The ones you find in any town these days I only live 25 mins away but havent been for ages as its very steep walking in places. There`s a shopping centre,indoor market and you`ll probably love the atmosphere.
For Pea Pod:
The Milburngate Centre has now been officially 'rebranded' as 'The Gates' but, as you say, it will probably just cause confusion for everyone ;-) http://www.durhamvision.org.uk/q1_opp2.html
Durham's got all the main shops: Woolworth's, M&S, Boots, WH Smith, Etam, etc but also some nice unusual quaint ones plus a good indoor market. A great place to shop