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Food and Drink Discounts with a Blue Light Card in Durham

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:45:46 GMT

Cheaper food and drink in central Durham for frontline workers

If you’re a holder of a Blue Light Card and are visiting Durham, you’re in luck! Here’s a round-up of some of the places where you can use your card for food and drink right in the centre of the city:

Starbucks on North Road offers 10% off your total bill just show your physical card or card in the Blue Light Card app
The Market Tavern right in the centre of town is a Greene King pub and gives discount off food – check the Blue Light Card app for a QR code. The saving is often 15% or more
Zizzi on Saddler Street , enjoy savings, often 20% or more also using a QR code
Pizza Express also on Saddler Street has offers to eat in and take away via a via a QR code
Ask Italian in Walkergate also offers discount – usually 20% Sunday to Friday via a QR code
Turtle Bay in the Riverwalk offers 20% via a QR code on the Blue Light Card app
Domino’s pizza delivers from its outlet just under the railway viaduct, offers up to 50% off with a discount code from the app (minimum spend applies)
The Half Moon Inn on New Elvet gives 10% off food all day, just show your card

And I couldn't be left out - I offer 10% discount off all of my tours . All you need to do is enter the code BLUELIGHT when you buy one of my tours.

Note: I'm not affiliated with Blue Light Card or any of the restaurants listed and maintain this list to help people visiting Durham but errors may creep in - please do check before you order that they accept the Blue Light Card.

Is Durham Dog-Friendly? Yes it is!

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:53:00 GMT

Dog-Friendly Durham: Best Places to Stay, Walk, Eat, and Find Pet Care in the City

At North East Spirit HQ, we take dog-friendliness seriously. After all, two of our most important staff members are Geordie, our wise and wiry 13-year-old terrier, and Rosie, our elegant and affectionate 8-year-old lurcher. Now that Durham Cathedral has gone Dog Friendly here are some tips

If you are new here, I'm Peter and I run guided tours in Durham and the North East...all of which are of course dog friendly. Check out our tours page for more details

Where can I stay with my dog in Durham?

Durham has a great selection of dog-friendly accommodation. Here are some top picks, all of which are walkable to the main sites in the City.

The Kingslodge Inn – Near Flass Vale Nature Reserve and a short walk from the railway station, has dog-friendly rooms and restaurant and even a dog menu.
The Delta County Hotel Right on the river in centre of Durham, so historic I even talk about it in my Durham walking tour
Victoria Inn – Central cosy inn with excellent beer, and small dogs stay free.
Farnley Tower Guesthouse – Dogs can stay for a small charge, nice outdoor bar area with excellent Indian food.

These were dog friendly when I published this article but do always check with the property in advance about their pet policy and any extra charges - I also recommend if you don't choose one of the above checking Tripadvisor for any hotel with the words 'dog friendly' in the title and reading the reviews. Ramside Hall for example says its dog friendly but has had some very unflattering reviews from dog owners who have stayed there!

Where can I drink and eat with my dog in Durham?

Here are a few spots in the centre of town where your pup will be welcomed with open arms (and sometimes a biscuit):

Flat White Café Popular brunch spot with dog-friendly seating on Old Elvet.
The Dun Cow Another one that is on my Durham Tour route, this is a traditional pub that's as friendly to dogs and people !
The Head of Steam Relaxed pub atmosphere with good value food and indoor and outdoor seating
Vennels Café Tucked away in a historic alley, perfect for a quiet coffee with your companion

This is just a short selection - many of the pubs in Durham welcome dogs and an increasing number of Cafe's and restaurants are also

becoming dog friendly.

Where are the best places to go with my dog?

As mentioned before, Durham Cathedral is now dog friendly, but where else in the North East can you go that's going to welcome your dog? How about:

Beamish Museum This open-air museum is a fantastic day out for humans and dogs alike. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the grounds, and there’s plenty of space to explore
Seaham Harbour & the Durham Coast Just a short drive from Durham, Seaham offers stunning coastal walks, dog-friendly beaches, and even a café and chip shop or two that welcome furry visitors
Hardwick Park Located near Sedgefield, this beautifully landscaped park has lakeside paths, woodland trails, and open fields—perfect for a relaxed walk
Wharton Park Right in Durham city, this elevated park offers the BEST view of the Cathedral well-maintained paths, and a dog-friendly café. It’s a great spot for a short stroll or a picnic and is a real hidden gem - lots of locals don't even know it

Where can I get my dog looked after for the day?

Most dog friendly hotels will expect you to take your dog with you, so if you want to visit a venue that's not dog friendly what do you do? We may be able to help! We can look after your dog during the day or overnight - see our current availability on Rover.com . You will get £15 off your first booking if you are new to Rover.com with that link - whether that booking is with me or someone else.

Beyond Durham: Planning a Weekend in the North East of England

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:05:26 GMT

Beyond Durham Cathedral: Unmissable North East Experiences easy to reach from Durham city

If you're staying in Durham City for the weekend, you've already made a brilliant choice. With its stunning cathedral, medieval streets, and riverside walks, Durham is packed with charm and history. But once you’ve explored the city centre—perhaps even joined me for a North East Spirit walking tour —you might be wondering: what else is there to do nearby?

Here’s my personal guide to making the most of your weekend in the North East of England, with easy day trips and experiences that are just a short journey from Durham.

Step Back in Time at Beamish Museum

Travel time from Durham : ~25 minutes by car or 55 minutes by bus
Public transport tip : You get 25% off the entry fee for Beamis h if you travel by bus. Check out Go Northeast for details and bus timetables.

Beamish is one of the UK’s most immersive open-air museums and was awarded Museum of the Year in 2025 . It brings the region’s history to life with costumed guides, vintage trams, and reconstructed buildings from the 1820s to the 1950s. You’ll explore a 1900s town, visit a coal mine, and enjoy traditional fish and chips cooked in beef dripping. It’s a fantastic way to understand the industrial and social heritage of the North East.

Discover Newcastle’s Museums and Art Galleries

Travel time from Durham : Around 20 minutes by train from Durham Railway station, 1 hour by bus from Durham Bus Station
Public transport tip : Direct train to Newcastle Central Station—most museums are within walking distance.

Newcastle is home to some of the North East’s best galleries and museums. You could easily spend a whole day or more there:

Laing Art Gallery – British oil paintings, watercolours, and contemporary art
Great North Museum: Hancock – Natural history, ancient civilisations, and a planetarium
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art – Cutting-edge exhibitions in a striking riverside building
Side Gallery – Documentary photography with a focus on social issues

Take a Stadium Tour at St James’ Park

Travel time from Durham: Around 20 minutes by train from Durham Railway station, 1 hour by bus from Durham Bus Station
Public transport tip : Take the direct train to Newcastle Central Station, then a short walk to the stadium. Although there is a St. James' Park metro station...that will probably take you longer than walking.

Football fans won’t want to miss a visit to St James’ Park , home of Newcastle United . With the team’s recent success, match tickets are hard to come by—but the stadium tour is a brilliant alternative with lots of availability throughout the year. You’ll go behind the scenes, see the dressing room and walk through the players’ tunnel, and stand pitch-side in one of England’s most iconic football grounds.

Prefer red and white? Sunderland AFC also offers stadium tours at the Stadium of Light, Both clubs are steeped in passion and history.

When you are in Newcastle, explore Ouseburn – Newcastle’s Creative Quarter

Public transport tip : From Newcastle Station, take the Metro to Byker.

Ouseburn is Newcastle’s cultural heart. Once an industrial hub, it’s now a thriving area full of independent galleries, craft breweries, live music venues, and street art. Grab a coffee at Kiln or The Cluny, stroll along the Ouseburn Valley, and soak up the artistic energy. It’s a great contrast to Durham’s historic calm.

Seaside Escape to Whitley Bay

Travel time from Durham : ~1 hour 15 minutes by train and Metro
Public transport tip : Train to Newcastle, then Metro to Whitley Bay station

Fancy some sea air? Head to Whitley Bay on the North Tyneside coast. It offers a beautiful promenade, the iconic Spanish City , and stunning views of St Mary’s Lighthouse . Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, fish and chips, or just a change of scenery, Whitley Bay is a perfect Sunday morning destination.

Catch a Match at Durham County Cricket Club

Travel time from Durham : ~15 minutes by train or car, 30 mins by bus
Public transport tip : Train to Chester-le-Street, then walk to the Riverside Ground or bus from Durham Bus Station which is longer but the walk to the ground is shorter.

If you’re visiting in summer, spend an afternoon at Durham County Cricket Club , based at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. It’s one of the most picturesque cricket venues in England, with views of Lumley Castle and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s a County Championship fixture or a T20 match, it’s a great way to enjoy the North East’s sporting spirit.

Need Help Planning Your Weekend?

For my Durham tours I always include what's on at the moment in and around Durham, updated daily. Whether you want to dive deeper into local history, explore hidden gems, or simply enjoy a guided stroll with stories and humour, I’d love to help you make your weekend unforgettable.

Let’s explore the North East together.

Discover Durham: The Perfect Day Trip from York

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:36:05 GMT

Looking for a fun and historic day trip from York?

Just under 90 minutes by train, Durham offers a stunning blend of history, charm, and character – and with North East Spirit Tours, you’ll experience it like a local.

Why Durham?

Durham is a city that wears its history proudly. From the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral and Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to its winding medieval streets and riverside walks, it’s a place that invites exploration. Whether you're drawn to architecture, stories of saints and scholars, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of a truly special city, Durham delivers.

What Makes North East Spirit Tours Different?

Led by local guide Peter Kirk, North East Spirit Tours offers bespoke walking tours that go beyond the guidebook. You’ll uncover hidden gems, hear fascinating tales, and get a real feel for the spirit of the North East. Tours are small, personal, and tailored to your interests – perfect for curious travellers who want more than just a photo op.

Getting Here from York

By Train: Direct trains from York to Durham take around 1 hour 20 minutes, making it an easy and scenic journey.

By Car: The drive takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes via the A1(M), with parking available in Durham city centre.

Make a Day of It

Combine your tour with lunch at one of Durham’s independent cafés, a riverside stroll, or a visit to the Botanic Garden or Oriental Museum. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, Durham offers a rich and relaxed day out.

Ready to explore Durham with a local guide?

Book your tour now and discover the stories that make this city unforgettable.

Discover Durham: The Perfect Day Trip from Northumberland or Newcastle

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:58:47 GMT

Looking for the perfect day trip while staying in Northumberland or Newcastle?

Just a short journey away lies one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities— Durham . Whether you're craving cobbled streets, riverside walks, or a taste of medieval magic, Durham is a must-visit destination that’s easy to reach and hard to forget.

Why Choose Durham for a Day Trip?

Durham is a compact, walkable city packed with charm, culture, and character. It’s ideal for a relaxed day out, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family.

Here’s why it’s worth the short hop:

Only 15 minutes by train from Newcastle
Under an hour’s drive from most of Northumberland
Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Full of independent cafés, riverside pubs, and quirky shops
Surrounded by countryside and nature trails

Top Things to Do in Durham on a Day Trip

1. Marvel at Durham Cathedral and Castle

Step into history at Durham Cathedral , one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Climb the tower for panoramic views or explore the cloisters made famous by Harry Potter. Right next door, Durham Castle offers guided tours through centuries of royal and academic history.

2. Stroll the Riverside Walk

Take a peaceful walk along the River Wear , looping around the city’s peninsula. It’s a scenic, flat route with views of the cathedral, rowing boats, and plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or coffee.

3. Explore Hidden Gems

Crook Hall Gardens – a romantic escape with medieval charm.
The Mining Art Gallery – a moving tribute to the region’s industrial past.
The Tin of Sardines – possibly the UK’s smallest gin bar!

4. Indulge in Local Food & Drink

From hearty tray bakes at Be Tempted to artisan coffee at Cafédral , Durham is a foodie’s delight. For something stronger, try a pint at Durham Brewery or cocktails at The Rabbit Hole , a 1920s-style speakeasy.

Easy Travel from Newcastle or Northumberland

From Newcastle : Trains run every 15 minutes and take just 14 minutes. Or drive via the A1(M) in around 30 minutes.
From Northumberland : Durham is easily accessible via the A1 or A697, with scenic routes through the countryside.

Make It a Day to Remember

Whether you're into history, nature, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Durham offers a rich and rewarding day out. It’s the kind of place where you can do a lot—or nothing at all—and still leave feeling inspired.

Ready to plan your day trip to Durham? Pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and let this magical city surprise you.

�� Looking for guided tours or local experiences in Durham? Get in touch with us to find out more.

Top 5 Hidden Gems Within Walking Distance of Durham Cathedral

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:40:33 GMT

Durham Cathedral is the crown jewel of the city, but if you’re willing to explore a little further on foot, there are some brilliant hidden spots that many visitors miss. As someone who’s spends his time guiding people around this historic city, I always enjoy pointing out the lesser-known places that make Durham so special. Here are five of my favourite hidden gems, all within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.

1. Wharton Park

Just a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, Wharton Park is a peaceful green space with sweeping views over the city. Originally developed in the 1850s by William Lloyd Wharton, the park has been beautifully restored and now includes landscaped gardens, a viewing platform, a café and a small heritage centre. It’s a great place to relax, take in the skyline or enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds.

2. The Oriental Museum

Tucked away on Elvet Hill, the Oriental Museum is one of Durham’s best-kept secrets. It’s the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The collections are fascinating and surprisingly extensive, covering everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to Chinese ceramics. It’s a peaceful, thought-provoking space and well worth the short uphill walk.

3. Crook Hall Gardens

Just across the river from the Cathedral, Crook Hall is a medieval manor house surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. While the house itself is currently undergoing restoration, the gardens remain open and are a delight to explore. Each section has its own character, from the Shakespeare Garden to the Secret Walled Garden. It’s a tranquil spot that feels a world away from the city centre, even though it’s only a few minutes’ walk.

4. St Mary the Less Churchyard

This quiet, often-overlooked churchyard sits just off South Bailey and is one of Durham’s most atmospheric corners. The church is usually closed, but the surrounding graveyard is open and full of character. It’s a peaceful, slightly eerie place that tells its own story of Durham’s long religious history. Look out for the ancient yew trees and the weathered headstones that have stood here for centuries.

5. Observatory Hill

If you’re up for a bit of a climb, Observatory Hill offers one of the best views in Durham. It’s a favourite with locals, especially at sunset. From the top, you can see the Cathedral, Castle and much of the city laid out below. It’s a brilliant place to pause, catch your breath and take in the full scale of Durham’s historic centre.

Final Thoughts

Durham is full of hidden corners and quiet treasures. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, take the time to wander beyond the obvious. You’ll be rewarded with views, stories and experiences that most visitors never discover.

If you’d like a guided walk that includes these hidden gems (and a few more), I’d be happy to show you around on one of our Guided Tours