IT HAS been six months since I started writing for The Northern Echo.

During this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed producing trending stories and feature articles for the paper.

Being from the West Midlands, my knowledge of the county stemmed anything my local family and friends could tell me about it.

However, writing for the paper has truly allowed me to expand my knowledge of County Durham and dig deep into the town’s history, speak with residents and really feel like I am part of the local community.

Here are just 10 things I have learnt about County Durham after writing about the area for six months:

  1. I discovered more about County Durham’s history

    My job sometimes requires me to delve into County Durham’s past and learned more about its history.
     

I am now loaded plenty of knowledge and facts; if nothing else, I would be a great addition to a local pub quiz.

I discovered that County Durham was once called the Land of the Prince Bishops.

From the 11th century, several bishops resided in Durham Castle- they were known as the Prince Bishops of Durham and they were among England’s most powerful figures.

They acted as the religious head of the large diocese and they also had the role of defending the kingdom against the Scottish threat.

I also discovered that Durham Cathedral was once made of timber.

However, after it was further built and developed the structure became sturdier.

The Northern Echo: Durham CathedralDurham Cathedral

(Photo: Geograph/ Richard Croft)     

The Cathedral you see today is mostly made from stone.

The 12th century section of the cathedral is the oldest, and boasts a large amount of local stone called the Frosterley marble which dates back 310 million years.

  1. I know exactly where to stay on a weekend break
     

With lockdown measures in place and the travel rules constantly changing, a proper holiday has been a pipe dream for many of us- myself included.

The travel rules are constantly changing and our safest option for a holiday this year seems to be staying in the UK.

Over the past six months, I have written extensively about the best hotels and staycation destinations in County Durham, hoping to give readers a glimmer of hope about the prospect of a weekend away- even if it is just on the doorstep.

If I wanted to stay in a luxe local hotel, my first choice would be Lumley Castle Hotel in Chester-le-Street.

I would love to stay in a castle overnight- and this hotel even has hidden rooms which would add another level of excitement to the stay.

  1. There are some fantastic local businesses to support
     

Where possible, I try to shine a light on the quality independent businesses which are right on your doorstep.

I have spoken to some lovely sellers in the previous months, all with some unique items up for sale.

Bliss Gifts in Darlington is one gift shop that sticks in my mind.

They opened back in 2003 and sell a variety of small gifts and trinkets; have you ever visited the shop?

The Durham Distillery also impressed me and they sold some boozy items that some of my family members would love.

After browsing these independent sellers and writing about them, they truly did make me reconsider my shopping habits last Christmas; as a result, I shopped with more independent sellers and settled on more thoughtful and unique gifts.

  1. There are plenty of beauty spots in the area
     

When it comes to beautiful places in the UK, the Lake District or the Pennine Moors might spring to your mind before places in County Durham.

However, the county is filled with so many places of natural beauty and I would gladly embark on a walking holiday here.

A few months ago, I chose just five scenic walking routes in County Durham to write about.  

The Durham City Ramblers said one of their favourite routes was in the village of Frosterley; this route was praised by the group for its “lovely moorland scenery and views.”

The Northern Echo: Harehope QuarryHarehope Quarry

(Photo: Geograph/Andrew Curtis)

During this walk, you will encounter a primitive Methodist chapel and even pass the historic Old Bridge House.

Another place on the route is Harehope Quarry which was once used as a limestone quarry in the early 1900s.

  1. It is home to some dream properties

I have written several property articles for the Northern Echo- while researching and writing, I have come across many luxury homes that I wish I could live in.

One stunning property sticks in my mind though and that was Isabella House in Durham.

This property was on the market for £2.2 million- and it was worth the price point.

From a showstopper staircase to its very own cinema room, the property had everything.

It’s safe to say that the property wasn’t on the market for long, getting snapped up by a local millionaire.  

  1. Dominic Cummings isn’t the only well-known face in the region…

Dominic Cummings has hit many Northern Echo headlines in the previous months, after he broke lockdown rules and travelled 250 miles to his Durham home.

However, he isn’t the only celebrity from the region.

The Northern Echo: This England captain comes from DurhamThis England captain comes from Durham

(PA Wire/PA Images, Nick Potts)

I was surprised to discover that actor, Rowan Atkinson, comes from Consett and England captain, Steph Houghton comes from Durham.

  1. There is plenty to do in County Durham (once the pandemic is over)

I started writing for The Northern Echo in the middle of the pandemic meaning most attractions and events have been cancelled.

While I have only scratched the surface, it’s clear to see that the region is a vibrant place with plenty to see and do; It’s especially good for families.

Barnard Castle and Raby Castle are just two places of historical significance right on your doorstep.

When in Darlington, I would make sure to watch a show at the hippodrome; as a child, I would have also loved to visit Diggerland in Durham.

  1. County Durham is haunted by ghosts
     

I am fascinated by all thing paranormal.

While I may not necessarily believe in spirits and ghosts myself, I still enjoy hearing spooky stories.

Last October, I spoke to a Bishop Auckland paranormal investigator with some pretty compelling paranormal evidence.

She said one of the most haunted places in County Durham was Jimmy Allen’s nightclub in Durham where they captured this eerie photo:

They also claim to have encountered the ghost of Stan Laurel on a few occasions.

A spokesperson for the paranormal team said: “We’ve come across Stan Laurel a few times- including at The King’s Café in Bishop Auckland.

“We didn’t know it was him at first but when we researched the names that came through at the end it was all of his family members including his son who died shortly after birth.”