I discovered this secluded haven of tranquillity last week.
Coming up from Durham Riverbanks onto South Bailey, you can see a historic church ahead. This is St Mary-le-Bow and now houses the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum. 
I must have walked past hundreds of times and never looked through the railings. Such a beautiful example of a peaceful enclosed garden in the shade! 
How tranquil one's thoughts could be, sitting quietly among the gently-coloured plants.*
A serene start to the afternoon - now it's time to stroll down into Durham City!*
*
'Bench of the Week' was started by RuneE of Visual Norway. Other participants include Barbara Martin, PERBS, Malyss, Ackworth Born and Pacey - do visit their blogs to see their Bench of the Week on Fridays!
33 comments:
What a beautiful little garden area. I like the picture through the railings. It's like that little sitting area is just calling to you to come in and have a seat.
It is, isn't it, Catherine! As if you are just meant to look for the entrance and go in and take a seat in the tranquillity!
It must be a pleasure indeed to have a secluded spot like that in the middle of a historic city. Sitting on one of the benches and wondering about what once happened behind those historic walls...
We are lucky here in Durham, RuneE, to have so much history and also green places in such a small area!
And plenty of benches to photograph!!
I love wooden benches. Those ones take their special charm from the place where they are, among old stones and garden.The old house seems to protect them, as well as the fence does.Like jewels in their little box.The place has the serenity of the things which had a long and rich life.
What a lovely description, Malyss. I love the idea of them being protected by the building and the fence, like jewels in their little box! The garden does have that kind of feel.
What beauty lays beyond the bars. Love that you shared it with us.
There was a courtyard in New Zealand, that I saw decades ago, just like this one. I still dream of being able to go back and visit, unlock the gates and take my camera in. One day I will.
Jen
You always have such nice tranquil photos. I got a shot of a coring, utilitarian concrete bench outside the main post office last night, as I happened to have my camera with me. I'll have to blog it in my next mash-mash post!
A perfect spot to have a quiet moment with a cup of hot tea for a brief respite from one's hectic day.
Thank you Muddy Boot Dreams.
I wonder if the courtyard you speak of will be the same? It would be nice if it was totally unchanged for your visit!
Thank you Monica!
Why not put your photo on a Bench of the Week post? They are every Friday and great fun! I'm seeing benches wherever I go now - but I don't have time to sit on them!!
Thank you Monica!
Why not put your photo on a Bench of the Week post? They are every Friday and great fun! I'm seeing benches wherever I go now - but I don't have time to sit on them!!
Yes, Barbara - a lovely cup of tea and a scone with jam and cream too!
Indeed a tranquil setting for benches. I am fascinated by the stone wall in the background and the paving stones on the ground. And your city shots are drawing me in, making me curious about what's around the corners.
That's a lovely spot to rest in.
The masonry is interesting on the wall, Diane - it has a similar weathering to the stone bench last week.
Round the corners are plenty of historic and fascinating places! Maybe I should show some of these next week ...
I does look to be so, Ackworth born - I've not yet been in this garden, so have that to look forward to one day.
That secluded bench looks like the perfect place to relax and read a book. The last shot sort of reminds me of Quebec City (the old quarter, which I adore).
I've not been to Quebec City, Prospero - hopefully I'll visit it some day! I do love old winding streets with diverse interesting buildings on either side, punctuated by green spaces!
Ah, so cozy and very serene. Perfect for meditation. come sit on my bench.
<today's blah...
These are really lovely pictures!
Hi phoenix
Well, I could sit there for an hour or three.
Undeniably British, the subject of those shots. Great photos, have a great weekend.
Rob
Thank you Pacey! Your bench is amazing - I've put a link on my post.
Thank you Charlotte, I'm glad you like them!
Hi Rob
Thank you! ('Undeniably British' identified by the rain-washed pavements?!)Have a great weekend!
Hi, thanks for putting a link of my blog here. I'll have to visit the others too to see their exciting bench shots. :) Following your blog now.
Hope you enjoy all the benches, Pacey!
I really love that the considerate people who put the benches there also thought of tables...and I'm surprised the benches are ever empty.
Thank you Te la ma Maria - Reus!
Tables by benches are such a bonus, Bim! I don't recall seeing any photos with people sitting on the benches in Bench of the Week posts!
How beautiful is that! I have a really small yard, if only I had the talent to create a garden like that. Thanks for the inspirational photos!
JM
What a lovely peaceful spot - ideal to while a way an hour or two on a beautiful summer day. Durham must be a good place to live !
Durham is a lovely place Anna, to live in and to visit!
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