FROM riverside walks and a fairy tale castle to ghost walks and award-winning beers, Durham is the perfect destination dupe for Oxford.
Travel guide creator Peter Naldrett – who has visited all the UK’s 76 cities – has dubbed the small city the “Oxbridge of the North.”
The Sheffield-based travel writer, whose latest book is called Bright Lights, Big Cities, told Sun Online Travel that fans of the famous university town should add the northeastern counterpart to their list.
He said: “Both Oxford and Durham doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films thanks to similar architectural styles in the two cities.”
Durham largely escapes the hordes of holidaymakers, making weekend breaks less hectic.
Located just south of Newcastle, Durham’s collection of historic buildings gives it “more than a little Hogwarts-style charm”.
Peter said: “The cobblestone streets and lush greens in front of the centuries-old buildings make Durham one of the prettiest cities in the north of England.
“And while Oxford is on the foreign tourist loop, Durham escapes the large sightseeing tours relatively unscathed.
“But it has similar-looking buildings to the famous university town, with both the cathedral and the castle reminiscent of Hogwarts.”
Durham Cathedral was used as a filming location for blockbusters like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Avengers: Endgame (doubling as Thor’s home planet of Asgard).
Film fans who want to step into their favourite movies should make a beeline for the cloisters (covered walkway), which were used to film shots of the golden trio walking between lessons.
Other filming locations in Durham Cathedral include the Chapter House, which was used as the backdrop for Professor McGonagall’s classroom in the first two films.
Meanwhile, Marvel fans can head to the Nave to imagine themselves in Asgard.
Away from the film franchises, there are plenty of other attractions to keep visitors entertained in the cathedral like Durham Cathedral Museum and a huge replica of the cathedral built out of LEGO.
There’s also the 66m-tall Cathedral Tower where visitors will need to climb 325 steps up a narrow, winding, staircase to be blown away by breathtaking views of the city.
Entry into Durham Cathedral is free – although tickets are required for guided tours and the tower climb.
Durham Castle lies next to Durham Cathedral and is “pure Hogwarts”.
It is used as accommodation for university students though, which means that access to parts of the 900-year-old castle are restricted.
Combined with the cathedral, Durham Castle is a World Heritage Site and well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of Harry Potter.
Built under the orders of William the Conqueror in 1072 to protect English borders, the castle now welcomes around 700,000 visitors each year.
Entry into the castle costs £5 for a full-paying adult with guided tours also in operation.
Visitors can explore Durham via the River Wear on an hour-long River Cruise costing £10 for a full-paying adult.
Onboard the Prince Bishop River Cruiser passengers will be able to see historic Durham City, Cathedral, Castle from a different perspective.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to recreate the punting experience along the River Cherwell, holidaymakers can hire traditional hand built rowing boats from Browns Rowing Boats, to journey down the Durham’s River Wear at their own pace.
Peter added: “The River Wear is a great place to take in the city’s sights.”
Brave visitors who want to explore the city on foot at night can book onto a ghost walk, with free walks taking place on the first Sunday of every month.
Durham Ghost Walks run a range of tours from outdoor paranormal investigations to an over 18s pubs and prisons walk, there’s something for every the most timid ghost hunter.
One stop on the pubs and prisons walk is the Dun Cow.
Said to be Durham’s oldest pub, the Dun Cow used to be a dungeon and was once one of the worst cells in England and is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Ann Cotton, a 17th serial killer.
If you don’t fancy a fright with your pint, then go on a tour of Durham Brewery.
Home to award-winning beers, 90-minute tours cost £15 and include a tasting of three beers.
To get to Durham, direct trains operate from London Kings Cross, with journeys taking just under three hours.
WEEKENDS away in Durham are cheaper compared to city breaks in Oxford.
Accommodation Prices
Stays in Durham start from as little as £25. Brits can also book to stay in a four star hotel in the city centre from as little as £67.50 per night.
Meanwhile, budget breaks in Oxford start from £34 per person per night. Four star stays are a lot pricier too, with rooms from £100 per person per night.
Activities and Attractions
Entry into Durham Castle costs £5 and entry into Durham Cathedral is also free. Riverside Walks and Ghost Walks are also free.
Oxford’s Museums are free to visit – although visitors will need to pay to visit Harry Potter filming locations in the University city. For example, entry tickets to New College Cloisters cost £8, Christ Church costs £6 and Bodleian Library tickets start from £10.
Last week, Peter explained why Brits should visit Salford – tiny cultural powerhouse on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for a September break.
