The UK boasts a treasure trove of towns and cities renowned for their friendly locals, but one northern gem has consistently won over visitors with its exceptionally warm welcome.
On the “Ask a Brit” Reddit forum, users were on the hunt for the nation’s most welcoming spots. One person claimed: “Durham is the friendliest. Every time I go there everyone talks to you, and all smile.”
Nestled in the northeast, County Durham shares borders with Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, the North Sea, North Yorkshire, and Cumbria.
Durham, perched on the River Wear’s loop, attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its rich history.
And its reputation as a friendly city is well-established, with English-American author Bill Bryson lauding it as a “wonderful – a perfect little city” and praising its cathedral as “the best cathedral on planet earth” in his 1995 book Notes from a Small Island.
In 2023, The Telegraph heralded it as a top UK city break destination, while Condé Nast Traveller readers crowned it the ‘Best city in the UK’.
The prestigious university at its core draws many international students, partly due to the vibrant city that envelops it.
According to the Durham University site: “With a population of around 43,000 Durham has a compact, friendly feel but still provides the facilities you would expect of a thriving city including a number of cafés, bars and restaurants, and an array of popular high-street shops.”
Nestled in the heart of the city, Durham Cathedral is a crown jewel, recognised as part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral’s majestic Romanesque architecture is awe-inspiring, with vaulted ceilings that echo with the voices of angelic choir practices.
Throughout the year, Durham Cathedral turns into a vibrant hub for cultural activities, offering events from communal sing-a-long performances to live orchestral concerts.
The city has also become a sought-after destination for movie fans, eager to visit spots made famous by the Harry Potter films. Impressively, Durham Cathedral appeared in both ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ capturing the imaginations of film buffs worldwide.
As well as this, Durham’s abundant greenery adds to its charm, especially during summer when the River Wear becomes a picturesque scene of leisurely rowing. These charming, hand-built boats aren’t just for show; they are available for anyone who wants to experience a serene river journey.
While Durham’s centre exudes opulence, the broader North East region offers modestly priced housing, presenting averages lower than that of the UK, beckoning to potential residents searching for value.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the average UK house price was £285,000 in December 2023. In contrast, properties in Durham had an overall average price of £193,746 over the last year, as per Rightmove data.