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Thursday, November 8 - Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Scunthorpe Telegraph
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Travel
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How to do Durham differently!
HISTORIC: The Durham skyline
urham is a small town doing big things this year, for it boasts plenty of attractions both on its doorstep and in the surrounding countryside. I was invited to explore the city for a weekend but in doing so, I had to do Durham differently. Durham is known for its strong student base with its university located in the heart of the Cathedral quarter. But I was eager to find out what lies beneath its architectural beauty. If youre keen to find Durhams hidden beauty, pay a visit to the town hall. Not one of the usual places on any tourists to see list, but believe me it will have you captivated. Also a must-see for trend setters is the Oxfam Boutique, Elvet Bridge, where you can rummage for some designer classic cuts. The stunning architecture and Royal connections inside will make you feel like a part of a film set, exploring the Mayors Chamber, the STEP BACK IN TIME: Beamish gives a taste of yesteryear Picture: Beamish Museum Durham
BY SELINA MAYCOCK
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Guild Hall and Crush Hall. One of my favourite things to view inside was the display of Count Joseph Boruwlaski, who was about 39 inches tall (99cms) you can see his real life-size clothes, statue and personal belongings. We were lucky to have tour guide Jan Williams explain the story behind him and his full-size wife for when they had an argument, she sat him on top of the mantelpiece until he apologised! Heading out for an evening meal before our Sing-a-long Rocky Horror Picture Show screening at the theatre Millennium Place, we stumbled upon a wide choice of eateries all bustling with people and music. We settled for a meal in The Wild Boar as we couldnt easily choose what kind of food wed like so for arguments sake browsed a
menu which had something to suit every taste. We both ordered a barbecue chicken skewer platter, with a bottle of Rose, and coming under 20 it was excellent value and quality. With just a short walk across the square, we were at the theatre in time for the showing, where we joined in with the shows hits and were even given a Rocky Horror-themed goodie bag of props needed. The theatre provided a great setting for socialising and we were left doing the Time Warp again and again. Up bright and early and after a full English breakfast in Filinis restaurant at our hotel it was a 30-minute taxi ride to Beamish. And having arrived for the doors opening, we made the most out of a full day there. The self-contained complex was like a Disneyland of yesteryear. With trams, coaches and steam trains to travel from village to village and not a mobile phone signal in sight, it was time to step back into periods gone by. I slipped back into my childhood at the fairground, riding the carousel and going higher and higher on the swingboats. We ate at Davys Fried Fish Shop where the fish and chips are cooked in real beef dripping they were out of this world and what added to the authentic feel of the era, was the serving ladies and the old-fashioned methods of cooking on an open fire. In the evening we dined at Fabios la Spaghetta in Durham City centre and the atmosphere was electric. A true authentic Italian experience and the food tasted equally as delicious. We got tickets to see The Futureheads perform live inside
Durham Cathedral. This was an exclusive gig in front of 800 fans, for it had been the first time such a band had been granted special permission to play inside the venue. The acoustics of the location were fantastic and one of the support acts The Lake Poets is definitely one to watch out for in the music scene.
Travel contacts
We travelled to Durham by East Coast trains (www.east coast.co.uk). Standard Advance retur ns, booked online, from Scunthorpe to Durham, start from 19.60. Times FOUR-STAR: The and fares also Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham on 08457 225225 or from staffed stations and rail agents. We stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel (visit www.radisson blu.co.uk/hotel-durham). Rooms from 99. It boasts 207 rooms, all of which are 4*, a leisure club and spa with beautiful views of the River Wear, Durham Castle and cathedral. It is also just a five-minute walk to Millennium Place and the city centre. Getting around in Durham when you dont have a SatNav is best via taxi and Macs Taxis provided us with an excellent door-to-door service. Pre-booking is essential but they made us feel like VIPs. Call 0191 384 1329. For details of the attractions visit www.thisisdurham.com, www.tastedurham.com, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk, and www.beamish.org.uk
If youre keen to find Durhams hidden beauty, pay a visit to the town hall. Not one of the usual places on any tourists to see list, but believe me it will have you captivated
Ebonys Champagne Bar was bustling all weekend and we stopped by to dine like a celebrity, ordering a panini and glass of Champagne. The bar serves Champagne, wine and imported beers in a relaxed and classy setting. And if you want to push the boat out or simply schmooze with the rich, then this is the place to be. We took a stroll around Crook Hall Gardens and under the sunshine and blue skies there was plenty to uncover. It is like a secret garden that entwines, and after completing the maze there are many more trails to follow and if you go off-track, fear not for there is always a quirky sculpture to spot. And for the brave, why not browse the haunted Jacobean room which will leave you with a chill down your spine? We had a pick and mix weekend break, sampling the very best of what Durham has to offer.
