Region Guides - Durham
Overview | Attractions Click images to enlargeCelebrated, together with Durham Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites, the Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of a Norman building in England. An icon of northeast England, the Cathedral was voted as the nation's best-loved building in a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001. Renowned for its immense architecture, ancient history and deep religious roots the Cathedral is a must see for any visitor to Durham.
Telephone: (0)191 386 4266
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Transport:
Opening times: Daily, except during special services and events
Durham Heritage Centre
Durham's colourful local history museum is housed in a medieval church, offering some interactive fun and exhibits detailing the story of Durham from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include fascinating items like the 'Death Chair', used to carry sick boys from Durham School to the infirmary in days of yore, and a chilling recreation of a cell from the notorious Northgate gaol. The Heritage Centre also has a brass-rubbing centre and offers an audio-visual show of the history of the town.
Telephone: (0191) 384 5589
Website: web.ukonline.co.uk/durhamheritagecentre
Transport:
Opening times: Daily 11am to 4.30pm (July to September) and open weekends and Bank holidays from 2pm to 4.30pm for the rest of the year
Fowlers Yard Creative Workspaces
A row of stables along the River Wear close to the historic heart of Durham has been converted into a set of creative workspaces, where local artists can be seen at work. Visitors can watch crafts like woodcarving, glasswork, painting and textile arts in progress.
Telephone: (0)191 301 8245
Website: www.fowlersyarddurham.co.uk
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Opening times:
Crook Hall
Durham's beautiful Grade 1 listed medieval manor house of Crook Hall, dating from around the 13th century, is a short distance from the town centre and one of its most popular attractions. The house and magnificent gardens are open to the public, and cream teas are served in a pretty courtyard in summer, or in front of a roaring log fire in winter. Most visitors are intrigued by the 17th-century Jacobean room in the house, allegedly haunted by the ghost of the 'White Lady', niece of a former resident of the house.
Telephone: (0)191 384 8028
Website: www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
Transport:
Opening times: 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays (May and August), and on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (27 May to 9 September)
Durham Castle
Few buildings in the world can claim to have been in constant use for more than 900 years, but Durham Castle is one of them. It was originally built in the 11th century opposite Durham Cathedral to protect the Bishop from the 'barbaric' northern tribes, after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over the centuries the core of the ancient castle remained intact, but there have been numerous renovations and extensions. The castle's aspect today is imposing. The Great Hall is one of the largest in Britain, created by Bishop Antony Bek in the 14th century. Since 1840, when the Bishop moved elsewhere, it has housed a college of Durham University. Visitors are welcome on guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes.
Telephone: (0)191 374 3800
Website: www.durhamcastle.com
Transport:
Opening times: Tours usually take place at intervals on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons during term time, daily during university vacations. Call ahead to check as events may result in cancellations
Few buildings in the world can claim to have been in constant use for more than 900 years, but Durham Castle is one of them. It was originally built in the 11th century opposite Durham Cathedral to protect the Bishop from the 'barbaric' northern tribes, after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over the centuries the core of the ancient castle remained intact, but there have been numerous renovations and extensions. The castle's aspect today is imposing. The Great Hall is one of the largest in Britain, created by Bishop Antony Bek in the 14th century. Since 1840, when the Bishop moved elsewhere, it has housed a college of Durham University. Visitors are welcome on guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes.
Telephone: (0)191 374 3800
Website: www.durhamcastle.com
Transport:
Opening times: Tours usually take place at intervals on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons during term time, daily during university vacations. Call ahead to check as events may result in cancellations
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