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About Durham

Durham is a historic city in North East England, known for its stunning Norman architecture and rich heritage. Its iconic Cathedral and Castle—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—overlook the scenic River Wear. With cobbled streets, vibrant cultural events, and a strong university presence, Durham blends timeless charm with lively energy. The surrounding countryside and riverside walks add to its appeal as both a visitor destination and a cherished place to live.
Find out more about Durham
View of Durham Cathedral across the River Wear

Travel and Accommodation

Durham City, located in North East England, offers a variety of transportation and accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Travel to and Around Durham City

  • By Train: Durham is well-connected by rail, with frequent services from major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. The train station is conveniently located within walking distance of the city centre.

  • By Bus: Local bus services, primarily operated by Arriva North East and Go North East, provide convenient transportation within the city and to surrounding areas. The Durham Cathedral Bus offers a direct route to the cathedral and nearby attractions.

  • Park and Ride: For those driving, Durham offers Park and Ride facilities at Belmont, Sniperley, and Howlands. Buses from these sites run every 10 minutes to the city centre, providing an efficient way to explore without the hassle of parking in the city. 

Accommodation in Durham City

Durham boasts a range of accommodation options to cater to various tastes and budgets:

  • Durham University Accommodation: We have a number of rooms reserved for attendees of the UK Alliance for Disaster Research (UKADR) Annual Conference 2025 at Collingwood College, Durham University. These will be available to book as an add-on during conference registration. More information will be provided soon.
  • Hotels: Options range from luxury establishments like the Radisson Blu Hotel, which offers a sophisticated riverside experience in the city centre, to boutique hotels such as Hotel Indigo, located in the historic Old Shire Hall.

  • Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Houses: For a more personalized stay, numerous B&Bs and guest houses are scattered throughout the city, offering cozy accommodations and a hearty breakfast to start your day.
  • Self-Catering and Serviced Apartments: Ideal for longer stays or those seeking more independence, self-catering accommodations and serviced apartments provide the comforts of home with the flexibility of a hotel.

Outside the Calman Learning Centre

Venue

The Calman Learning Centre at Durham University is a modern facility with large lecture theatres, study spaces, and a café. Opened in 2007, it supports teaching, hybrid learning, and conferences, and is known for its distinctive circular design.

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Arial view of Durham Cathedral and the River Weir

The river Wear forms a tight loop around the centre of Durham. 

Durham Castle Courtyard

Durham Castle

View of Elvet Bridge on a clear day

Elvet Bridge, built in the 13th century, is one of the main links to the city centre. 

    

Contact Us

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the conference.

Durham University

Institute of Hazard, risk & Resilience
Lower Mountjoy
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
Calman Learning Centre
Durham University
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE