Crossgate Durham: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of the UK!
Crossgate Durham: Unveiling the Hidden Gem… and a Few Hidden Quirks! (A Review for the Real Traveler)
Okay, listen up, because I'm about to spill the tea on Crossgate Durham. Forget the polished brochure – this is the raw, unvarnished truth, from a seasoned traveler who’s seen it all (and probably spilled coffee on most of it). This review is long. Buckle up.
First Impressions are… Complicated.
Finding the place was… an adventure. GPS tried to send me down a one-way street apparently designed for ants. Accessibility fact check: The actual entrance is pretty straightforward once you find it. Car park [on-site] is a definite plus, especially for someone like me who treats parking like a contact sport. Getting Around: Seriously, free parking is a massive win. Valet parking? Haven't tried it, but I'm picturing myself trying to remember where the car keys are. And a Taxi service is on the cards, for sure - Durham is a maze!
The exterior? Well, let's say it's got "character." It isn't one of those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. It has a personality, perhaps a slightly eccentric uncle who tells long stories and occasionally forgets where he put his spectacles.
Checking In: Smooth Sailing (Mostly). Services and conveniences - Contactless check-in/out? Yes! A godsend in the age of germophobia. Front desk [24-hour] is ideal. The staff were genuinely friendly, but let me tell you, the elevator situation… Elevator? Yes! That's a major win for someone who prefers not to climb stairs with luggage.
The Room: A Home Away From… Actually, Maybe Not MY EXACT Home, But Still Cozy.
Available in all rooms: Yes! Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (what even IS that?), bathtub, all the basics are there. Internet access – wireless, yes! (And blessedly, free Wi-Fi). The [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!] is a game changer, especially when roaming charges are the enemy of the everyday.
The bed? Comfortable enough. Extra long bed? Probably..didn't check if it was exactly the perfect length for a human. The rooms aren’t the size of a football field… they are perfectly fine. There's a reading light and a socket near the bed, which is a small thing, but oh-so-appreciated. *Don’t expect a minimalist vibe; it's more like "lived-in cozy." Some might call it "slightly dated", but I found it charming. The Linens? Clean. The towels? Fluffy enough. The Mirror? Present and accounted for, which is important when wrestling with hair. * The View? Mine overlooked… well, a building, but the blackout curtains (another win!) meant I could sleep like a baby.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Big Deal in These Times.
Rooms sanitized between stays. Rooms are sanitized between stays. The detail that really hit home here was their use of Anti-viral cleaning products. They have staff trained in safety protocol. I'm sure they could arrange a doctor/nurse on call. It felt safe, which is crucial. CCTV in common areas, and even CCTV outside the property, definitely made me feel safe and secure. The smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are all in place and visible which is ideal.
Food, Glorious Food… and That One Slightly Dodgy Dinner.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Restaurants? Plural! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yay! Breakfast service? [Buffet] also yay! The breakfast buffet (Western and Asian options available) was pretty decent. *The variety was impressive. I made a valiant attempt to sample everything (purely for "research" purposes, of course). The Coffee shop? Another plus. Bottle of water? Available. *
But then… *I ventured to try the A la carte in restaurant for dinner. I went for the * International cuisine in restaurant. I tried the pasta dish and it arrived late, like properly late. It wasn't the fault of the waiting staff - they were lovely, hustling like their lives depended on it. Let’s call it a "learning experience." The Soup in restaurant was great, tho! And the Salad? Fine! It was… a mixed bag.* The snack bar? Nice little spot in the pool area.
For the kids: It's Family/child friendly. Kids meal? Yes! Babysitting service? Yep!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than You Think!
Spa, or spa/sauna? Yes, and yes! The pool with view? Gorgeous, though I didn't spend enough time in it. They also have a gym/fitness, Fitness center, and a sauna. The Body scrub and Body wrap? Might have to give those a try next time; I'm a sucker for a bit of pampering. There’s a real attempt to create a relaxing atmosphere. And there are meeting/banquet facilities, for your work-related needs.
The Hidden Gems (and a Few Things to Watch Out For)
I can't stress this enough - the [Free Wi-Fi]! Absolute lifesaver, really. Especially if you, like me, rely on Netflix for sanity. And the Staff trained in safety protocol is a huge plus. Having said that, the room decor wasn’t exactly up to date. The TV was a bit old-fashioned, but honestly, I wasn't there to watch TV. You'd probably be best off going to the bar and ordering a happy hour cocktail. I also saw a couple of guys there who were making the most of the karaoke setup.
Hidden Quirks:
The lack of clear signage for some of the amenities. Bring a map, and maybe a sense of adventure. The slightly unpredictable water pressure in the shower. Pack ear plugs because, occasionally, you will hear the people in the next room.
Accessibility – Always Important
Facilities for disabled guests? Absolutely! Elevator? Yes! Accessibility seems thoughtfully considered, which is excellent.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, Crossgate Durham is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but that’s what makes it real. It’s got heart. It’s got charm. And with that [Free Wi-Fi] combined with the sauna? Sold.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and utterly charming heart of Crossgate, Durham. This isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary, oh no. This is me, winging it, with you along for the ride. Prepare for some opinions, some bad directions, and maybe, just maybe, a profound moment of feeling.
Day 1: Arrival & Trying to Look Cool (Fat Chance)
- 10:00 AM: Land in Newcastle (the closest airport - shoutout to budget flights!). The first hurdle? Not the jet lag. It’s trying to figure out the bloody Metro. Seriously, I spent a solid 10 minutes looking lost, convinced I'd accidentally stumbled into a secret underground lair. Finally, a kind Geordie lady (bless her cotton socks) pointed me in the right direction. Lesson learned: brush up on your Metro etiquette before you arrive. And maybe learn a few Geordie phrases. (Howay man, I still have no idea what it means.)
- 11:30 AM: Train to Durham. That train ride, though? Stunning. Rolling green hills, sheep looking smug, the air smelling deliciously of… well, England. Arrival at Durham station is just beautiful, even if a little bit overwhelmed looking around. It's pretty obvious this city is steeped in history, even as I struggle to figure out my hostel/hotel.
- 12:30 PM: Check into the "Hostel That Shall Not Be Named" (because the beds were suspiciously lumpy). Dropped my bags, and went for a quick walk. The hostel was fine…ish. The duvet was fluffy. Good enough.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Pub. A real pub. Found a little gem called "The Shakespeare." Ordered a pint of local ale (I think, I might have just pointed at something that looked brown and tasty). And a sandwich with chips (because priorities). The pub was buzzing with locals, all chatting away. I tried to eavesdrop, but their accents were like a foreign language. Even after the ale.
- 2:30 PM: Crossgate Wander. My "plan" was to casually stroll through Crossgate. The "plan" was also to look like a seasoned traveler. I failed. Miserably. I wandered, alright, but mostly in a slightly confused state, constantly checking Google Maps. I stumbled upon little shops, quirky buildings. The architecture is amazing, but my god, the hills! Durham is basically a giant, beautiful hamster wheel.
- 4:00 PM: Durham Cathedral. Okay, WOW. Just… WOW. I'm not even particularly religious, but standing in that cathedral, with its towering arches and hushed reverence, knocked the air out of me. It's a cliché, I know, but I actually teared up. The light streaming through the stained-glass windows… pure magic. I spent ages just wandering around.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the pub, because, when in Rome… or, you know, Durham. This time, a proper meal: pie and mash with gravy. Oh, sweet, savory heaven. I overdid it on the gravy, probably.
- 7:30 PM: A stroll. I took a slow one through the night and felt a bit nostalgic. Just took in the air and the sounds.
- 8:30 PM: Back to lumpy beds. Sleep?
Day 2: Overdoing It (and Loving It)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I would love to say that was a cooked breakfast but it was not.
- 10:00 AM: Durham Castle? I didn't do that. Not a big fan of castles.
- 11:00 AM: The Botanic Garden. Honestly, I didn't think I'd like this, but it was blissful. Especially that little stream. It's quiet and beautiful. And the plants are cool. I think I saw a bee.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch, but not at the pub. I found a cute cafe. I got a scone and tea. It was lovely.
- 2:00 PM: The walk in the park. I got slightly lost, but it was fine.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping in the Market. Everything looks so fancy!
- 6:00 PM: Another Pub. This time I took a friend with me.
- 7:30 PM: Bed and sleep.
Day 3: Leaving and Missing It Already
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast somewhere nice.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the hostel. One last regretful gaze at the lumpy bed.
- 11:00 AM: One last walk to say goodbye.
- 12:00 PM: Train to Newcastle, the same as before.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Goodbye.
Reflections:
Look, this wasn't perfect. I got lost. I ate too many chips. I definitely didn't see everything. But that's the beauty of travelling, isn't it? The imperfections, the moments where you stumble, the times you just stop and stare, open-mouthed. Durham, with its history, its beauty, and yes, its hills, got under my skin. I'm already planning a return. And next time, I'm definitely trying a proper Geordie phrase. Maybe. I'll also learn to pack better. And I definitely won't forget my walking shoes, again.
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Crossgate Durham: You Heard of It? Good. You Haven't? Get Yourself Here ASAP. Seriously.
What exactly *is* Crossgate Durham? Is it just, like, a street?
Well, yeah, it *is* a street... sort of. But calling Crossgate "just a street" is like calling the Mona Lisa "just a painting." Okay, maybe that's a *slight* overstatement, but trust me, Crossgate is more than just a strip of road. It's a vibrant hub, a microcosm of Durham life crammed into a relatively short stretch. Think of it as the artery pumping lifeblood through the city. (Okay, I need to stop with the metaphors. But you get the idea.) It's got shops, pubs, cafes, takeaways… everything you need for a good time, or, you know, just to survive the day.
Okay, so it's a street. What makes it different? What's so special?
Alright, here's the deal. Crossgate *breathes* Durham. It's got that classic, cobbled-street charm, but it's not just about the pretty architecture. There's a certain *vibe*. The kind where students in questionable outfits bump shoulders with locals grabbing their morning coffee, and your first pint of the evening is just steps away from a late-night pizza. It’s… electric. I once saw a dog wearing a tiny Durham University scarf on Crossgate. I swear it was judging me. And that, my friends, is the Crossgate energy.
Any must-see shops/restaurants on Crossgate?
Oh, this is where it gets REAL. Okay, first off, you absolutely HAVE to hit up Flat White Kitchen. Their breakfast? Life-altering. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating. Their eggs benedict once single-handedly cured my hangover. Now, the downside… you might have to queue. But trust me, the wait is worth it. Then there's La Tasca for tapas and sangria. Perfect for a boozy afternoon. And for a quick bite, you can’t miss Pizza Pizzeria. Be warned, the portions are HUGE. I learned that the hard way. Let's just say, I had a very embarrassing journey home after that one…"
What's the pub scene like? Because, let's be honest, I'm here for the pubs.
Ah, the pubs. Crossgate’s crowning glory! The Dun Cow is a classic, all dark wood and cozy corners. Perfect for a proper pint and a chat. The Old Shire Hall is stunning, all high ceilings and a real sense of history. The Three Tuns is a bit more lively, a great place for a pre-night-out drink. I once saw a stag do dressed as bananas in The Three Tuns. Bananas! I tell you… Durham. It's got character. The only thing I'd advise is to pace yourself. You can easily find yourself stumbling out of one pub and straight into another. Maybe have a map ready, or a designated driver (or, better yet, walk!).
Is Crossgate just for students? I don’t want to feel like an outsider.
Not at all! While Durham is a university city, Crossgate is for everyone. You'll find a real mix of people – students, locals, tourists… everyone. It's part of what makes it so awesome. Honestly, I'm not even a student, but I practically *live* on Crossgate. And I have no regrets. Okay, maybe the time I tried to karaoke at a pub. But that's a story for another time… the point is, come as you are! You'll fit right in.
What's the best way to get to Crossgate?
Walking! This is the best and, truthfully, the only way. Durham is a compact city, and parking can be a nightmare. If you *have* to drive, good luck. Seriously. Find a car park and prepare to walk a bit. But once you're actually walking towards Crossgate, it's lovely. The views are just… *chef's kiss*. Bus is another option, but honestly, you have to walk either way. Just embrace the foot-power – you’ll burn off all those calories from that amazing breakfast at Flat White Kitchen… Which, by the way, I'm still raving about.
Anything I should be wary of? Any downsides?
Okay, honesty time. It gets BUSY. Especially on weekends, especially during term time. You might have to queue for a table, you might have to fight your way through crowds, you might even accidentally knock over a pint or two. (Oops, sorry again, random stranger!) And the prices? Not always the cheapest, but you're paying for the atmosphere, right? And yes, the hills in Durham, and therefore Crossgate, are *steep*. Prepare your calves. Really, that’s it. It’s a small price to pay for a place that consistently delivers a good time.
Tell me more about that "Flat White Kitchen" breakfast. You seem really passionate about it.
Right, so… Flat White Kitchen. Look, I'm not being dramatic here. Their eggs benedict... it's a *symphony* on a plate. The hollandaise is perfection. Not too thick, not too thin, just… heaven. The eggs are cooked to that perfect, runny consistency. The bacon? Crispy and smoky. I once went there hungover and ordered it, and... everything just melted away. The throbbing headache, the regrets of the previous night… gone. It was like a religious experience. I probably should have tipped more. Actually I still feel I should go back and leave them a cash tip just to make sure I am forgiven for missing out on the tip that day. Okay, I should stop. Just go. You'll understand. It's a MUST.
Anything else I should know before I go?
Bring comfy shoes. Embrace the chaos. Be prepared to have your faith in humanity restored. And most importantly... have fun. Crossgate is awesome. Just go. Go now! Seriously. What are you waiting for?
