Our "Grand Designs"

Perfectly and picturesquely positioned, with a delightful mix of culture and cafés, history and heritage. Durham City is small in size but big on impact.

Durham Cathedral and Castle together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are approached by ancient, winding streets, culminating in a jawdropping moment as the view opens up. Centuries of human life, faith and creativity are a step away.

It’s not just about the grandeur of the Cathedral’s Romanesque architecture, the beauty of its stained glass windows or the 7th century personalities of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, who lie at rest within its ancient walls. It’s also about the living sound of the choir practising. About the sense of calmness in a busy world. About the skill of modern artists who have embroidered, painted and sculptured to embellish the ancient with the modern.

Visitors can once again take on the challenging 325 step climb to the top of the Cathedral’s Central Tower to take in the unrivalled views of Durham City and beyond for the first time in three years, following the completion of a £1.9m conservation project.

At Durham Castle, where the once mighty Prince Bishops of Durham lived and entertained on a regal scale, a tour with a student guide will reveal the fascinating stories that lie within the ancient walls that are now home to University College.

Set between these majestic buildings is Durham University’s Palace Green Library. Founded by Bishop John Cosin in the 17th century, it houses some of Durham University’s fascinating collections and hosts a programme of enthralling exhibitions.

Did you know…

Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral houses some of the most significant surviving Anglo-Saxon artefacts in the UK. Through a world-class exhibition experience, it offers a remarkable insight into the life of St Cuthbert, one of North East England’s best-loved saints.

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Tour suggestions…

Half day:
Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle

Full day:
Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle
plus Durham University’s Palace Green
Library

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Hotel suggestions…

Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County

Radisson Blu

Hotel Indigo

Durham University Accommodation

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Useful information…

SatNav:

Durham City Coach Park DH1 1SR

Palace Green Library DH1 3RN

Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County DH1 3JN

Radisson Blu DH1 5TA

Hotel Indigo DH1 3HP

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Coach companies…

durhamcitycoaches.co.uk