Les meilleurs hôtels à Durham

The northeastern County of Durham is known as the "Land of the Prince Bishops." Monks set up shop there in 995 AD (making this the "birthplace of Christianity in England"), and subsequent bishops developed an autonomous religious authority in the region. That lasted from shortly after the 11th century Norman Conquest until 1836, when people got wise to their luxurious ways. Evidence of the Bishops' bounty is plain to see in the form of the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Castle that sits high on a peninsula hill, a loop in the River Wear for its moat. The 12th century wonder has been designated a World Heritage Site (others include the Taj Mahal and Pyramids), and is now under the care of the University of Durham -- England's oldest after Oxford and Cambridge. Modern day Durham City has the feel of a hopping market town, with 38,000 residents. Sports are a local passion. England's cross-country championships were recently held there, the annual rowing Regatta is one of the world's oldest, while cricket and football also attract lots of participants and spectators. Lovely scenery awaits in Durham County's outlying areas. That includes limestone cliffs around North Sea coast towns such as Seaham and Peterlee, while the Durham Dales comprise much of the western realm. Walkers and anglers will find the likes of Teesdale and Weardale great places from which to set out for a little outdoor adventure.