Durham voted best city in the UK

4th September 2007

 The city of Durham is experiencing the limelight like never before - within the last 48 hours the small medieval city in North East England has received two top accolades suggesting it is now one of the most desirable places to live and visit in the UK.

Earlier this week, Durham was voted 'best city in the UK' (ahead of Edinburgh and London) by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine. On the same day, figures released by the Royal Bank of Scotland revealed it is now one of the 'top 20 most desirable places to settle in Britain.'

"These two awards are fantastic achievements for Durham - those who know the city have for a long time been aware of its charms, and it's wonderful to see wider recognition. Durham has been for too long a 'best kept secret', now it's time for it to come out of the shadows" said Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership.

Durham's mediaeval cobbled streets, verdant riverbanks, charming courtyards and ancient spires make it an undisputed gem of the North. The dual majesty of Norman Cathedral and castle rising above the River Wear have been recognised as one of the great architectural experiences of Europe, and have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

But while the medieval heritage lives on in its winding streets and alleyways, the Durham of today has embraced modern times with verve, tumbling with designer boutiques, upmarket perfumeries, cosmopolitan restaurants and exotic delis, and its famous market is an explosion of colourful local produce and craftwork. What's more, within the next 12 months two new luxury hotels including a large Radisson SAS hotel on the river and Grafton House boutique hotel opposite Durham Cathedral are planned to cater for the city's newly increasing visitor market.

The city is bordered by spectacular countryside, including the breathtaking North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and European Geopark.

Martin Boulton, tourism officer for Durham city, added: "No small amount of credit should go to our tourism services, the tourist information centre and our environment teams because we were singled out for user-friendliness, value of money, cleanliness, and range and quality of leisure opportunities, cultural attractions and shops."

The city, home to one of the country's top 10 universities, was also cited as one of the best places to experience 'affordable affluence' or 'the good life' at a relatively affordable price.

The accolades aren't only restricted to the worlds of business and journalism; Durham University Chancellor and internationally-renowned author, Bill Bryson OBE recently said: "Durham is the most wonderful city. It can be both awe-inspiring and delightfully intimate at the same time. Whether I'm walking in the Botanic Garden or finding a moment of tranquillity in the magnificent Cathedral or on Palace Green, it's a place that impresses me more and more with each visit.

"I have often said that there must be something in the water here since the people of Durham are so happy and content."

This Saturday (8th September), Bill Bryson will launch the UK's first Peace and Tranquillity Week from the Durham riverbanks. Running from 8th-15th September, the week will highlight the counties of Durham and Northumberland in North East England as the nation's leading destination for peace and relaxation. A host of unique events will run throughout the week, at castles, heritage sites, museums and beauty spots across Durham and Northumberland. Included will be Tai Chi in the University Botanic Gardens, a service of the 'Compline' at Durham Cathedral, slow food in Teesdale, harp music in Bowes Museum, and even foot massages at Alnwick Garden.

For more information visit www.peaceandtranquillity.net
ENDS

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