Living And Working In Durham

The historic city of Durham is in the north east of England. The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport which is a little under twenty miles away. Durham is approximately two hundred and fifty miles from London and there are regular and direct trains from Durham train station to the capital.

The history of Durham is fascinating and dates back many centuries. In the tenth century, The Bishop of Lindisfarne decided to build a Cathedral here which is now one of the most famous landmarks in the country. Durham Castle, another magnificent building and now used by the university, was built in the eleventh century and was the residence for the Bishop of Durham. Both buildings are UNESCO world heritage sites.

The Industrial Revolution caused the county of Durham and the city itself to experience huge growth, especially from coal mining, which despite bringing wealth and prosperity to the region, also brought harsh and often dangerous working conditions. Coal mining was a major employer and many families relied upon employment within the mines. The very many pit villages are still close knit communities to this day and the annual Durham Miners Gala celebrates the importance of the local mining heritage.  

In addition to coal mining, other industries of significance included manufacturing, construction, textiles and brewing. The Durham and Sunderland Canal, which opened in the latter part of the eighteenth century, provided a reliable means of shipping coal and other goods to Sunderland where it could then be shipped off elsewhere, until the railways took over. One of the most important railway lines in the region was the Darlington and Stockton railway line, opened in 1825, which ran through Durham City. Shortly after, the Durham to Sunderland line became operational. All of this helped shape the north east into a major centre for industry.

The economy of Durham is influenced by several key sectors, reflecting both its historical roots and modern developments. Durham University remains a pillar of the local economy, employing thousands of staff and attracting students from all over the world. It is one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the UK and is consistently ranked among the top universities.

The public sector is a significant employer in Durham with many residents working in local government, healthcare and education. The presence of regional government offices and other public services continues to support the local economy.

Durham has a growing number of small and medium enterprises, particularly in areas such as creative industries, technology and professional services. The presence of the university and its entrepreneurial initiatives also encourages startups and innovation within the city.

Durham’s rich history including the UNESCO listed Cathedral and Castle, continues to draw visitors and tourism has been bolstered by ongoing investment in heritage sites, improved visitor facilities and marketing initiatives aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists.

The River Wear, which begins in the Pennines and ends in Sunderland where it flows into the North Sea, runs through the city centre and is a hugely important feature of Durham's landscape and cultural heritage. If you decide to explore one of the several alleyways, perhaps down some of the ancient stone steps, you will arrive at the river where you can stroll along the banks and admire its timeless beauty.

There is always something fascinating happening in Durham and you will be spoilt for choice with the selection and diversity of it all. The city hosts various cultural events including the Durham Book Festival and Lumiere Durham, attracting visitors and contributing to the hospitality and retail sectors. From atmospheric candlelit concerts held in the cathedral, to guided tours around the winding streets and alleyways to brass bands and boating regattas ~ it's all here.

The city centre is a hub for great shopping, dining and entertainment. The city has modernised and rejuvenated its retail sector, with a focus on maintaining a blend of independent shops and larger chain stores to cater for a variety of demand. In addition, there are both an outdoor and indoor market which are popular.

As a desirable place to live, there has been ongoing development in both residential and commercial property, driven by the demand from students, professionals and businesses and is focused on preserving the city’s historical character while accommodating growth.

Durham is a hilly city with many green spaces and parks. Within the last few years, it was named by National Geographic as one of the eight most beautiful cities in Britain.

Durham is in an ideal location for access to the nearby unique coastlines, (the nearest is Seaham)  and the peaceful and picturesque North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its stunning moors, hills and valleys.

Durham certainly is the city to be if you crave a high quality of life with fantastic opportunities for both professional and personal growth and stunning views to greet you each time you step outside!

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 26th 2024 between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Durham Town Hall which is situated in the heart of the city. The atmospheric Town Hall has been a centre of civic life for centuries and has an extremely interesting history.