With budget airlines offering easy access to some amazing destinations, it’s easy to overlook the brilliant visitor attractions right on our own doorstep.
As the school holidays come to an end and most people return to work, now could be the right time to plan a weekend trip somewhere close to home. And where could be closer than Durham City?
The pond in the University's Botanic Garden
You’ll probably already know that Durham is home to the World Heritage Site, Botanic Gardens and the Oriental Museum, but when was the last time you visited?
We’re showcasing some of the special events at the University’s visitor attractions over the coming months, such as the Heritage Open Day on 11 September at Durham Castle.
These events give you just the incentive you need to get out and about and reacquaint yourself with some of the unique attractions the city has to offer.
1 – 30 September – Terrific Trees: a self-led activity to help you spot and identify the terrific trees in the garden.
4 September – Durham Orchid Show at Josephine Butler College: see displays from orchid societies and buy orchids from specialist growers.
1 – 31 October – Signs of Autumn: explore the garden to see what you can discover as autumn begins.
Until 1 September - Women of Castle: artist Bex Harvey’s commission to celebrate the social and cultural history of women at Castle.
Until March 31 - Tunstall and the Tudors: meet Cuthbert Tunstall, bishop, scholar, diplomat, builder, and author of England’s first maths book. Possibly the most important man in Tudor England you’ve never heard of.
11 September - Heritage Open Day: free self-guided tours of Durham Castle giving you time to stroll around at your own pace.
Until 31 December - Museum of Archaeology Gallery: special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology of Durham.
Until October 28 - Picturing the Romans: explore the daily life of Romans through images on decorated Roman pottery.
Visitors at the Oriental Museum
1, 8, 15 and 22 September - Twilight opening until 7pm.
3 September - Introduction to Batik Painting: Creative workshop with artist Suzanne Williams introducing the techniques of painting on raw canvas using hot wax resist and silk paints.
Until 18 September - Tradition and Transformation: exhibition highlighting the work of a group of contemporary miniature painters working in Udaipur, India.
Until 18 September - Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust: an installation by contemporary artist Alan O'Cain.
Palace Green
1, 8, 15 and 22 September - Twilight opening until 7pm.
Open Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays, 11am-3pm.
Although you might need to pay for some of the special events, your Durham University ID badge gets you free entry to University attractions.
Find out more:
Cosin's Library