Your insider tips on the best places to eat, drink and visit in Durham

A dusk arrival by train is the best way to arrive in Durham. It allows you to see the castle mount silhouetted against a sunset skyline, just as the starlike streetlights come on. And Durham is just the right size for wandering without fear of traffic. My best tip is to look up, and notice the passage of time captured by changes in the buildings. Wherever you turn there is an amazing find; whether you're interested in medieval carved stonework or the techniques of sulptured modern metal. And after all this wandering, relax with a coffee from any of the vendors in the market square.

Sue Garrod

The Beamish Museum is a Must-See. The beer is second to none.

John Warner

Check out the famous university wonderfully situated in this city.

Liz Richards

For a decent atmosphere and a good range of drinks, try The Dun Cow Inn in Old Elvet (central), if you are feeling in a mood for celebrating or having a blow out, try the Dun Cow Challenge (which is a drink from every pump on the bar, make sure you've booked the overnight accomodation first!).

Simon Batterham

The cathedral. Fantastic Building, one which i will never forget

Steve Johnson

The cafe at Durham Cathedral is a lovely,peaceful and historic setting to enjoy a restful lunch. Enter via the cloisters,its situated in a monastic wine cellar.We had a tasty and satisfying bowl of soup with bread amidst pleasant and friendly surroundings.A perfect interlude between a hectic but fullfilling day's sightseeing.

Wayne Jones

Headlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant. Beautiful Hotel, wonderful spa, great restaurant.

Zoe Roberts

Best for food - Hide (not cheap but best menu and food for miles around. Well worth the extra money). Best for drink - The Dun Cow (a good old fashioned local with great choice of ales). Best place to visit - Durham Cathedral (a bit if a cliche but it is an amazing building that greets you on arrival at the train station. Each time I visit I find something new to marvel at).

Clive Murray

The "Coal Hole" Pub - still a fine, unmodernised, old fashioned, honest pub, unaffected by trends or frippery.

Nigel Allsop

I would suggest The Durham Brewery as an interesting place to visit and it has a shop. The brewery opens Weekdays 8am -4pm and Saturday mornings 10am - 12.30pm

Jacqui McCarthy

Places to visit: Botanical Gardens. Eat: If you have money to spend then Bistro 21 is a lovely place to eat and enjoy. Drink: Loveshack is a new addition to Durhams limited night club scene. Being the biggest club, it's worth a peek.

Shruti Bapat

The best place to drink in Durham is The Victoria on Hallgarth Street. It has real ale, does good toasties, open fires and friendly staff. The main reason that this pub is worth a visit, however, is the Victorian decor - it seems untouched since those times.

Izabelle Bimson

One of the North East's finest Italian restaurants Emilio's offers an enchanting atmosphere set within the historic chapel of St Andrews. The orange walls don't quite adhere to the historical context of the external setting but the food makes up for this with melt-in-the-mouth fish experiences. The exceptional service may be a by-product of the location as you tend to find this level in the North East but Emilio's does not let you down and certainly is a shining star of the North East.

Keith Elshout

St Johns College, Durham or any of Durham University's halls of residence. Wonderful value bed and breakfast for individuals, couples or families. Very accessible, clean excellent food, perfect visitor location.

Philip Berrill

One of the best bars i have visited in Durham is Chase. They have a fantastic range of cocktails on offer, this combined with the chic interior makes for a great night out. I also liked the balcony area overlooking the river, very romantic.

Emma Cox

The cricket ground at Chestle le Street

Nigel Peacock

Although I haven't been to Durham in the last 20 years, "The Undercroft" was always my favourite place for lunch. Situated in the Undercroft of the Cathedral, the home-made soups, scones etc. were always absolutely scrumtious !! I do hope it still exists and is still as good.

Chris Rutter

The restaurant on Palace Green, the pub at the bottom of the Bailey and the Cathedral Tower

Robert Paterson

Alms cafe by the cathedral - fabulous view, yummy cake

J Messenger

Without a doubt or hesitation, the Black Knight Restaurant at the Lumley Castle Hotel in Durham is the best place for a fabulous meal out!

David Treitel

The little fish and chip shop next to the market square!! its lush - especially in summer when you can sit and eat the food in the square and do a bit of people watching!

Kim Mcconville

Visit the Finchale Priory, it's an unspoilt beauty just a couple of miles from the city centre and is a hidden treasure.

Zoe MacDonald

Just outside of Durham I'd recommend Seaham Hall. The ultimate place for relaxing in the spa, followed by dinner in the restaurant then retiring to bed in one of the many opulent rooms or suites.

Karen Ross

Base yourself at Slaley Hall, about 20 minutes drive from Durham. It's a handsome hotel with oak panels and an open fire in the elegant drawing room. You can walk in the grounds or play golf. Enjoy hearty meals at the 19th hole.

John Samson

Hatfield College - in the centre of the city yet hundreds of years away from its everyday bustle.

John Fessey

I would recommend Numjai - a Thai restaurant at 19 Millburngate. By the river, this eaterie offers superb Thai cuisine and is reasonably priced. It offers a full Thai menu and specialises in amazing, authentic seafood dishes. A four-course menu including starter, soup, main course and dessert (including coffee) will set you back about £20 per person - pretty good value. For me, the two factors that put this restaurant head and shoulders above the rest are its service - efficient, helpful and always non-fussy - and its views - it is overlooked by the stunning medieval cathedral of Durham - unsurpassed on a sunny summer's evening and dramatic under winter lights. I would recommend this restaurant wholeheartedly to any Thai-food lover who appreciates good service and a pleasant dining environment.

Julie Trotter

For more information or for a copy of the County Durham Guide, call 0191 384 3720 or visit www.visitnortheastengland.com/durham.

GNER trains link Durham with London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Newcastle and Scotland. Fares purchased in advance (booked online) for London to Durham start from £20, standard class, or £69.40, first class. Visit www.gner.co.uk for our lowest fares.

If you've been to Durham tell us your insider tips on the best places to eat, drink and visit. This week the best suggestion will win two first class tickets to Durham and all entries will be put into a draw for a luxury weekend break. To enter click here.

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