Your perfect Durham staycation: Summer city break at Radisson Blu Durham
Radisson Blu Durham is your base for a perfect Durham staycation. Plan your Durham summer city break. Things to do, exclusive offers and riverside comfort.
Thinking about a Durham staycation this summer? You’re in great company. From history-packed sites to riverside strolls, Durham offers the perfect mix of culture, shopping and relaxation. And with a stylish base at Radisson Blu Durham, your summer city break in Durham becomes even more enjoyable.
Why Durham is a top UK summer city break
Durham is more than just postcard-perfect views (though you’ll get plenty of those). As well as being a vibrant university town, the city is alive with food, culture, events and heritage that feel anything but ordinary.
Visit the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
No visit to Durham is complete without soaking up the sights of its UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the breathtaking Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.
Towering over the city, the Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture and has starred in everything from Harry Potter, as Asgard in Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, to historical documentaries.
Just a short walk from the hotel, you can stroll the scenic riverside paths that wind below its ancient walls or take to the water rowing on the River Wear. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective: peaceful, picturesque and packed with history at every turn.
Some unmissable summer highlights in Durham:
- Magna Carta at Durham Cathedral (Until 2 November 2025). See one of the world’s most important historical documents – the only surviving 1216 edition of the Magna Carta in the world.
- Hamilton or Chicago at Sunderland Empire (Until 26 July/4-9 August). Just a short journey from the hotel, these smash-hit musicals add Broadway sparkle to your break.
- Kynren – An Epic Tale of England (Until 13 September). This live show in Bishop Auckland with a cast of more than 1,000 brings 2,000 years of British history to life under the stars.
- Independent shopping, events, markets and riverside walks. From vintage finds to artisan gifts and quaint, historic pubs, Durham’s streets are full of surprises.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, there’s no shortage of things to do in Durham this summer.
Stylish riverside stays at Radisson Blu Durham
Located right on the River Wear with views of Durham Cathedral, Radisson Blu Durham is the ideal home base for your Durham weekend getaway or longer escape.
Following a recent £3 million refurbishment, the hotel now offers:
- 83 fully upgraded bedrooms
- Refillable water stations on every floor – part of our plastic-free sustainability promise
- Premium room upgrade options that are already proving popular with our guests
Plus, our central location near the station and with free parking means everything is within walking distance – or just a short drive or train ride away.
Explore our rooms and book now
Eat like a local at Jozef’s
Within the hotel you’ll find Jozef’s, our riverside bar and restaurant that’s quickly become a local favourite. With consistent 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s gaining a name for relaxed, high-quality dining with local roots.
- Durham-roasted KAFFEEHAUS coffee
- Durham Gin
- Menus inspired by local history including Durham’s mustard-making legacy
Whether it’s dinner after a day exploring, cocktails with cathedral views, or a family brunch before you visit Beamish Museum, Jozef’s is a must during your Durham staycation.
Book now and make the most of summer
Durham is the kind of city that rewards both first timers and returning visitors. And with Radisson Blu Durham as your base, your Durham summer escape can be as restful, romantic, or action-packed as you like.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve curated a range of seasonal offers including our Back in Time with Beamish Museum package, which combines a riverside stay with entry to one of the UK’s most loved open-air museums.