Embargoed until 15 January 2018

Visitors are being urged to kick-start 2018 by escaping the stresses of January and discover what Durham has to offer as a relaxing getaway destination.

Visit County Durham's national marketing campaign is aimed at attracting tourists looking to 'beat the January blues' by introducing a variety of unique and innovative ways to get away from it all, spoil themselves and relax in the county's breathtaking dales, dramatic coastline, vale steeped in history and a vibrant heritage city.

By day, visitors can wrap up warm and blow off the cobwebs by discovering Durham's great outdoors inspired by a specially commissioned 'Stiles, Steeds and Stars' film featuring TV presenter Anita Rani as she samples the county's stunning scenery and natural attractions on foot, by bike and under the region's vast glistening dark skies. Winter provides a dramatic backdrop for guests looking to explore the stunning surroundings of the Durham Dales, Durham Heritage Coast and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where walking and cycling are the best ways to experience the beautiful landscapes.

For a relaxing New Year break steeped in history, Durham city certainly doesn't disappoint. Its skyline is one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe dominated by Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, widely recognised as the UK's number one landmark, or as author Bill Bryson puts it “the best cathedral on planet earth'. The two Romanesque buildings are also part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is full of many more treasures to unearth, such as the quaint cobbled city streets, meandering the River Wear and dotted with picturesque cafes and book shops and Crook Hall and Gardens, a 13th Century Medieval hall set in beautiful, quintessentially English gardens.

If romance and relaxation is at the heart of the agenda, Durham is home to award-winning city, coast and country spa hotels. Press pause and escape the chill of winter at Rockliffe Hall, a 5* home-from-home experience with award-winning spa facilities. Just a five minute drive from the charm of Durham city, 4* Ramside Hall is offering couples a Winter Escape retreat, complete with overnight stay, spa brunch, use of the modern spa facilities and a rejuvenating treatment, or simply indulge in sumptuous luxury in the new Luxury Loft Suite at Seaham Hall overlooking Durham's dramatic coastline – a sure cure for the January Blues.

With short days and longer evenings, the canvas of the clear night skies illuminate the county on an astronomical level. What better way to beat the January blues than to discover Durham's dark skies by stargazing under the blanket of the Milky Way? Durham is home to a number of officially designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, and is regarded as having some of the best locations to witness celestial meteor showers, especially away from the main centres of population in the seclusion of the North Pennines AONB.

Visit County Durham's 'Beat the Blues' campaign is set to run from 15 January – 14 February 2018.  

To find out more, visit: http://bit.ly/BlueMondayVCD

Link to Anita Rani's 'Stiles, Steeds and Stars': https://youtu.be/5v9SCadtb5g

CAPTION: Winter Indulgence at Ramside Hall, Durham (additional images available on request)

ENDS

Sophie Hardy T: 03000 261 223

E: sophie.hardy@visitcountydurham.org 

Notes to editors:

About Visit County Durham:

• Visit County Durham (VCD) is the Destination Management Organisation for County Durham working on behalf of businesses and public agencies. We came into being on 1 April 2006 and are a private, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with a board of directors including an executive director.
• The Company's main funder is Durham County Council. The private sector also contributes financially to our work in return for benefits and activities that meet their needs.
• Visit County Durham assists the county to fulfil its potential as one of North East England's lead destinations, attracting visitors to the region from across the UK and from target overseas markets. Its objective is to ensure that the tourism sector performs to its maximum capacity and brings economic benefits to the county in the form of wealth and job creation. Its broad aims are to attract people to the area and to provide visitors with the best possible experience.