Planning a 3 week trip to the UK in June and have a few discretionary days available between extended stays in the Lake District and the Cotswolds - mainly to break up the drive but also to see a little more of the country along the way. Can't really decide whether to stay a couple of nights (ie one full day) in Durham or in York as we proceed further south. Both look great per the RS videos we've seen - just haven't been able to pick one over the other.
Our travel style is lots of relaxed meandering thru pretty towns and villages - particularly those containing sites of historical interest. That said, is it better to head straight to York (from Ambleside) for the couple of nights, maybe with a half day stopover in Durham along the way, or just devote the 2 nights to Durham?
For info, the scheduled stop after this one will probably be a couple of nights in Cambridge enroute to Blockley in the Cotswolds.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1359 posts
Even though it's only across the vale of Eden the north Pennines are distinctly different landscape to the Lakes
Sadly the much famed Hartside Cross cafe burnt down last year ( RIP) ,but the view from up there must be the most far ranging in England.
Alston is quirky.
The museum and tour at Killhope are worth a call.
Killhope is in upper Weardale so you could follow it down to Durham.
That said ,nipping over the tops to Forrest in Teesdale means you could visit High Force and Low Force.
Excellent food at Forrester's in Middleton in Teesdale.
Never made it there yet but I believe Englands oldest theatre is in Richmond which has an outstanding square above the Swale.
The upper Swale is one of the most beautiful valleys in england
As the saying goes.
You can tell a , Yorkshireman, but you can't tell him much.
So I would head to York ,June days are long ,be light till near 10pm
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4628 posts
York has more to see but Durham is more restful. We stayed at a hotel in Durham recommended in RS book-I think it was a Marriott-and could do the lovely walk along the river.
Posted by
8331 posts
We visited both cities in 2017 and enjoyed them both.
Both cathedrals are amazing. However, I give the edge to York with its ancient walls and National Railway Museum.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
There’s far more to see in York.
Posted by
Singapore
591 posts
I love them both, but have spent more time in Durham than York as our son's at university there You would have a great two days there.
Both are cities, but York feels like one, while Durham has a country town feel.
I like Durham for the relaxed vibe and the easy access to some nice riverside walks. If you do end up going, make sure you visit Beamish, the 'living museum of the north'. Durham also has a nice Saturday market, and then there's also the cathedral and University College/Castle.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Durham, with a cathedral and good university, is a half-hour south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. That northern city wraps around the mighty river flowing through its heart (the Tyne, which Newcastle is "upon".) The old smokestack industries have been replaced by forward-looking commerce and Newcastle is certainly worth a half-day's stroll if not an overnight stay.
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
At the top of Swale Dale is Ravenscat Farm. There is a TV series in UK, Our Yorkshire Farm, about a couple bringing up their 9 children in a very remote location.
Nearby is Tan Hill pub said to be the highest in England which made new nationally earlier this winter as their customers were snowed in for a few days
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
Just spotted you are stopping in Blockley
The British TV series Father Brown was mostly filmed there
Just over a mile outside the village is Northwick Park. In WW2 it was an American Field Hospital and after the war it came a camp for displaced Polish persons. A friend of mines mother ended up there via the Middle East and Africa
It is now a business park but the camp huts remain much as they were and there a grotto monument. You can have drive round through the camp on a one way system
Posted by
56 posts
I have only been to York so can’t compare, but spent a delightful long weekend in York a few years ago. Plenty to see, nice restaurants and perhaps the best railway museum in the world. All very walkable. And the Minster will not disappoint.