Durham unveils UK’s most relaxing holiday

Durham is aiming to provide the most relaxing holiday in Britain this summer for the many Brits choosing to holiday at home during the recession.

Durham, situated between Yorkshire and Northumberland, is hosting the UK’s Peace and Tranquillity Week for the third time from September 7-13 and has enlisted the help of the county’s hospitality industry, museums, art galleries, attractions and country gardens to unveil seven days of events and accommodation packages offering stress relief and an escape from fast paced modern living.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of the County Durham Tourism Partnership, said: “Crowds and persistent noise, experienced by many of the UK’s urban areas, leave people feeling stressed and vulnerable to health problems, which is why UK Peace and Tranquillity Week is a much-needed antidote for those leading a fast-paced lifestyle.

For people whose main priority is a relaxing holiday it’s hard to find a better place to escape to than Durham, and it couldn’t be easier as many events are free to attend and offer relaxation in some of Durham’s most outstanding landscapes and at world renowned tourist attractions like Durham Cathedral and Castle and The Bowes Museum.”

Holidaymakers will be able to learn relaxing arts like Tai Chi and Chi Kung, join photography and painting workshops and attend recitals of classical music and harp playing in picturesque locations.

There are 18 events taking place during the week, for full details visit: thisisdurham.com/relax

Here are some of the key highlights of the week:

Monday September 7
Classical Al Fresco Concert at Durham Cathedral
Aurora Strings, a classical string quartet performs a free tranquillity recital outside Durham’s World Heritage Site Cathedral and Castle from 12 till 2pm. Take a blanket and a picnic and unwind to soothing melodies.

Baby owl walks
Take a baby owl on a special woodland walk at the Beamish Wild Bird of Prey Conservation Centre. Owl walks are running Monday to Sunday throughout the week at various times, check website for more details.

Tuesday September 8
Al Fresco Asian Massage
Experience free Indian Head massage at a mobile massage station in Durham City’s Marketplace from 11-2. Therapists from the award-winning Serenity Spa at five star Seaham Hall Hotel provide relief to stressed out shoppers, tourists and office workers.

Wednesday September 9
Romantic Gardens lit by a thousand candles
Durham City’s Crook Hall and Gardens will be lit by a thousand candles and open especially for visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll through its gardens, maze, orchards and medieval manor house. Visitors are invited to bring candle lanterns to launch into the clear dark skies above the city. Harmony group Scherzo will also be singing in the gardens.
Tickets: £7 adults, £6 for concessions, £5 for children.

Harp Recital in Durham University’s Botanic Garden
Harp recital by Janet Bennett, of the Scottish National Orchestra and Northern Sinfonia, in the green surrounds of Durham University’s Botanic Gardens. From 2 to 3:30pm in the conservatory or glasshouse depending on weather.

Thursday September 10
Al Fresco Asian Massage
Free Indian Head massage at Dalton Park retail outlet mall, by therapists from Seaham Hall Hotel’s award-winning five star Serenity Spa, between 4 and 7pm.

Tranquil Nature Walk
Free guided walk and talk along the peninsula and riverbanks around Durham’s World Heritage Site Cathedral and Castle. In the 18th century Durham’s riverbanks were a famous promenade for tourists and are now abundant with wildlife including otters and kingfishers. Meet at the North entrance of the Cathedral at 5:50pm.

Friday September 11
Landscape Photography workshop
Free two-hour landscape photography workshop with renowned North East photographer Graeme Peacock along Durham’s Heritage Coastline.

Learn to shoot stunning panoramic images and natural landscapes. Limited to 12 places, meet at Tonia’s Kiosk in the carpark off the Ryhope-Seaham road, at 11:50am.

Saturday September 12
Painting Workshop in the Durham Dales
Capture the outstanding natural beauty of Durham’s unspoilt purple heather clad dales at a painting workshop led by renowned North East artist Brian Brown. Meet in Wolsingham opposite the Number Ten Restaurant and cafe, at 10am, places are limited to 17 people.

Sunday September 13
Internal energy workshops in tranquil setting
Learn to harness the power of internal energy and meditation by learning the ancient Chinese arts of Chi Kung and Tai Chi in the gardens of The Bowes Museum in Teesdale between 11 and 12, and 2:30 to 3:30pm.

Explore a mediaeval castle and estate
Free entry to the mediaeval castle and estates of Raby Castle near Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales. View the castles herd of red deer and wander in the expansive gardens and grounds.

UK Peace and Tranquillity Week was set up by the County Durham Tourism Partnership after a national tranquillity map compiled by the Campaign to Protect Rural England identified the county as the fourth most relaxing place in Britain and North East England as the UK’s most relaxing region.

People wishing to travel to Durham for UK Peace and Tranquillity Week can also benefit from a range of special offers on accommodation in the county, including three nights for the price of two, and 25 per cent off at hotels, guest houses, country cottages and B&B’s. Log onto thisisdurham.com for more details.