Durham - A Guide to the Fascinating British World Heritage Site

Durham is a city rich in both history and natural beauty, set amid the gorgeous countryside of north East England. This captivating city, located along the banks of the River Wear allows visitors to experience medieval Britain.

*View of the Durham Cathedral from the River Wear*

What sets Durham apart is its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an accolade bestowed upon it in 1986. The city's historical significance is rooted in its iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle, which have stood for centuries captivating visitors with their incredible architecture and medieval charm.

The cobblestone streets winding through the city's medieval center and the stunning River Wear, flowing gently beneath the famous Prebends Bridge, add to the timeless medieval atmosphere of Durham, making it a magical destination for travelers and history enthusiasts alike. In this post I will explore Durham's Rich history and guide you on the best things to see and do in this enchanting English city.

Places to visit in Durham

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is a magnificent masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that stands proudly overlooking the historic Durham City. The cathedral, built in 1093, has a long history and is a magnificent example of the expert craftsmanship used by its medieval architects.

Visitors from all over the world are attracted by its stunning stone façade, which is embellished with elaborate carvings and ornaments. The interior of Durham Cathedral boasts lofty rib-vaulted ceilings and majestic arches whilst the cathedral's sacred halls give you a sense of spiritual tranquility.

The St. Cuthbert shrine is one of Durham Cathedral's most prominent features. Besides serving as a religious icon, Durham Cathedral is also a cultural and historical landmark and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Only St. Paul's and Liverpool Cathedral come close to this amazing cathedral in terms of architecture among those I have visited in the UK.

The Cathedral doesn't charge an entry fee but they do encourage visitors to donate £5 if possible. The upkeep of this incredible cathedral is worth the donation. You can find more information about visiting hours here through their site.

Durham University

Durham University, located in Durham, England, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1832, it traces its roots back to the establishment of the Durham College of the University of London in 1832.

The university is renowned for its rich history and stunning setting on a picturesque hill bounded by the River Wear. Durham University is organized into several colleges, each with its unique character and community, fostering a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth. Its contributions to fields like science, humanities, social sciences, and business make it a significant player in the global academic community.

Part of Durham University is actually enclosed in the Castle Gatehouse and the University College uses this amazing World Heritage site as one of its campuses. This is one of the most unusual and historic universities you will find especially in North East England. There are only a few univeristies in the country which are housed in such medieval architecture.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle is another of the city's historical landmarks that have gained it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The incredible castle is a Grade 1 listed building that was originally built in the 11th century to defend the northern borders of England, the castle later became a prominent seat of power for the Bishop of Durham. Its striking architecture showcases a unique blend of Norman and Gothic styles, and its commanding position atop a hill overlooking the River Wear adds to its majestic allure.

Today, Durham Castle is part of Durham University and serves as one of its residential colleges, housing students whilst also providing a rare opportunity to live and study within an iconic medieval structure.

If you are interested in visiting the ancient castle you can explore its rich history through guided tours. The castle's enormous Great Hall, stunning chapels, and historic interiors may all be explored on these tours, which are now the only way to see the interior of the castle. This allows tourists to get a truly immersive sense of English past and experience the World Heritage Site in a unique way.

Durham City Centre

The cobblestone streets and charming medieval alleys make Durham City Centre significantly more beautiful than other town centres across the UK. Durham City centre's bustling Market Place offers a vibrant atmosphere with an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a perfect spot to buy some souvenirs or grab some lunch.

*View of a shopping street in the city centre of Durham*

The City Centre hosts traditional cafes and shops along with a few franchise options. Overall there are plenty of shops and restaurants and the charming streets make them feel very inviting.

Palace Green Library

The Palace Green Library is a vital piece of 15th-century history set amongst a number of Durham World Heritage Sites. Formerly the library was used as the Prince Bishops administrative building, whilst today the medieval building houses the Durham University special collections of books.

The Palace Green Library displays a a strong stone façade and the majestic medieval structure projects an aura of timeless knowledge. It's small size might have the Palace Green Library blend into its World Heritage Site counterparts, however the library should not be missed as it houses countless collections of antique books.

The River Wear

Durham City owes much of its enchanting atmosphere to the River Wear. Originating in the Pennines, the river flows gracefully through the cities of Durham and Sunderland before eventually meeting the North Sea. Along its meandering course, the River Wear passes through a diverse range of landscapes, from tranquil countryside to bustling urban areas. Durham City is perfectly pearched atop the banks of the River Wear, adding to the already magical fairytale atmosphere.

The River Wear offers visitors the chance to take part in leisurely activities like boat trips or Kayaking. Boats are a very popular way to experience Durham and I saw many tourists on Kayaks enjoying the natural beauty of the River. Although I didn't get the chance to board a boat tour or Kayak I will surely make it a part of my next trip.

Upon my visit I found myself spending a significant part of my day walking the beautiful riverside. Although Durham is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a medieval town, and I have visited several of them throughout England, the River Wear's stunning beauty and calm waters made visiting Durham even more fascinating.

The Durham Dales

The Durham Dales encompasses a breathtaking landscape of green rolling hills, lush valleys, and charming villages. Situated in the North Pennines Area, the Durham Dales offers a picturesque escape into nature's embrace. The River Tees flows through the Durham Dales enhancing its scenic elegance with its winding and meandering shape.

If you are planning a visit to the Durham Dales you can expect tranquil woodlands, heather-clad moors, and even cascading waterfalls, making it quite an unusual nature location in the English countryside. The Durham Dales have become a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike. All of which are drawn to the location for its unique nature and scenery.

The Durham Dales are likewise rich in history and heritage and are dotted with historic castles, churches, and remnants of the region's industrial past. It is a great place to relax, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the English countryside, or have a adventurous trek in the wilderness. If you are visiting Newcastle or Durham City then the Durham Dales are a must as they are located within a short journey from those cities.

Durham Coast

The Durham Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline located located along the North Sea, it encompasses a diverse landscape comprising sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic coves. Renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, the Durham Coast is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Dramatic rock formations, such as Blackhall Rocks and Castle Eden Dene further add to its unique tourism appeal. The scenic coast is only a short 30 minute drive from the city, although I recommend first visiting the city and its cultural heritage sites before you embark on an adventure to the coast.

Durham Visitor Centre

Durham Visitor Centre serves as the gateway to discovering the enchanting World Heritage Site. Located at a convenient and central spot within the city, the center is a one-stop destination for tourists and visitors seeking information, assistance, and inspiration.

*An old street with historic buildings in Durham*

The visitor centre provides tourists with detailed maps, brochures, and essential guidance to make the most of their visit. The center showcases the city's rich history, cultural heritage, and top attractions through interactive exhibits and displays, offering a captivating preview of what Durham has to offer.

Durham's countless landmarks and tourist attractions can be a bit confusing at times, and if you are lost on where to go or how to enjoy the medieval ctiy then the visitor centre can be a big help. Additionally, the visitor centre houses a gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs and local products to cherish your Durham experience. You can check the official tourism website here for more information.

How to get to Durham City

By Train: Durham has a well-connected railway station, making it easily accessible from various cities across the UK. You can take a direct train from major cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle. The journey times vary depending on the departure city, but the train is often a convenient and scenic way to reach Durham.
By Car: If you prefer driving, Durham is accessible via major motorways such as the A1(M) and A19. From London, the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, while it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Manchester and 3 to 4 hours from Edinburgh.
By Bus or Coach: National and regional bus services operate to and from Durham, connecting it to nearby towns and cities. If you're traveling from London or other cities in the UK, long-distance coach services might also be available.
By Bicycle or Walking: Durham is known for its picturesque surroundings and is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. If you're in a nearby town or city and enjoy outdoor adventures you might consider biking or walking to Durham.

Questions about Durham

What is Durham most known for?

Durham is best known for the medieval landmarks such as the Durham University, Cathedral and Castle.

Is Durham a beautiful Place?

Yes, Durham is a very beautiful place. The city has so many nature spots along with charming medieval architecture. Durham looks like it came straight out of an English fairytale.

Is it Nice to live in Durham?

I must say that I have only visited Durham on a day trip, however I did enjoy my visit very much and could envision living there happily. Durham is a beautiful medieval town that is well-preserved and close to nature. It is quite well-liked by University Students, and I have heard wonderful things about Durham from other Britons. Afterall who wouldn't want to live in a World Heritage Site!

What is the best time of year to visit Durham?

The best time of year to visit Durham would have to be during the warmer months. Autumn, spring and summer are all great times to visit. But make no mistake any time of year is beautiful in this city. Try to avoid the rain if you can, as you might want to spend some time outdoors admiring the incredible architecture and walking around the ancient city.

Durham is a beautiful example of medieval Britain set upon the banks of the River Wear. The rural aspect of the city and its unique World Heritage Site status mean that there is always plenty of things to do and see in Durham. Visiting Durham is a must for anyone looking to experience an old English town which is well preserved, with plenty of sightseeing,