The picturesque city of Durham with its attractive mix of grand architecture and cosy, comforting streets lends itself perfectly to welcoming and homing thousands of university students each year. With such a beautiful and romantic setting for a backdrop, it is no surprise that, according to a recent survey, a quarter of Durham students admit to finding true love while living in the city, ranking it the third highest university in Britain! Durham’s diverse and unique attractions provide innumerable opportunities for bumping into and getting to know your soul mate, and with dating destinations catering to all preferences there is no excuse not to find the perfect location and activity for that romantic rendezvous you’ve been imagining for weeks.
If a coffee and cake sounds like your ideal date, why not visit Flat White on Elvet Bridge and sit outside with a warming drink to observe the passers-by and chat in a relaxed and quirky environment? Or you could choose from the rest of Durham’s enviable array of coffee houses and go for brunch at Leonard’s, tucked away in the quiet and serene Fowlers Yard, or try sitting in the window of the upstairs café at Velvet Elvis with its incredible views of the city’s castle and cathedral. There is also the comfortable and cosy setting of Vennels, nestled right in the heart of the city, making it the ideal and most convenient location.
Or why not make the most of being a poor student and take advantage of the generous NUS discounts available which allow you to enjoy Durham’s finest restaurants at a mere fraction of the price? You could meet your date at Pizza Express and enjoy great tasting pizzas with forty percent off on a Monday or Tuesday, or choose between Zizzi, Ask Italian and Chiquito, which too provide great value for those in need of saving money whenever they can! You could further decrease your costs whilst increasing the romance by getting intimate and sharing a dish with your date.
If you prefer something more unique to the beautiful and atmospheric city you live in then why not hire a rowing boat and get to know each other directly upon the iconic River Wear? Not only will your day be filled with excitement as well as passion, but if your boat ends up filled with water then it will certainly result in an unforgettable experience!
You could also go for a wander through the picturesque botanic gardens, (offering free entry to all Durham University students), if the idea of getting close to each other and close to nature appeals to you. The grounds are incredibly attractive and provide many opportunities for shelter from the elements if the weather decides to threaten your plans, for example a large greenhouse with exotic indoor shrubs and a gift shop beside yet another attractive café, offering great food.
Durham’s dating destinations do not however end there and it boasts an impressive variety of evening entertainment if you’re more of a night owl. Why not pay a visit to the Gala Theatre (only £5 for students on a Monday night) and cosy up in front of a film, or if you prefer chatting then why not visit one of Durham’s many inviting bars? For sophistication, elegance, and hugely impressive cocktails drop in at Whisky River tucked away beside Elvet Bridge, or give Ebony’s rival cocktail selection a try and either sit in their posh, relaxing bar area or outside with a blanket beneath the warm heated lights
If pubs are more up your street then Durham simultaneously succeeds in covering this arena, effortlessly providing plentiful popular and friendly destinations including the Swan and Three Cygnets, the Head of Steam, and the New Inn.
A college bar crawl could equally provide an exciting night out with the brilliantly priced drinks and eclectic mix of different settings more than making up for the journeying between the various locations.
Durham certainly does not lack opportunities, generously providing the perfect environment for all budding romances to flourish. Give it a go and see what this wonderful city can do for you and your love life (not forgetting your degree and future career). You will not be disappointed.