Living And Working In Durham

The beautiful and 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 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.

Today, Durham is a thriving and diverse economy with a range of industries and sectors which include education and research ~ (Durham University is one of the top ranked universities in the UK), life sciences and healthcare, advanced manufacturing, digital and creative, energy and environment and hospitality and tourism. It is a lucrative location for business ideas and investors with opportunities for growth and innovation. Durham boasts the expertise and the facilities which make it a perfect choice for many sectors which fuel the growth of the economy and the city is extremely well respected globally.

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 happen to explore one of the several alleyways, perhaps down 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. 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.

Durham is a hilly city with a number of green spaces and parks. In addition to shopping centres and the traditional high street stores, there are many interesting independent shops and of course, pubs, cafes and restaurants catering for all tastes.

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 place to be if you crave a high quality of life with opportunities galore and stunning views to greet you each time you step outside.

If you’re looking for a new career in Perth, we recommend attending our Durham Careers Fair! Our career fair will offer candidates from all backgrounds, experience and education levels the opportunity to speak to representatives from an abundance of local employers. Book a ticket today!