With towering views of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, irresistible river walks and quaint cobbled lanes leading you to hidden cafés and bars, Durham City is full of things to do while visiting for the UK’s light art biennial.
We recently spoke to members of the Lumiere Business Club to find out how you can spend your day in Durham City. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out this November!
Elliot Howey, Marketing Executive at Hotel Indigo Durham, tells us that his favourite place to visit in the city is the iconic Durham Cathedral.
“You can see it from miles away as you head toward the city. The scale and beauty of the building is a joy to see every day. And the volunteers and team inside love telling you about the cathedral’s history and the key role the building has played in our region.”
Hotel Indigo Durham is a Gold Member of the Business Club.
Moments from the historic city centre, Hotel Indigo Durham is located in the former Old Shire Hall building on Old Elvet just 5 minutes from Durham railway station. The hotel is perfectly located to experience all that this charming city has to offer.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“As a hotel team, we know the positive impact Lumiere has on the city. From the excitement and anticipation of what new and wonderful light exhibition we will see this year to the increased visitors and exposure, the city receives during the period. We want to help ensure that Lumiere continues to come to our city so the whole region can enjoy the event for years to come.”
Alex Waterston, Associate Director at Waterstons, lets us in on his favourite spot for a coffee break: Collected.
“Collected is a lovely independent bookshop that specialises in work written by a really broad and amazing selection of women. They serve great tea and coffee and cakes. It’s a great place to go to be inspired by colourful covers, thought-provoking words, and delightful and helpful staff.”
Waterstons is a Gold Member of the Business Club.
Waterstons blend technology with strategy, helping to free the future potential of brilliant people and brilliant organisations. They have been around for almost three decades, forging trusted, long-term partnerships with ambitious organisations around the world.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Lumiere is a highly anticipated event and we’re proud to support something that brings so much joy, community spirit and – quite literally – light to our home city. The opportunity for Durham to showcase incredible artists, share important messages and inspire so many visitors from across the region and beyond is something we’ll always be passionate about.”
Darren Wingfield Commercial Manager at Harlands Accountants, says that Durham City centre in its entirety has a certain je ne sais quoi…
“Durham is Durham… There’s not a specific place that I love, it’s the combined nature of the city centre!”
Harlands Accountants is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Harlands Accountants offer accountancy services for business including Management Accounts, Outsourced Finance, Corporate Finance and R&D.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“The Business Club gives the opportunity for businesses to support Lumiere at various levels. By becoming members, we help making Lumiere happen. Lumiere is such an important part of Durham and for the whole County – it has a huge impact on the local economy.”
Simon MacConachie, Managing Director at Sherwoods Motor Group, tells us that the Gala Theatre is one of his favourite spots in town.
The Gala Theatre Durham hosts a programme of live events attracting some of the country’s leading theatre companies, comedians, bands, musicians and dance performers.
Sherwoods Motor Group is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Sherwoods Motor Group has served the North East for over 95 years. Proudly representing Peugeot in Durham, Sherwoods Motor Group provide the highest standard of customer service, and exceptional offers across new and used car sales, aftersales, business and fleet and Motability.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Lumiere is the perfect event for everyone, including families and people from outside of Durham. We recognise the importance of Lumiere for the local community. By joining the Business Club, we are contributing to make it happen”.
Andrea Brown at Hargreaves Services plc, says that walking along the River Wear is a must when visiting the city.
“From a personal perspective, my favourite thing to do is to walk along the riverbank – particularly near the old Brown’s Boat House, where I spent many hours during my childhood.”
Hargreaves Services plc is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Hargreaves Services plc is a diversified group delivering services to the Environmental, Industrial and Property sectors.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Hagreaves Services plc and its subsidiary companies recognise the importance of our local communities. Our businesses are encouraged to support charities and local groups and initiatives that our employees are actively involved with. Lumiere is an amazing event which Durham is proud to host and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
Sarah Gray, Business Development Manager at Leonard Curtis, tells us that you can’t visit Durham City without having a bite to eat at Cafédral on Owengate.
“I love parking up near Durham School to drop my daughter off for her dance class and then going for a run through the beautiful riverbanks. Hopefully, if the sun is shining, I’ll sit outside Cafédral Café on Owengate and enjoy a spot of brunch while reading the paper… pure bliss to me!”
Leonard Curtis is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Leonard Curtis Recovery provide directors of struggling businesses with positive strategic advice, enabling them to retain control of their business, as well as key stakeholders and professionals involved with those dealing with debt and financial problems.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Lumiere is a cultural gem of an event and here in Durham we are extremely lucky to host it. In a previous life I had retail in the city and so I know that it’s the people that gives Durham its heart which is opened to all the visitors that Lumiere attracts. It’s this collective love that makes Lumiere special to me.”
Paul Harland Depot Manager at Premier Waste Recycling, recommends meandering through the city centre for a snack.
“One of my favourite things to do is have a nice walk with the family along the river to the city centre where we can stop and get a nice bite to eat and drink before walking back.”
Premier Waste Recycling is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Premier Waste Recycling provide business waste collection and recycling services that don’t cost the earth.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“I support Lumiere for two reasons really, the first being that the event itself attracts a lot of visitors to Durham City which in turn supports the local shops, bars, restaurants, hotels etc which helps to make them sustainable. And secondly, it’s an event that is different to the normal things you see and do in and around the city.”
Emma Rutherford, Sales Leader at Delta Hotel by Marriott Durham Royal County says that Durham City marketplace is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Durham Markets is more than just a market, the Market Hall is where history and tradition meet contemporary retail.
Delta Hotels Durham Royal County is a Silver Member of the Business Club.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County first opened its doors in 1815 and, to this day, sits proudly at the heart of this vibrant city. Their bedrooms are modern and refurbished, many with breath-taking views of the River Wear, Durham Castle and Cathedral, offering style, comfort and inspiration at every turn. More than a place to stay, this is where locals and visitors alike connect and celebrate.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“We support Lumiere because it’s the most important cultural event of the North East and it brings thousands of visitors to Durham. Lumiere represents an invaluable asset for Durham’s hospitality sector.”
Clare Nicholson, Partnership and Engagement Manager at Digital Catapult Sunderland Software, emphasises that visiting the Cathedral Museum is really worth your while.
“I love supporting the delicious local food establishments and having a stroll by the riverbanks with what I’ve bought… Or heading to the beautiful Cathedral Museum to check out whatever their new exhibition is!”
Digital Catapult Sunderland Software is a Bronze Member of the Business Club.
Digital Catapult Sunderland Software City support and grow the North East tech sector by helping people explore careers, start businesses and grow their organisations.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Digital Catapult North East & Tees Valley are returning sponsors for 2023. We know that the festival plays an important role in bringing communities together in Durham and is certainly a highlight in the North East calendar for all things creative and cultural. We are delighted to be supporting this amazing festival once again.”
John Galley Consultant at Galley & Tindle, tells us that his favourite place to stop for food is The Boat Club Cocktail Bar and Eatery.
“Durham Cathedral and The Boat Club Cocktail Bar and Eatery are firm favourites!”
Galley & Tindle is a Bronze Member of the Business Club.
Galley & Tindle are a proactive & forward-thinking firm of Accountants, Business and Tax Advisers in Durham and are now part of Inspire Accountants Number 2 Limited.
Why do you support Lumiere?
“Lumiere is a big part of the North East cultural calendar, attracting thousands of people to Durham City. Through the Business Club, we contribute to make this event happen”
For more information on what to do during your stay, visit This is Durham.
#LoveDurham #DurhamCultureCounty
The Lumiere Business Club is a sponsorship package that gives local businesses the opportunity to support Lumiere 2023 at various levels of engagement.
Membership of the Lumiere Business Club is available from £500 + VAT, with three distinct tiers, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each offering attractive press, marketing, networking and staff engagement benefits.