The Riverwalk — Local services in England

Durham,one of the most beautiful towns in the world,go and see it be before you die! steeped in history from The prince bishops to the finest cathedral .Durham is surrounded by the river Weir ,it as walking paths that reward the Walker with absolutely beautiful views of this lovely town/city.start your walk in the lower town, thats were the bus station Witherspoon's and all the charity shops are,the train station passengers come that way.when you are ready to move towards the castle(it's in full view)you will climb a gradiant on to frammingate bridge.your eyes will be drawn upwards to the beautiful sight of the cathedral and castle.at this point most people walk over the bridge and on into the town, take advice from an old guy who knows this town,look over the bridge towards the castle and take your eyes down to the river and you will see steps on the right hand side that appears to be part of the pub.these steps will connect to the path.before you descend look up river and you will see a bridge about half a mile ahead that's your target! This bridge is called Prebends bridge.10 minutes walk will reward you with outstanding views of the iconic cathedral and castle plus the Weir that straddles the river. As you cross the bridge you are about to enter the town through its North Bailey,wonder up the road and you will come to a beautiful arch on you left,it's a part of Durham University,pass through this arch to be rewarded again with views of lovely buildings that you wouldn't normally see.it this area are buildings that house staff(lucky them)the music school and a lovely water tower. On your right you will see the entrance to the cathedral. If that isn't your desire turn around and go back to the Bailey,turn left and walk downhill until you see a entrance to the "Green" that's the grass area in front of the cathedral castle and museum,plus a free city bus.having seen what you wanted continue down saddlers till you reach Elvet bridge,turn right and pause awhile,this bridge had buildings on it similar to old London bridge.look over the bridge on your right and you will see the path that you left at Prebends! You have seen on this 40 min walk views that only about 10% get to see. I mentioned the free city bus,Durham is car free (except the clergy and "special" people"so there are 3 park and rides,these are provided with excellent buses to carry you in and out of Durham. Walk back over the bridge and turn right,it will lead in to the market square,straight in front of you is the town hall , underneath it is a lovely indoor market,well worth a visit.look left and you will notice the path descends away from the square,that leads back to frammingate bridge. Lots of places to eat,from cheap to outrageous,if your around at lunchtime and like Chinese food there's a excellent buffet on the Riverside called " inshantghai"when I called last time it cost 8pounds.lots of Gregg's , Witherspoon's do food as well. Wouldn't recommend the castle tour,it's expensive and it's just one room after another I would recommend the cathedral,by far the most perfect church in the UK in my opinion, no charge to enter (but have lots of staff to take your money if you are that way inclined. st Cuthberb is here,light a candle for him or some-one you love or miss. Before you leave this lovely this beautiful church climb the tower,it's outstanding!(they charge for that)finish up with a cup of coffee just off the cloisters Ask about the prince bishops,a story of murder,king making,the harrowing of the north,death of 99 knights(one was left alive)he was sent back to tell the king a "No"that made the king do a deal with the people of Northumberland to be self ruling under a prince bishop,the right to make laws,print money and raise tax. Enjoy Durham,this brief tour is just a taste of lovely area of northern England,lots of other...

Ok, so not everyone likes how Durham is developing. Riverwalk is built, controversially, around yet more student accommodation. For the public, there's an Odeon Luxe Cinema, various eateries (food pit, cosy club, turtle bay, el pincho etc and apparently a Sambucca coming soon). These accompany a Chinese Buffet and a Thai Restaurant as well as Gin bars and then out into the rest of the city Outside seating gives fabulous views over the Wear and Cathedral/Castle. It has a lovely Riverside vibe to it that other cities would just struggle to compete with. That is the beauty of the vision in creating Riverwalk and for that, the outgoing Labour authority deserved applause. With accommodation over the road in the shape of a new Premier Inn, as well as a Radisson along the river, this is a new centre for the city. Let's hope it gives this part of Durham a new vibe without destroying the charm of this...

Disappointing first visit now its opened. NO lift in the car park or in the river walk area to get between levels. Stair well in the car park was flooded, with no other option to go around it. Pay machine states £1.50 for 12 hours after 6pm however min payment is £2 no details prints on the ticket to ensure your covered, a few other families u could see rechecking the signs. The old shops that stayed are laughable it's all the same without the roof......there is no wow entrance with savers and pound land still there. Looks like it's been a half hearted attempt to redo the area. Not easy to use so I doubt the cinema will last long with the extra money being charged. I won't be in a...