Blog Squad
Meet Jamie
Hi, I’m Jamie, a 32 year old lawyer with a passion for travel and photography. Those two passions come together on my travel blog jamiechancetravels. I’m sure my fascination with travel came from my childhood lifestyle where, as an RAF child, I had to pack up home every three years or so and move to the next city or country. After 10 months of living in Australia, I now live just outside of Durham and happily making the North East my forever home. As Covid-19 brought travel abroad to a halt, I have been exploring much more of my local area and I’m currently on a mission to show that it really isn’t grim up north. I’m really excited to discover more of Durham both this summer and in the future and, from what I’ve experienced so far, I am proud to live in and show off this part of England.
Connect with Jamie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jamie Chance Travels
Discover more of Durham on Jamie's website as he explores this summer.
Durham's Dark Skies
Discover Durham's dazzling dark skies ay Grassholme Observatory with blog squad member Jamie.
Durham's Waterfalls
Join Jamie and discover Durham's waterfalls.
Meet Sol
I’m Sol, a 22-year-old graduate of Durham University. I did my degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. In my free time this summer, I’ve been volunteering at the Cathedral and in Chester-le-Street. I moved to Durham from Peru to study my undergraduate degree and will be spending the summer here before I move to Warwick to get my MA in Writing. One of my favourite things about Durham has to be the amount of history there is. I was lucky enough to live near the cathedral when I was a fresher, and I loved being able to take in all the sights. Now that I’m preparing to leave Durham, I want to learn as much as possible about this beautiful place. This is especially important to me as I knew so little about the North East before I moved here, and I think it’s important to appreciate the culture and history of the region that’s welcomed me so warmly.
Sol Noya
Writer, editor and recent Durham University graduate. Follow Sol on Twitter.
A day on the hill
Join blog squad member Sol as she explores Durham University's Oriental Museum and Botanic Garden.
In the heart of historic Durham
Sol discovers Palace Green, Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and the Museum of Archaeology on her travels in Durham.
Meet Melissa
Hi, my name is Melissa, I’m 29 years old and a cycling coach from Newcastle. I have a love for all things outdoors and I love talking about all my adventures over on my blog Melissa Jane Marshall and my Instagram. With COVID-19 and the lockdowns exploring the North East became a normal weekend for me, my husband, and my sister. I’m really excited about exploring Durham this summer as it’s somewhere that I haven’t fully explored and I’m looking forward to challenging myself with some of Durham’s beautiful cycling and walking routes.
Melissa Jane Marshall
Searching for outdoor and cycling inspiration? Check out Melissa’s Instagram.
The Way of Life Part 1
Follow Melissa on her journey across the Way of Life.
Way of Life Part 2
Follow Melissa on her journey across the Way of Life.
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki, a thirty-something North-Eastern Mam. Along with my children, super headstrong Evie (10) and gentle soul Harry (9), we are North East Eats & Kids.
We live in Northumberland and love to spend our free time exploring the North East. From family friendly days out to completely honest restaurant reviews, we share it all on our blog and across our social media channels. We are a very outdoorsy family and are still blown away by the adventures our region has to offer - something we appreciate even more following months of lockdown! This summer we want to help show Durham in all its glory; to prove there’s more to the area than just Durham City, highlighting the whole county from the stunning Durham Dales to the breathtaking Durham Coast.
North East Eats & Kids
Searching for your next family day out? Check out Nikki’s blog for family-friendly things to do and places to eat.
Hands on History
Join Nikki and her family as she explores Durham's amazing hands-on historic attractions.
Meet Tasha
Hi I’m Tasha. The twenty-something face behind Hello Freckles, an award-winning lifestyle and travel blog hailing from the North East England (Sunderland specifically if you wondered). Hello Freckles was originally set up as a lifestyle blog when I was at university, but I expanded it to incorporate my love for travel too. When I’m not blogging (or working in communications for the 9-5) you’ll find me out running, cycling or enjoying a cappuccino somewhere. I’m proud to be from the North East, and I’m excited to be part of the blog squad and visit places across Durham and share my experience with you. I’ll make sure you’ve got great coffee spots to visit too, don’t worry!
Connect with Tasha: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Hello Freckles
Check out Tasha’s ward-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Join Blog Squad member Tasha on her first visit to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
The Bowes Museum
Join Blog Squad member Tasha on her first visit to The Bowes Museum.