We arrived at breakfast to find that it was a self service buffet arrangement. The choice was extensive although the experience wasn’t entirely pleasant. Some guests picked up bread then changed their mind and put it back in the stack. Others were crowding around the toast machine and coughing and sneezing whilst waiting for the toast to cook. Yuk!!

After breakfast we walked into Durham to visit the Cathedral and on the way visited a board game shop called ‘Meeple Games’. We intended to buy a game but couldn’t make up our mind so decided to return later when we had done a bit of research.

When we arrived at Palace Green we visited the Heritage Centre with its archeological display and small exhibition about the Durham Light Infantry.

We arrived at the Cathedral to find that it was currently closed to visitors due to a service taking place so we walked to the nearby Church of St Mary the Less, so named because the much larger Cathedral is also dedicated to St Mary. Sadly this too was shut with no indication of when it might be open.

With time to spare we set off on a river walk crossing over both the Prebends’ and Framwellgate bridges before returning to the Cathedral for lunch in the Undercroft Restaurant.

We explored the Cathedral using the short guide pamphlet that we were given on arrival. This pointed out the most significant features including St Cuthberts Shrine and Venerable Bede’s tomb. I was pleasantly surprised to find that photography, with a few perfectly reasonable caveats, was now allowed and even encouraged. At the time of our visit, the Galilee Chapel was hosting an art display, LIGHT by Chris Lavine. This bathed the Chapel in soft blue ripples of light accompanied by gentle music.

Over lunch we did our board game research so we returned to the board game shop and bought Everdell. Next, we purchased a couple of cheap mugs and spoons for the hotel room so that we didn’t have to use paper cups. After the poor bar experience of the previous day we also bought some sherry and glasses so that we could enjoy a pre dinner drink in our room as we got ready to go out for our evening meal.

We dined in Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill. Our table was a little bit too close to bar waiting area but the food was delicious. After dinner we visited the Swan & Three Cygnets which is a short distance from the hotel and which we found to be more welcoming and relaxing than the hotel bar.