Durham travel guide

Durham a tiny city with designated castle and cathedral 

Durham is a tinny city and the main settlement of City of Durham borough of County Durham, England. This city is home to the Durham University and is renowned for its Castle and Norman Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral is the Bishop’s legacy, which is sited high on top of the hill over the river dominating the view of the city of Durham. This cathedral was established in 995, by Lindisfarne monks for housing the remnants of St Cuthbert. The interiors of the cathedral are architecturally interesting due to its gigantic drum columns, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and pointed arches. It is usually regarded as the finest example of Norman Cathedral in whole Europe and also has been elected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Durham Castle is located on the same site of the cathedral. It started in 1073 as a place of living for prince bishops. Made as a bailey and mote castle, the Durham castle has transformed over time and at present house the students of Durham University. Within the castle is the Norman Chapel constructed in the Romanesque style. The great hall that dates back 13th and the 14th century is of exclusive note as the Black Staircase (known for dark oak wood), which was built by Bishop Antony Bek. The Durham Castle has been in constant use for more than 900 years and is the only castle that has not suffered a breech at all.

The middle of Durham is renowned as a conservation area. Besides the Castle and Cathedral, this city has more than 630 planned buildings, among which 569 are nestled in the conservation area.  

Close to Durham is the Beamish Open Air Museum that is spread over a huge acreage, which is a nice family away day. You can have an old-fashioned tram ride, stroll streets of the old buildings, which, includes a pub, shops, school and cottages and even a farm.  

Crook Hall. This hall was initially constructed during the end of the 13th century and today just the screen passage and the great hall can be noticed. The staircase of the Crook Hall is reputedly eerie and there is a tiny acreage of gardens neighboring the hall.     

The eye-catching market town of the Barnard Castle is worth visiting. It is located alongside the river Tees in nice-looking countryside and also has castle of its own. The ruins look down over the river and are extensive. In addition, there are priories as well.