If you have 7 days to spend in Durham, here are some suggestions:
Day 1: Start by visiting Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent cathedral is a must-see attraction and can take up to 2 hours to explore.
Day 2: Take a stroll along the River Wear and visit Durham Castle, which is just a short walk from the cathedral. You can take a guided tour of the castle, which can take up to 2 hours.
Day 3: Explore the historic city centre, including the Market Place, the cobbled streets of the Peninsula and the old Town Hall. This can take up to a full day, as there are many shops, restaurant and cafes to visit.
Day 4: Visit The Bowes Museum in nearby Barnard Castle, which is a beautiful French-inspired museum that houses an impressive collection of art and antiques. It can take up to 4 hours to explore fully.
Day 5: Discover the outdoors at High Force Waterfall, around an hour drive from Durham City Centre. The walk to the waterfall takes around 45 minutes each way.
Day 6: Spend the day exploring Beamish, the Living Museum of the North which is an interactive experience of life in the North East partly set in 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. You can easily spend a full day here.
Day 7: Relax in one of the city's green spaces or visit Crook Hall and Gardens, which is a beautiful Grade I listed medieval hall and gardens. It shouldn't take up more than half a day.
For places to stay, there are many options including bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels. Some suggestions include Hotel Indigo Durham, Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County or The Kingslodge Inn.