New Homes in Durham

Make the Move 

An attractive city with a Norman cathedral and world-class university, Durham has lots to offer, especially if you are looking to buy a new home.  The area has one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, good transport links to the north east’s major centres and lies within an easy drive off the coast and the countryside of North Yorkshire and Northumberland.

Shopping

By the River Wear, the city centre lies in the shadow of Durham Castle offering a relaxed atmosphere, well-preserved historic buildings and excellent facilities. Many well-known chain stores can be found at The Gates or Prince Bishop’s Shopping Centres. An out-of-town retail park, including a large Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer lies around 2 miles north of the centre. The Metro Centre at Gateshead is easily accessible via the A1 (M) in less than half an hour.

While you’ll find plenty of familiar stores lining the streets around the Market Place, the town hasn’t become overrun by big names, and a good number of independent shops, restaurants and cafés ensure Durham retains the character which makes it a desirable place to live and work.

Local Facilities

The University Hospital of North Durham, is only 5 minutes’ drive from the centre. Other local facilities include the city centre’s Clayport Library and the Gala Theatre and Cinema, which are within a 1-minute walk of each other, close to the Market Place.

Education

Pre-dated only by Oxford and Cambridge, Durham University’s reputation as one of the UK’s finest seats of learning has seen many well-known and respected names pass through its doors. Durham students enjoy the best quality of life of any in the UK, according to a 2013 survey of 91 universities, which considered factors including employment prospects, social life, safety and sports facilities.

Out of town

New homes in Durham enjoy easy access to the coast, with the harbour town of Seaham around 30 minutes’ drive away. This is a lovely destination for a weekend of enjoyable walks, and has many restaurants and bars which enjoy views out to the North Sea. A similar distance away, Hartlepool’s marina and historic quayside are also popular coastal attractions.

Transport

The city of Durham is around 30 minutes’ drive from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead and Sunderland to the north, and Darlington to the south. The nearby A1(M) provides the area’s major road link, connecting the city to Newcastle. York, Leeds, Carlisle and the Scottish Borders are all just over 90 minutes’ drive away.

Durham’s railway station is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre. You can reach Newcastle and Darlington directly in 15-20 minutes, Leeds in 75-80 minutes, and York in around 45-50 minutes. Durham’s nearest airport is Newcastle, a 30-40 minute drive away, which offers direct links to many European destinations as well as some further afield.