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Things to do in Durham
Durham's medieval character has been carefully preserved, making today's city a compact living museum with a wide range of modern facilities. Most of the city centre is pedestrianised, with life centred on the cobbled Market Place, where street entertainers provide amusement and modern shops and restaurants trade happily alongside the old Victorian Market.
Along the riverbanks, which border the town on three sides, meandering paths and river cruisers provide a peaceful alternative to sightseeing and shopping. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens also offer a lovely setting for picnics and strolls.
The main sightseeing attractions of the city are Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, jointly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the many beautiful historic old buildings of Durham University.
Other worthwhile attractions include the Museum of Life and Science, the medieval manor house of Crook Hall, and the Durham Heritage Centre, which introduces visitors to the fascinating history of the old city. Those wanting to buy crafts or witness local artists in action should head down to the interesting selection of studios along the river which collectively form Fowlers Yard Creative Workspaces.
Durham Cathedral
Celebrated, together with Durham Castle, as one of Britain's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Bu…
Durham Cathedral
Celebrated, together with Durham Castle, as one of Britain's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Building began on the church in 1093, and it was largely completed after about 40 years. An icon of northeast England, the cathedral was voted as the nation's best-loved building in a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001. Renowned for its immense architecture, ancient history and deep religious roots, the cathedral is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Durham. Guided tours are conducted daily, and offer an informative and enriching way to explore the magnificent structure.
Website www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Durham Heritage Centre
Durham's colourful local history museum is housed in a medieval church, offering some interactive, fun and interesting exhibits that detail the story of Durham, from ancient times …
Durham Heritage Centre
Durham's colourful local history museum is housed in a medieval church, offering some interactive, fun and interesting exhibits that detail the story of Durham, from ancient times to the present day. Situated close to the UNESCO-listed cathedral and castle, the Durham Heritage Centre contains a varied collection of artefacts. Exhibits include fascinating items such as the 'Death Chair', used to carry sick boys from Durham School to the infirmary in days of yore, and a chilling recreation of a cell from the notorious Northgate Gaol. The Heritage Centre also has a brass-rubbing centre and offers an audio-visual show of the history of the town. A highly recommended attraction, visitors should budget at least two hours to take it all in.
Website durhammuseum.co.uk/
Fowlers Yard Creative Workspaces
A row of stables along the River Wear close to the historic heart of Durham has been converted into a set of creative workspaces, where local artists can be seen at work. Visitors …
Fowlers Yard Creative Workspaces
A row of stables along the River Wear close to the historic heart of Durham has been converted into a set of creative workspaces, where local artists can be seen at work. Visitors can watch crafts such as woodcarving, glasswork, painting, micro brewing, embroidery and textile arts in progress. Fowler's Yard is run by the Durham Dramatic Society and is an exciting initiative, bringing international attention to Durham's hard-at-work local artists. There is also a coffee shop, where tourists can relax and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the area. There is no charge for entrance and even if visitors don't buy anything, watching the work in progress is interesting.
Website www.fowlersyarddurham.co.uk
Crook Hall
Durham's beautiful, Grade 1-listed medieval manor house, Crook Hall, dates from around the 13th century, and is a short distance from the town centre. The house and magnificent gar…
Crook Hall
Durham's beautiful, Grade 1-listed medieval manor house, Crook Hall, dates from around the 13th century, and is a short distance from the town centre. The house and magnificent gardens are open to the public, and cream teas are served in a pretty courtyard in summer, or in front of a roaring log fire in winter. Most visitors are intrigued by the 17th-century Jacobean room in the house, allegedly haunted by the ghost of the 'White Lady', a niece of a former resident of the house. Crook Hall is one of Durham's most popular attractions and the old family house has charm and character as well as historical appeal. As the gardens are one of the chief attractions there is a discounted ticket price in winter.
Website www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
Durham Castle
Few buildings in the world can claim to have been in constant use for more than 900 years, but the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle is one of them. It was originally bui…
Durham Castle
Few buildings in the world can claim to have been in constant use for more than 900 years, but the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle is one of them. It was originally built in the 11th century (opposite Durham Cathedral), to protect the bishop from 'barbaric northern tribes' in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over the centuries the core of the ancient castle remained intact, but there have been numerous renovations and extensions. The castle's aspect today is imposing. The Great Hall is one of the largest in Britain, created by Bishop Antony Bek in the 14th century. Since 1840, when the bishop moved elsewhere, it has housed a college of Durham University. Visitors are welcome to a guided tour, lasting about 45 minutes.
Website www.dur.ac.uk/durham.castle