Durham Named One Of The Best Places To Live – Discover Life In A New Home Just 4 Miles From The City

Durham has earned a spot on The Guardian's list of happiest places to live in Britain, and it's easy to see why. 

The historic city in the North East effortlessly combines cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a welcoming community spirit, making it a standout location for anyone looking to put down roots.

Just four miles away, nestled in the peaceful village of Witton Gilbert, our Beauford Park development offers the perfect base for enjoying all that this celebrated city and its surrounding countryside have to offer.

Durham City Riverside 

Why People Love Living In Durham

Durham is more than just a pretty postcard, it’s a city with soul. Its cobbled streets wind around the majestic Durham Cathedral and Castle – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and offer a window into over a thousand years of history. The Guardian's art critic, Jonathan Jones, even described the Cathedral as "one of the most beautiful places in the world".

But Durham isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a vibrant, modern city, home to one of the UK’s top universities, with a growing food and drink scene and year-round cultural events.

One of the city’s most spectacular events is Lumiere, the UK’s largest light festival, which transforms Durham’s historic streets and buildings into a mesmerising open-air gallery every two years. This much-loved event attracts artists and visitors from across the globe, illuminating the city with creativity, colour and community spirit.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll feel right at home here. From casual brunch spots to fine dining, Durham has it all. Popular favourites like Flat White Kitchen serve up artisan coffee and seasonal brunches in a cosy setting, while The Cellar Door offers riverside views alongside a refined modern British menu.

And when it comes to entertainment, you’re spoilt for choice. The Gala Theatre hosts a mix of drama, comedy, and music, while independent galleries and boutique shops line the city centre. Whether you’re after a relaxed afternoon browsing or a lively night out, Durham delivers.

Durham Lumiere Festival | Image Credit: Faye Neville & Lewis Musgrove

Nature On Your Doorstep

One of the most underrated joys of living in and around Durham is the access to stunning green spaces. Residents can enjoy riverside walks along the River Wear, wander through the beautiful Durham University Botanic Garden, or explore the nearby Durham Heritage Coast for dramatic cliff-top paths and sandy beaches.

For those who love the great outdoors – and especially for dog owners – Witton Gilbert itself offers plenty of scenic countryside and local walking trails. It’s the kind of place where you can step out of your front door and straight into nature. The surrounding fields and woodland paths provide peaceful spots for morning dog walks or evening strolls to unwind after a busy day.

Durham University Botanic Garden

Excellent Transport Links

Despite its semi-rural charm, Durham is exceptionally well connected. Trains from Durham Station reach Newcastle in just 15 minutes and London in under three hours, making it ideal for commuters and city explorers alike. Road links are just as good, with the A1(M) nearby and regular bus routes connecting Witton Gilbert with Durham and the wider region.

Whether you work in the city or enjoy weekend escapes to the coast or the countryside, living in Witton Gilbert gives you all the convenience of Durham without the hustle and bustle of city centre life.

Why Choose A New Home In Witton Gilbert?

At Beauford Park, you get the best of both worlds. These beautifully designed new homes in Witton Gilbert offer modern living in a charming village setting, just a stone’s throw from everything Durham has to offer. Energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and built with thoughtful attention to detail, our homes are perfect for first-time buyers and families alike.

Beauford Park, Witton Gilbert Street Scene

Looking for houses for sale near Durham? Or maybe you’ve been searching for new homes in Durham with a bit more peace and privacy? Beauford Park has a range of options available to suit every lifestyle.

Click here to book a showhome appointment and discover what life could be like at Beauford Park.