City Charm

If you're more of an urbanite, then the hidden gems of the majestic city of Durham will be right up your street. The Oriental Museum at the University is the only one of its kind in the UK, devoted to art and archaeology from the orient. Among its collection is a magnificent huali bed with ivory panels dating back to the first half of the 19th century and a fine collection of Egyptology, the core of which was pulled together by the Fourth Duke of Northumberland.

After your museum tour, sit back and admire the City sights from the Wear with a river cruise or stroll around the Victorianindoor market and fesat on fine food at one of the many restaurants and eateries. And a meander through the quirky 'Vennels' of the city, will be rewarded with intriguing oldy worldy architecture and cobbled streets, complete with year round productions staged at the Assembly Rooms Theatre tucked away behind the cathedral.

Glorious Gardens

As spring bulbs poke their heads through once-frosty ground, our thoughts turn to getting out in the garden once again. Look no further for inspiration than Durham's glorious gardens.

For the rare and exotic, you can tour the globe at Durham's Botanic Gardens or wonder at sub-tropical fruits growing in Raby Castle's 18th century gardens.

Originally created to supply the floristry needs of Eggleston Hall, the finishing school which recently starred in the TV series Ladette to Lady, the gardens at the Hall offer a veritable Pandora's box of surprises, from the traditional florist's favourites to the mountain species which the garden's high terrain suit well.

For something a little more traditional try the medieval Crook Hall & Gardens, offering fine views over the City and described by many as a classically English garden. Ancient fruit trees wreathed in old fashioned scented roses, The Shakespeare Garden devoted to plants of its time and the newly established Cathedral Garden which takes its inspiration from the stained glass windows of its name sake.