Durham City
Durham is a small, compact city steeped in history but it is also a thriving busy market town. Durham is also home to hundreds of students at the third oldest university in the country adding to the unique character of the city.
The city is dominated by Durham Cathedral and if you arrive in the city by train your first view may well be from the dizzying height of the graceful curving viaduct.
Much of the city is closed to traffic, however many of the streets are cobbled and narrow and quite steep in places so “sensible shoes” are advisable when sightseeing.
There is a good selection of places to eat in Durham and a wide variety of shops.
As well as the usual High Street shops there are wonderful bookshops and craft shops where it is extremely easy to while away a couple of hours completely undisturbed.
During several visits to Durham City, we found the people there to be very friendly and helpful.
If we were poring over a map of Durham or debating where to go next it was not unusual for someone to intervene and apologise for “just overhearing”and could they help.
They were quick to recommend an easier or quicker route and a nice little place for a cup of tea.
All things considered a visit to Durham City is a most satisfying experience.
Durham Places To Visit
Durham Cathedral is acclaimed as the most stupendous example of Norman architecture anywhere in the world. The most impressive view is from Prebends Bridge where the huge edifice towers over the river.
More than nine hundred years ago a wooden chapel was built on the site as a shrine to Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne.
This was replaced by a stone church. In1066 King William recognised the strategic significance of the high, craggy outcrop which is looped on three sides by the river.
The Benedictine monks and a bishop appointed by the king began the construction of the cathedral as we know it today.
To visit Durham Cathedral climb the rather steep hill from the Market Place to Palace Green.
If you find the climb too strenuous there is a frequent bus service to carry you up the hill and back.
Palace Green is a tranquil oasis dominated by the Cathedral. Enter the Cathedral through the great wooden doors where you will see a replica of the sanctuary knocker.
The original can be viewed among the Cathedral treasures.
The soaring interior of Durham Cathedral is breathtaking with its exquisite stained glass and massive columns boldly carved with zig zags and diamond shapes.
The charming chaplain volunteered information about St Cuthbert`s shrine and the superb Galilee Chapel and the beautiful stained glass and nine chapels partly obscured by the main altar.
He pointed out the columns of ancient creamy Frosterly marble filled with fossils.
Look up into the tower which is some 66 metres high. A climb of 325 steps will take you to the top.
Durham Cathedral is open all year. There are no admission charges to the Cathedral but there are charges to view the treasures of Saint Cuthbert, the Monks Dormitory and the Tower.
Durham Castle was built to protect the Cathedral and later became the Bishop`s Palace.
The Bishops of Durham were given the title Prince Bishops because they were given the power by the King to rule this part of the North.
In 1832 it became part of the new Durham University and the Prince Bishops were transferred to the palace in Bishop Auckland.
Entry to Durham Castle courtyard is through the Gatehouse from Palace Green.
From here you can see all the Castle buildings.
Entry to the Castle itself is by guided tour only.
This is highly recommended to appreciate the history of the Castle and to see The Great Hall, the Norman Chapel, the Black Staircase made from solid oak and the 500 year old kitchen which is still in use.
To check times of guided tours and charges telephone the Castle Porter on 01913343800
In 1986 Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle were declared a World Heritage Site.
Durham Guildhall is situated in the Market Place.
It was built in 1356 and then rebuilt in 1665.
When the building became too small for its purpose it was replaced by Durham Town Hall which was built in1850.
Durham Town Hall is certainly worth a visit to see the amazing hammer beam roof, the beautiful stained glass and the superb fireplace constructed from local stone.
To arrange a guided tour telephone 01913018490
Durham Indoor Market is a lovely crypt-like building.
Enter from the Market Place to find more than eighty stalls selling everything from fresh fish and meat to curtains and bobbins.
Durham Crook Hall is a medieval manor house.
Take a tour of the lovely gardens and some parts of the Hall with its minstrel gallery.
The Hall is open from 1pm to 5pm at Easter, Bank Holidays and Sundays and daily in June, July and August.
Adult admission is £4.00
Durham Finchale Priory is four miles from Durham City centre in a very pretty spot by the river.
It is believed Saint Godric lived there in the 13th century.
In the 14century it was used as a retreat house by the monks of Durham.
The Priory is open from April to October and there is an admission charge.
Durham Bridges
Durham Prebends Bridge It is from this bridge that you will have the best view of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. It was from here that Turner painted.
The bridge was built in 1777
Go to the western end of the bridge and on a plaque there you can read the words written by Sir Walter Scott about Durham.
Durham Elvet Bridge was built in the 12th century and in the 13th century a chapel was constructed at either end.
In 1771 three of the fourteen arches were destroyed by floods.
Durham Framwellgate Bridge was built in the early part of the 12th century.
It was a defensive bridge with towers and gates at either end which have since been removed.
Durham Museums.
Durham Light Infantry Museum is dedicated to the regiment of the County of Durham.
There are exhibitions some of which change regularly, workshops and concerts.
There is an admission charge.
Durham University Museum of Archaeology displays artefacts from excavations in Durham
There are also workshops and activity days.
Open all year. There is a charge for admission.
Durham Oriental Museum contains a fine exhibition of Oriental art
Open all year. There is an admission charge.
Durham Heritage Centre is a Medieval church with displays following the local history
Closed in winter. There is an Admission charge.
Durham Gardens and Parks
Old Durham Gardens are lovely old terraced gardens by the riverside
They were established in the 17th century and are currently being restored.
Durham University Botanic Gardens this is a beautiful huge garden with mature woodland and exotic plants from all over the world.
There is tropical conservatory where you can see butterflies and insects.
Visit the bird hide and wildlife garden and of course the Prince Bishops Garden.
Plants for sale
Open all year. There is an admission charge.
Durham Wharton Park is right in the centre of the city of Durham.
There are stunning views from the park
The park has a children`s playground as well as a putting green and tennis courts.
Open all year
Durham Houghall Gardens is a 25 acre site.
There are pretty walks as well as a woodland garden and a water garden.
Open all year. Free admission
Durham Leisure Activities
Durham Boating Hire a rowing boat between April and October or take a boat trip along the river from Elvet Bridge on board The Prince Bishop.
The cruise lasts 1 hour. Daily in summertime.
Durham Bowling - Go bowling at Kascada Bowl.
Booking advisable 01913830300
Durham Cricket - Watch a cricket match in the most picturesque surroundings at Durham University Ground or City Ground Green Lane
Durham Walks to see the best of Durham go on a guided walk led by Blue Badge Guides.
Contact Durham Information Centre for information
Durham Regatta takes place in June. You can watch more than 600 crews from all over the world take part in the Regatta which was founded in 1834.
Durham Miners Gala takes place on the second Saturday in July.
A remnant of the Galas which took place here when coal mining was at the heart of the Durham community.
You can still watch the processions and listen to the colliery bands. Weather permitting this is a good day out.
Durham Attractions Nearby
- Barnard Castle Bowes Museum outstanding exhibits of European art .
- Beamish Museum. Open air museum depicting life in the North East in the last century
- Gateshead Metrocentre and Metroland enormous shopping malls and funfair.
- Newcastle upon Tyne there is a good road network to this lively city. Excellent for shopping, theatres, art galleries and nightlife.
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