In episode 117 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast we shine a spotlight on County Durham in the north east of England. Joining us is Michelle Gorman, managing director of Visit County Durham, who guides us through this stunning region, renowned for its rich history and diverse landscapes.
From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, the Auckland Project, and the historic Beamish Museum, to the bicentenary celebrations of the modern railway next year, Michelle offers a treasure trove of insights.
Tune in to discover why County Durham should be next on your travel list and get some valuable tips for your visit.
Let’s dive in and explore all this beautiful county has to offer!
Click the blue button below to listen:
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Episode 117 – Show Notes
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Episode 117: Explore County Durham with Michelle Gorman
05:52 Diverse landscape, heritage, and history appeal visitors.
06:59 Durham City and Bishop Auckland regeneration projects.
13:03 Car hire and train travel for accessibility.
16:06 Planning for 2025, recalling early transportation experiences.
18:28 Husband excited for train museum visit next month.
20:31 Immerse in local life, connect with locals.
Places mentioned in this episode include
- 🏰 Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking architecture and as the shrine of Saint Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede.
- 🏛️ Auckland Project: Located in Bishop Auckland, this regeneration project includes Auckland Castle, a Spanish art gallery, a mining art gallery, and a faith museum.
- 🏭 Beamish Museum: An open-air museum that provides a glimpse into County Durham’s industrial past, including displays related to coal mining.
- 🏯 Raby Castle: One of Britain’s finest medieval castles built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, featuring stunning walled gardens.
- 🏰 Durham Castle: Another part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Durham City, facing the cathedral.
- 🚶♂️ Finkle Abbey: The starting point of the Compostela de Santiago pilgrimage route, also known as the English Way.
- 🖼️ Bose Museum: Located in a traditional English market town, this museum is built in the style of a French chateau and houses a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
- 🌄 North Pennines: A rugged moorland designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its stunning landscapes.
- 🚂 Locomotion: A train museum that is part of the National Railway Museum, housing the biggest collection of engines in Europe.
- 🌊 Heritage Coastline: A beautiful coastal area in County Durham, featuring picturesque landscapes and trails.
Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 117
Photos courtesy of Visit County Durham
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