I recently visited Durham. During a conversation, I came up with a perfect phrase to summarise it:

“It’s a bit like Cambridge, poorer weather, but genetically more diverse, and without all the wankers..”

I really liked Durham. It has that University feel to it, lots of good looking and bright people. Staff in shops are friendly and helpful (unlike Cambridge) and the place has a genuinely nice homely feel to it. Newcastle is 15 mins max train ride away. I think Durham has done a much better job of preserving it’s historical roots than Cambridge has (definitely less chain shops for a start). People also have spatial awareness (a big issue I have with Cambridge), they just seem to get out of your way as necessary (as opposed to having to tell them to get out your way).

A quick pic: