We think Durham is almost the perfect getaway. The city itself is small, so it is straightforward to get around. But it is also big enough to keep you more than entertained for a few days. It is a city with a long and fascinating history, and is one of those places that has surprises around every corner. Here is Quingo Scooter’s guide to some of the most accessible sights in the wonderful city of Durham.
Soak up the atmosphere of the historic cathedral
Durham’s wonderful cathedral dominates the city and you will have no problems finding it! It is up a steep hill, but this World Heritage Site is well worth the effort. If navigating the hill is an issue, then Durham’s Shopmobility service also offers a minibus service. Just give the team a call on 0191 386 8556 before you go.
The cathedral was first founded in 995, but the building we see today has been around since 1093. It is a beautiful place, and is generally accessible, although of course because of its great age there are some areas that aren’t. There are a limited number of disabled spaces outside the cathedral itself, but they can’t be reserved unfortunately. The cathedral team suggest that you find the duty porter when you arrive who will then be able to help you out with anything you need during your visit.
Step back in time in Durham Museum
Durham Museum is an excellent way to find out more about this historic city. It traces Durham’s fascinating story all the way back to its medieval roots, and even has a scale model of the town as it was in the Middle Ages. The museum is housed in a Grade I listed building from the 1600s, and is packed with great exhibits: in particular we loved the great model of the market place in the 1800s and the exhibitions on daily life in Victorian Durham. The ground floor is completely accessible to all and if you need to park nearby there may be a space on Palace Green (see below).
Browse the Palace Green Library
While you’re in the centre of Durham, we also recommend you take a good look around the Palace Green Library. It’s run by the university and is home to all kinds of treasures, but is also a beautiful building in its own right. The team there have done a great job of adapting it for those of us with limited mobility, including ramped entrances and lifts. As is the case with the Museum, Blue Badge holders can park on Palace Green, but you will need to call the Palace Green Security Office first on 0191 334 1229 to make sure there’s space.
Explore Crook Hall and Gardens
This stunning stately home, not far from the city centre, is a wonderful place to explore. There are a number of themed gardens including the Secret Walled Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, the Cathedral Garden and The Silver and White Garden, but if the weather is too cold to be outside then the 13th century hall itself is fascinating too. The house is also home to a couple of great little cafés, and we thoroughly recommend their tasty Afternoon Tea. It’s an indulgent experience, made all the better by the historic surroundings. The house is generally accessible, but we’d recommend giving the team a call on 0191 384 8028 to discuss your needs.
Finally, a great resource and a useful place to begin your visit to Durham is to contact the This Is Durham team on 03000 26 26 26 or email them at [email protected]
Eating out
As a student town, you are spoiled for choice for affordable places to eat. The Undercroft restaurant (accessible via a lift below the cathedral) is a peaceful and atmospheric place to get a bite to eat and a great place to refuel after a visit to the historic cathedral. For something a bit more high end, we’d recommend the fantastic Amaani. It’s a little way out of town, but the food is delicious, it’s fully accessible and is well worth the short journey to get there.
Getting to Durham
If you’re coming to Durham by car, it is only a couple of miles from the A1(M): just leave at Junction 62. It is also well connected by rail to the rest of the country, including regular trains from London Kings Cross. If you are planning to fly in, there is a shuttle service from Newcastle Airport and you are only 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley too.
About Quingo Scooters
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
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All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.