FMUKCON - 2019 - Durham

[asamaic]

As a quick heads up, of the dates steve9872 has suggested, only 30 March and 13 April are outside of term time.

(It will be a lot quieter when the students are away - should be easier to get into places!)

[andrews]

So looking forward to seeing you all here in Durham next year! As asamaic has already said, it would be much better to visit when university students are on holiday. We have several activities lined up for you. Bring stout walking shoes and plenty of energy!! It's going to be wonderful

[asamaic]

Further to andrews' post, here's a brief line up of the some of the activities we've been discussing, just to give you a flavour of what's on offer...

• A walking tour of Durham. It's a very pretty city that can be easily explored on foot. We can choose a free walking trail in advance and guide you around.
• A visit to Durham's famous cathedral. It's free to have a poke about downstairs (most people will be happy with this!), there's usually an exhibition on for around £7.50 (if you like that sort of thing) and you can p*y £5 to climb the tower (warning: for the fit only). There are some great views from the top.
• A visit to the Archaeology Museum. It's very central and also completely free.
• A visit to Castle. This is both a world heritage site and a college. Subject to dates and availability, we should be able to get in for no more than £5 per person, possibly less. If we can't get inside (or if anyone doesn't fancy p*ying to get in), we can pass this as part of our walking tour and have a look from the outside.
• A cruise along the river on the Princey B. Because boats are cool. Would be around £8 per person.
• Drinks in a lovely pub on the river. One of our favourite drinking holes, The Swan and Three is a Sam Smiths pub.
• parkrun tourism. If anyone fancies joining me at Durham parkrun at 9am on the Saturday, they would be very welcome... Run, walk, jog or volunteer, parkrun your way... It's all free. Realistically, I don't anticipate anyone taking me on this offer, but if anyone else is mad enough to take part, let's meet up on the morning!
• Lots of cake! Durham has lots of quaint little tea rooms that do the most amazing cakes - they're not expensive either. We've made a list of our favourites and they will delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Day trip to Newcastle. It's only £7 for a last minute return to Newcastle, which is a lot bigger than Durham for anyone who wants something a bit more urban.

Once we fix a date and know who's coming and what they fancy doing, we'll put together a proper itinerary. Please note, Durham is so small that we can dip in and out of sightseeing activities and easily find each other throughout the day. The above list is to give you a flavour of what we can get up to - it's not mandatory!

With both andrews and I volunteering to be your guides, we can split into two groups if it turns out that one group want to fit in everything possible (Diane65 style ) and another want to take it more leisurely.

There is a Cathedral bus that will take you around the city on a loop (it's only a quid for a day ticket) and there are so many lovely cafes to have a sit and a chat, so don't worry at all about keeping up if you're not up to rushing around. We can find something fun for everyone to do in Durham.

If you haven't voted yet, please do - and remember, only 30 March and 13 April are outside of term time and it would be so much easier for us to get in to places when the students are on their Easter break. Anyone who knows the city will agree that it's crazy busy when the students are in residence and a lot calmer when they're off home for the holidays.

Please post on the thread if you're planning to join us in Durham!

[yogi]

Durham sounds lovely and good to see the itinerary is already taking shape, looks good so far.

I've voted for the 13th but could also make the other dates at the moment.

[steve]

Sounds great. Hope I can make it this year

[prettyxcool]

Sounds fantabulous! I cannot wait

Any date is fine for me and would vote for outside term time too

NB: Clocks go forward on 31 March 2019

[Diane65]

Already been checking on train prices and Transpennine Express do Group travel discounts for 3-9 people taking it down from £33 return to £24.40 from Manchester (I know that I am a tad early as these tickets are available 12 weeks in advance but just looking ).
Thanks Asamaic for the suggested Itinerary - I am happy doing anything apart from the Park run.

[asamaic]

Ha! No one ever wants to, Diane65.

However, I am sure I will see everyone for some fabulous tea and cake. Durham really is amazing for tea rooms.

[raj101]

The Newcastle train is also very quick, a good way to end the day would be the night on the Tyne, the nightspots are all within walking distance of each other. "Durham nightlife" is a different world.

[andrews]

I have voted but am more than happy to make myself available whatever date we choose. I'm so looking forward to welcoming everyone to Durham.