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.
Beaurepaire — a hidden medieval retreat
Discover Beaurepaire, the remains of a medieval priory retreat near Durham City. Close to the village of Bearpark, Beaurepaire is thought to be the origin of the village’s name. We enjoyed a gentle walk, explored the historic ruins, and devoured coffee and cake at the Truly Scrumptious café. Perfect for a short local outing.
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.
Dolphin Spotting at Roker Pier - A Day Trip to Sunderland
Roker Pier in Sunderland offers a scenic walk, sandy beach, and the exciting possibility of dolphin sightings along the North East coast. Just half an hour from Durham, it’s perfect for a seaside outing with cafés nearby and tours of the historic lighthouse tunnel to book in advance
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.