PLACES TO VISIT
AND ACCOMMODATION
DURHAM: A CITY BREAK OR A COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE!
Durham is a beautiful corner of the North East of England; A place where you can visit award-winning attractions and enjoy world-class exhibitions, festivals and events. Seek out hidden gems in market towns and villages in the Durham Dales, relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity on the Durham Coast, or get outdoors and active with walking and cycling routes revealing unforgettable views across the county. And when it’s time to refuel you’ll be spoilt for choice with award-winning eateries and delicious local produce.
Visit the Official Tourism Website for Durham for further details.
THE BIG MEETING
The end of QRSE2020 fortuitously coincides with an incredibly special event for the City of Durham. The Durham Miners’ Gala, known as “The Big Meeting” is a large annual gathering and labour festival held on the second Saturday in July. It is associated with the coal mining heritage (and particularly that of miners’ trade unionism) of the Durham Coalfield, which stretched throughout the traditional County of Durham. Join this world class celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class culture. REMEMBER – This will be a busy weekend in Durham, so if you do plan to stay, ensure that you book accommodation early.
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Click here to watch a short video about the event.
OTHER NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT
NEWCASTLE
Rough Guides named this northern English city its top place to visit in 2018, citing its “Geordie geniality”, nightlife, “burgeoning restaurant scene, fantastic museums and architectural feats like Tyne Bridge. Newcastle is the closest city to Durham, and can be reached by train is just 10 minutes. Visit the Official Tourism Website for Newcastle for further details.
TYNEMOUTH
The historic Priory and Castle provides a dramatic backdrop to fun and games on the beaches below while the selection of cafes and restaurants in Tynemouth are sure to provide some much needed nourishment after a long walk along the beach. A great spot for cycling, kayaking and surfing.
ALNWICK CASTLE
The origins of Alnwick Castle date back to the Norman period. It is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. Alnwick has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and not least as a family home. Delver deeper into this extraordinary history and travel through the centuries of this living, evolving castle.
CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATION
COLLEGE ACCOMODATION
Delegates will have the opportunity to book their accommodation at Durham University when they register for the conference. We highly recommend this option as it provides exellent value for money and is the most convenient for the conference venue (10 minute walk). Breakfast is included in the cost:
Single en suite room (Collingwood College): £42 per night.
Standard single room (Grey College): £31.50 per night.
Rooms are available to book for Monday 6th – Friday 10th July. Collingwood College offers free parking for conference delegates subject to availability. Please give your registration number to reception on arrival to prevent any parking charges.
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Click here for a Venues Map (the conference will take place primarily in the Calman Learning Centre).
HOTELS
If you would prefer to stay in a hotel for all or part of your visit to Durham, various options are available to suit different budgets. Durham is not a large city, but do be aware that some of these hotels will be a 20-30 minute walk from the conference venue. Should you go with this option, please book your accommodation direct with your chosen hotel. Examples include: