Durham

The city of Durham is located just south of Newcastle upon Tyne in northeastern England and is marked by several Norman and medieval structures around which winds the River Wear. Visitors flock to sites like the Durham Cathedral with its Romanesque architecture, and Durham Castle from the Norman era. Crook Hall dates to the 13th century and offers a maze and gardens to explore. Another notable local botanic garden can be found at Durham University and features lots of tropical plants and wooded paths.

The university is also known for its Oriental Museum, which has artefacts from Egypt, the Middle East and Southeast Asia dating back thousands of years. The ruins of the medieval Finchale Priory offer a mysterious and romantic landscape to explore. While you’re looking into historic locales, the Museum of Archaeology at the university features thousands of architecture-related antiquities. If you’re on a family holiday, Wharton Park offers miniature cars, playgrounds and a cafe. Adventure Valley is a kid-friendly adventure park with rides and animal experiences.