Green City Top 10

With its riverbanks, hidden gardens and parks, Durham City has many green spaces for you to enjoy.

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Crook Hall & Gardens
Is it the historic house with its Medieval hall and Jacobean and Georgian sections which enhances the beautiful gardens? Or is it the other way round? There is only one way to find out - go there and explore the hidden nooks and crannies in both. A green oasis in the city.

Riverbank Walks
How many cities can boast a green heart where a river seems to bring the countryside right into the middle of the city? Stroll along the city’s riverbanks and your eye may be drawn by the splash of a leaping salmon as it makes its way to spawning grounds up river. Or the vivid electric blue flash which signals the kingfisher’s progress upstream. Flora and fauna surveys have shown that Durham’s riverbanks are a haven for Mother Nature.

Durham University's Botanic Garden
The diversity of nature from around the globe comes to Durham. Be amazed by the size of the leaves of the Giant Amazonian Water Lily in the glasshouse then peer carefully into glass boxes to see tropical insects and bugs. And on a cold day, enjoy the warmth of the cactus house where arid conditions play tricks with the mind and suddenly you seem to be standing in a corner of a desert.

Houghall Discovery Trail and Great High Woods
Woodland is an incredibly rich habitat for birds, plants and animals. And you don’t have to go far in Durham to enjoy the special tranquillity provided by a beautiful wood. Go very early in the morning and you may even be lucky enough to come across a roe deer as it moves elegantly through the foliage.

Britain in Bloom/floral displays 
Man can help Mother Nature along her way, too. Durham wants to maintain a cleaner and greener environment for its visitors to enjoy, so great care is taken to dress 'Beautiful Durham' in eye-catching floral displays. Even the bus shelters wear their hanging baskets with pride! The city often performs well in the Britain in Bloom competition and in the winter the city still tries its best to bring floral colour into the streets to cheer us all up.

Ushaw College
Located in Durham since 1808 Ushaw College is the Roman Catholic seminary for the North of England and enjoys a spectacular setting on a ridge top position just three miles from the city centre. 30 acres of gardens and grounds can be enjoyed and it is worth enquiring about the delicious Sunday lunches on offer (but book in advance).

Boating on the River Wear
Hire a rowing boat or take the easy option and join a cruise on the Prince Bishop River Cruiser to enjoy the River Wear from a completely different perspective. Take binoculars and spy for ducks and cormorants.

Green Tourism Award
If a visitor attraction, accommodation provider or eatery displays the coveted Green Tourism Award then you can be sure that the venue is playing its part in helping the environment.

Wharton Park
Located above the train station, this lovely city centre park offers breathtaking views of Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, along with impressive floral displays, a Victorian style conservatory, tennis courts, putting green and childrens play area.

Jubilee Walk
Opened in 2002, the walk takes you around the grounds of the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery at Aykley Heads in Durham City, from an old colliery pond to one of the finest views of Durham City.