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Durham Castle and Cathedral, seated high on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, have been the first sight to greet visitors to this historic city for hundreds of years and were jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Construction on the castle began in 1072, just after the Norman Conquest, under the orders of William the Conqueror. From the 11th century onwards it was used as the seat of power of the Prince Bishops appointed by the British Crown to rule the Palatinate of Durham, the remote area of northern England vulnerable to attack from the Scots. In 1837, the last Prince Bishop, Bishop Van Mildert, helped found the University of Durham and donated the castle as its first home. It still houses students of University College, the oldest of the 14 university colleges, who live in the keep and dine in the wood-panelled Great Hall, containing portraits of the Prince Bishops.
Across the lawned area, known as Palace Green, stands the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin, the best example of Norman-style architecture in England.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is open to the general public to visit, but only through guided tours, since it is a working castle and the home to over 100 students. The Castle is only open some afternoons in term time, and is closed occasionally for private events in the vacations. Telephone the Porters' Lodge (0191-334-3800) to enquire about a tour. The Castle is available for wedding receptions, banquets and conferences (telephone Event Durham, 0800-28-99-70), and bed and breakfast accommodation (telephone 0191-33-44-106).
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is the greatest Norman building in England, perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting. For this reason it was inscribed together with the Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites. In a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001 it was voted the nation's best-loved building. Like Hadrian's Wall and the Angel of the North, it is an icon of north-east England, its image is instantly recognisable to people who love this part of Britain.
The Cathedral is normally open every day, but occasionally services or special events mean that access for visitors has to be restricted. If you are coming from a long distance or with a group it is best to check with first in order to avoid disappointment.
Entrance is free but a donation will be gratefully received as it relies soley on donations to operate. Admission charges apply to: The Treasures of St Cuthbert, Monks' Dormitory (closed in winter), The Tower.
The Tower
A spectacular view can be had from the top of the Cathedral tower. On a clear day it is possible to see for miles around.
Monday to Saturday
10.00am - 3.00pm (last entry 2.40pm)
- Monday 6 April - Saturday 26 September 2009
10.00am - 4.00pm (last entry 3.40pm)
Closed
Sundays, during services and events, and inclement weather.- Admission
Adults £3.00
Children under 16 £1.50
Family ticket £8.00
The Treasures of St Cuthbert
The Cathedral houses the shrine of the seventh-century saint, Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. There are some objects on display in The Treasures which date back to Cuthbert himself - including his cross and his coffin. Other items tell the story of the Cathedral and the community associated with it right up to recent times.
Monday to Saturday
10.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday
2.00pm - 4.30pm
Sundays in December and January
2.00pm - 4.15pm
Admission
Adults £2.50
Children 70p
Family ticket £6.00
Concessionary/group rate £2.00 per person
The Undercroft Restaurant
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Home made scones, biscuits and cakes are available all day. At lunchtime you can have anything from soup, sandwiches and salads to meat and veg.
The Monks' Dormitory
Now housing part of the Cathedral Library, the dormitory used to be the place where the monks, who lived here in the Middle Ages, slept. There is a splendid hammer-beam oak roof to be seen (shown below), as well as further items displaying the Cathedral's history.
Monday 13 April - Sunday 27 September 2009
Monday - Saturday
10.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday
12.30pm - 4.00pm
Admission
Adults £1.00
Children 30p
Family ticket £2.00
Contact Details:
The Chapter Office,
The College,
Durham,
DH1 3EH
Telephone: 0191 386 4266
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