Though most people from outside the UK have never even heard of Durham, and many UK residents have likely never visited, the town and its charms have been noted in laudatory terms by more than a few during it’s long history. In this post, we will keep a running list of those that we come across. These include:
I paused upon the bridge, and admired and wondered at the beauty and glory of this scene…it was grand, venerable, and sweet, all at once; I never saw so lovely and magnificent a scene, nor, being content with this, do I care to see a better.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, The English Notebooks, speaking of Durham Cathedral.
I unhesitatingly gave Durham my vote for best cathedral on planet Earth.
Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small Island.
With the cathedral at Durham we reach the incomparable masterpiece of Romanesque architecture not only in England but anywhere. The moment of entering provides for an architectural experience never to be forgotten, one of the greatest England has to offer.
Alec Clifton-Taylor, ‘English Towns’ series on BBC television.
Durham is one of the great experiences of Europe to the eyes of those who appreciate architecture, and to the minds of those who understand architecture. The group of Cathedral, Castle, and Monastery on the rock can only be compared to Avignon and Prague.
Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England.
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Darrell J. Rohl BSc (Hons) (Andrews), MA (Dunelm): I'm a PhD candidate in 
I just discovered that Durham was also selected in 2007 as the UK’s best city by Conde Nast Traveller. Here’s what they had to say:
-Link-
That’s awesome. 7 days and I’ll be there!