Beat the blues this January by escaping to Durham

After what feels like months of cold mornings and dark nights, it can be hard to maintain a positive frame of mind come January. But the chilly weather needn't mean doom and gloom, and a winter break could be just what you need to boost your mood.

You will find that there are plenty of attractions, activities and events across the vale, dales and heritage coast of Durham to help you to beat the winter blues.

Here are our top tips to beat the blues this winter season in Durham….

Get Outside and Get Active!

One of the easiest ways to blow away those cobwebs is by setting out for a brisk walk or hike, and Durham is filled with incredible routes across the Durham Dales, North Pennines and Heritage Coast. Walking has many benefits, including improving circulation and getting you out in the daylight for that all important vitamin D boost.

BBC Countryfile presenter Anita Rani recently visited Durham to chart her own ‘Stiles, steeds and stars’ journey across the county. Join Anita as she criss-crosses our beautiful county and see for yourself our inspiring scenery and natural outdoors attractions.

Try Something New

If you are feeling uninspired following the festive season, trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone is guaranteed to make you feel energised.

On the water: For those who are looking for a little adventure Seaham Marina’s award winning water sports centre offers a range of water sports any age or ability can enjoy from paddle boarding to kayaking and diving just off our stunning Heritage coast.

In the air: If you’re looking to experience Durham from a unique perspective how about from above? Join the Peterlee Parachute Centre for a tandem skydive, normally £300 but if you book before 2^nd April you only pay an incredible £200 for a tandem skydive of upto 15,000ft *subject to continuing availability.

Get on your bike! Being out in the fresh air no matter what the weather has an energizing effect (even when it’s raining) and what better way to do so than by cycling through the wonderful woodland of Hamsterley Forest. One of the Northeast’s premier mountain bike destinations, Hamsterley Forest has over 2000 hectares of forest to explore on 33 miles of waymarked trails and countless more miles of seldom travelled forest road. 

Eat Well

Sampling a delicious dish can often be just what we need to lift the spirits. If you’re a foodie, Durham is the right place for you, as our county is busting with fabulous places to eat.

You could even sneak away for a gourmet overnight break this January at the magnificent five-star Rockliffe Hall. Spend the day enjoying the delights of the award winning luxury spa followed by an evening wining and dining on the superb six course tasting experience at the 4AA Rosette flagship Orangery restaurant. Starting from only £280 per couple, this exclusive January deal also includes a full English breakfast in the Orangery.

Relax and Unwind

Chase away the January blues by relaxing and recharging with a host of special pamper deals at one of Durham’s luxury spas. From the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall on the romantic heritage coast to the award winning Rockliffe Hall Spa and the bright and modern spa at Ramside Hall, when in Durham, you’re spoilt for choice of spa packages that really lift your spirits and put that smile back on your face.

There’s love and mud in the air at the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall with their luxury couple’s spa day. From £275 each couple will have full use of the award winning spa facilities, 45 minute Rasul Mud treatment, relaxing 60 minute signature massage and a two course lunch in the Ozone restaurant with a glass of pink fizz.

Spend quality time with loved ones:

Lots of people will be experiencing the post-holiday blues, so what better excuse do you need than to cheer yourself up by spending some quality time with those closest to you. 

With short days and longer evenings, the canvas of the clear night skies illuminate the county on an astronomical level. Making it the perfect time of year to spend a magical evening together discovering Durham’s dark skies by stargazing. 

If you are a parent, you will be more than aware that it’s not only adults who can become a little fed up during the post-Christmas months, so why not take the kids on an exciting adventure to Hamsterley Forest and follow The Highway Rat trail, the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life through an exciting and interactive forest trail. It’s the prefect way for the kids to let off some steam.

Treat Yourself

What better way to cheer yourself up than by simply treating yourself to something new. Stroll through the historic streets of Durham City, where you will find high street favourites alongside independent shops, boutiques and quirky craft shops. Get your InDurham loyalty card before you visit and take advantage of exclusive discounts and special offers across Durham City.

Looking for a bargain? Take a trip to Dalton Park, the biggest outlet shopping centre in the region. At Dalton Park you can have it all and save up to 50% off high street prices on your favourite high street and designer labels.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

On these gloomy dark days, laughter really is the best medicine. From independent comedy performances to the regular comedy clubs and highly anticipated stand up tours including Dave Spikey, who will be gracing the Gala stage on the 25^th January with his 30th anniversary show. There’s definitely plenty to laugh about this January at the Gala Theatre.

Book a Holiday!

Just three hours by train from London, and less than two from Edinburgh and with Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley international airports on our door step plus the Port of Tyne, it’s never been easier to reach Durham. No matter what your budget or interests, an escape to Durham is the prefect remedy for a case of the winter blues.  

Looking for inspiration? Check out our varied and unique itineraries.