Pointers’ Perspectives
Pointers’ Perspectives is where our volunteers share their own stories, tips and discoveries from exploring Durham and the surrounding area. Each piece is written from personal experience - whether that’s a favourite local walk, a memorable family outing, a hidden corner of the city, or a practical tip picked up along the way. These reflections capture the unique character of Durham as seen through the eyes of people who live here, blending friendly insight with useful recommendations to inspire your own adventures.
A Short Riverside Walk in Durham
We enjoyed a gentle riverside walk in Durham along the River Wear, passing the Fulling Mill, Prebend’s Bridge, Kingsgate Bridge and Browns Boats. It’s common to see kingfishers, otters and salmon leaping at this time of year, but we weren’t lucky this time. We did see lots of university boat crews practicing though.
A Day Out at Lambton Estate, Chester-le-Street
Discover Lambton Estate near Chester-le-Street, a newly opened countryside walk just a few miles from Durham. Explore woodland trails, riverside paths and castle views at this unspoilt historic estate. Perfect for a Sunday outing with a picnic, though facilities are limited and paths aren’t pushchair-friendly.
A Family Day Out at Ormesby Hall near Middlesbrough
Ormesby Hall is a National Trust property and turned out to be an excellent day out, even with the rain pouring down. For families looking for things to do with toddlers near Middlesbrough or Darlington, it really ticks a lot of boxes.