[1] It is situated just over 1 mile (1.6 km) to the south-east of Durham city centre, on the A177 road to Stockton.

Shincliffe is regarded as one of the most affluent villages in Durham City and has been designated a conservation area to preserve its historic character.

[3] In the Middle Ages Shincliffe was an agricultural community belonging to the Prior of Durham Cathedral.

It served as a Land Army hostel then as postgraduate hall of residence for Durham University.

Although Shincliffe is primarily a residential settlement, it is also home to two pubs, a daycare nursery and the Poplar Tree garden centre.