back then!

Durham's fame doesn't stop there. Such a small city and yet it boasts a world-class university, rivalling the likes of Oxford and Cambridge. Visit Durham University's serene Botanical Garden, or on a misty autumn evening, stroll in the shadow of the ancient university buildings, feeling the whispers of past academic achievements wafting through the air.

Then there's the Durham Miners' Gala, an age-old, hearty celebration of the city's mining heritage. Every July, the sounds of brass bands ring out, banners flutter and proud parades march through the streets – a tip-top tradition that's as integral to Durham as the city's Norman architecture.

Weather in Durham

Durham's weather likes to keep us on our toes. From the delicate snowflakes of winter, transforming the city into a serene snowy postcard scene, to the gentle drizzles of spring adding a fresh sheen to Durham's verdant surroundings; from the warm, sunny summers that invite endless picnics by River Wear, to the vibrant riot of colours painting the city in autumn - you're in for an atmospheric treat all year round. Just remember, an umbrella and a sunny smile should ideally be your constant companions here.

In short, Durham combines natural beauty with a hodgepodge of historical charm. It's a cornucopia of culture and heritage that never ceases to engage and enchant the traveler in us. With its quaint allure, it promises timeless stories around every brick-laden corner. Durham, ladies, and gentlemen, is truly a city deserving a place on every bucket list.

Read more on Wikipedia.

Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

Follow on Twitter