In the heart of Durham, a stone’s throw from the cathedral, is Assembly Rooms Theatre, an historic building showcasing theatre throughout the year.

Beamish is the Living History Museum of the North, where a huge collection of artefacts has been gathered for discovery and representation.

Durham Castle, initially constructed following the Norman Invasion, now offers guided tours around its historic site, which is also student accommodation.

Durham Cathedral dates back to an Anglo-Saxon cathedral in 995AD, and was the first in England to have a vaulted stone roof.

The Bowes Museum is the North of England’s Museum of Art, Fashion and Design, with a collection that includes art, ceramics and textiles.

Kynren is an epic outdoor live-action show that takes you through 2000 years of British history via a theatrical story by Eleven Arches.

The Auckland Project, former property of the Bishop of Durham, brings to life old land with galleries, museums and open nature spots.

Right in the heart of the town centre, deli and bakery J&J Graham is a Penrith icon that dates back to 1793.

With the Deli, Café, Take Away and Hampers for delivery you really have all bases covered when it comes to sampling the fayre.

Xavier’s is Penrith’s answer to Paris’ wine-infused café culture. An elegant spot to unwind in both the daytime and evening.

Rich soups, salads, hearty meals and homemade cakes are freshly made using seasonal and organic incgredients whereever possible from this vegetarian takeaway bistro.

Boasting an array of hot and cold food including homemade cakes, The Yard Kitchen is a café with a distinctly quirky feel.