Is inbreeding a sport in this town?

Had taken the train south a few hours, dropped my bags off at the hotel (yes hotel, couldn’t find a hostel) and proceeded to walk into town. I only had the afternoon and evening to explore. Within meters of reaching the fringe of the town centre, the chain-smoking, hot chip eating, track-suit clad, barbaric locals nearly sent me on the next train out of there. There were feral, rough as guts. Welcome to Durham.

It was clear that the town was divided into the old-town (the cobble-stoned paths and historic sites that the tourists come to see) and the newer 20th century part where the inbreeding took place. Unfortunately my hotel was located on the wrong side of inbredville.

Once you cross the river into the old town, Durham becomes much more appealing. Perhaps a fear of flowing water is all that keeps the inbreds on the north side? I didn’t stop to ask them. The two major drawcards in Durham, other than seeing living Neanderthals, is Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle (now a university). Both have origins that date back to Roman time although the history of the castle is somewhat sketchy in places.

The castle tour involved the use of “may have”, “could have”, “possibly”, “unclear” and the like a hell of a lot. Somewhat detracts from the experience when many details are basically being made up but despite that it was kinda cool to be in the massive castle that reminded me of scenes from Harry Potter. Some of the construction was rather poor and not well thought out and consequently lead to parts collapsing and the shifting of foundations. Not good. As the castle is now being used as a university, much of it wasn’t open to the public. Bit annoying.

The cathedral was a cathedral. No photos were allowed inside – I can’t understand this and it really annoys me. Fine, no flashes, but no photos at all! Wtf. It was the same deal in the castle.

As a side note, for lunch I decided to try the supposed best fish and chip in town. It actually wasn’t too bad. The fish was well cooked, the chips were real chips. Whilst I was waiting in line to order, I was watching what everyone else got (mostly locals). I couldn’t really understand what they were saying. It appeared to be some local chippery short-hand language, with ordered received not corresponding with my guess at their order. The most popular order was not in fact fish and chips. I think the fish may have been too pricey. Most locals ordered a large serve of chips, asking for a large sprinkling of batter crumbs (am guessing this is the batter that falls off the fish when it is cooking) to be put on top of the chips and a bread roll to garnish. Carbs, carbs, and more carbs, drowned in oil. To this they then add a mass of salt and vinegar. It’s disgusting. I could only eat half the chip and had to take most of the batter off the fish, otherwise I would have died on the spot.

Durham Cathedral 

Inside Durham castle/college - no photos allowed beyond this point.

Entrance to castle

Streets of Durham old town

One of the bridges separating the natives from the tourists

The castle at night

Cathedral