Is Durham the UK’s dating blackspot?

Tourism chiefs have challenged claims that Durham is the worst place in the UK to find a date by highlighting the ten most romantic places in the county to take a loved one.

Today saw the release of a national survey by an online dating website which claims that Durham is the worst place in the UK for dating because there are fewer organised events here than in any other part of the country.

Craig Wilson, marketing manager for the County Durham Tourism Partnership, said: “What’s clear from the results of the survey is that people in Durham are finding love in other ways than through organised dating events. There are so many beauty spots with the wow factor and stylish restaurants where you can impress a date, that perhaps, we are actually the best area in the country for dating the classic way.

“It may be that people in Durham are quite good at finding a date and once they have there is no shortage of romantic hot-spots where love can blossom,” said Wilson.

County Durham Tourism Partnership has drawn up a list of the top-ten places for a Durham date in order to highlight the fact that the county is an ideal destination for anyone considering a romantic getaway, a perfect place to propose or a fun-filled weekend away.

Top-10 places to fall in love on a date in Durham

1. Enjoy views of World Heritage site Durham Cathedral and Castle with a romantic row in a traditional rowing boat down the River Wear.

2. Spend a night in the lush crimson ‘Le Boudoir’ room, or the Russian Bride suite, at The Fallen Angel themed boutique hotel in Durham City.

3. Stare longingly into your partner’s eyes in the outdoor hot tub at Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa before enjoying a couple’s aromatherapy massage.

4. Speed through the hay meadows and purple heather clad Durham Dales on the back of a powerful three wheel trike with Weardale based North of England Trike Tours.

5. Take the plunge together on an adrenaline filled date at the Peterlee Skydiving academy.

6. Spend an afternoon appreciating fine art at the Bowes Museum, the French style chateau in Barnard Castle, built by John Bowes to celebrate his love for his French wife Josephine.

7. Enjoy champagne and strawberries at North East England’s number one picnic spot at the Tanfield Railway near Causey Arch.

8. Share a dessert at fine dining restaurant Gourmet Spot – winner of Restaurant Magazine’s ‘Best Dessert of the Year’ 2007.

9. Hold hands during a romantic stroll along the Durham Heritage coast, admiring sea views and rare wild flowers.

10. Get swept away with romance at England’s largest waterfall at High Force in Teesdale.

For more information, see visitcountydurham.com.