Durham Things to Do

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There are 325 steps to the top of the tower. It's quite a climb and the upper part is very narrow. However the view from the top of the Cathedral, city of Durham and surrounding countryside is pretty spectacular.

The Tower is open all year round. It's closed though during most services and events. Also at times of bad weather.

The current admission is £5.00.

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We arrived at Prince Bishops car park, and shortly after reached Market square. So many interesting things meet the eye. St Nicholas church stands at one corner. The Market Hall is magnificent. The Market Tavern catches the eye, and there are the war memorial and the statue of Neptune, which dates to 1729.
Around the square are banks, shops and cafes.
Cobbled streets lead from it.

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Durham lies in the loop on the River Wear. From the Cathedral we walked down to the river and along , coming up the steps beside Elvet Bridge, This gives wonderful views of the cathedral, weirs and Framwellgate Bridge.
The river itself is rather dirty, and fallen trees can be seen., probably deposited by flood.

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The castle was built in the 11th century. It is the only castle in England that was never breached.
Nowadays it is used as residences for the University of Durham, and it is not always open to the public.
It was closed when we visited, but we were able to see the quadrangle with its lovely buildings ; some with heraldic adornment, others with creeper -clad walls; and the lawns. The heavy doors have a heavy iron bar to keep it closed.
I particularly admired the pepper-pots on the roof, and the heraldic shields.

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The cathedral as we know it today was built by the Normans in 1093. The earliest part is where the bones of the Venerable Bede are buried, and the relics of St Cuthbert.I really liked the arched ceiling.
The main body of the cathedral is rather dark, with light entering through the various stained glass windows. A font stands near the entry, with a tall wooden structure around and above it.

Photography is not allowed in the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is well worth a visit to see its interior - photography is not allowed but you can visit various websites for photos of that. I contented myself with walkin around the outside in the lovely sunshine, enjoying all the angles possible! This view shows off the cathedral window.

Durham is famous for its castle and cathedral atop the hill above the city. These buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is not always open as it's also part of Durham university, but was the first building here from the late 11th century, on the same site is the Norman cathedral (dedicated to Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the saints Cuthbert and Bede) which although free to enter, a donation is appreciated. However at 11.00 and 14.30 one of the chaplains will take visitors for a tour with commentary for about an hour. Questions are welcome. The grounds also contain the original cloisters from when the cathedral was a monastery. These buildings contain accommodation for the university and a refrectory.

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This Norman Fortress began to be built in 1073. These days the castle is now part of Durham University. You're able to look round the exteriors and the grounds but you'll need to join a guided tour (cost 5 GBP) to look inside.