There’s lots to see and be surprised about when you visit the north east especially the ancient city of Durham. The cathedral and castle are situated in a bend of the river wear on a natural mound, so that every building around is historic, the cathedral celebrated 900 years at the end of the 1990s. Palace green the area wherein lies the cathedral and castle is a world heritage sight. Durham Cathedral has been voted Britain's favourite building in a survey of the best of British architecture. The cathedral actually won more than 50% of the votes of BBC Radio 4's Today programme listeners.The Durham Cathedral and Castle world heritage site was also one of the first to be designated, along with the India’s Taj Mahal and France’s Palace of Versailles. The Norman cathedral along with Durham Castle is a beautiful timeless scene that just hasn’t changed over the centuries. so don’t forget to Bring your camera. Also on Palace green you will  pass the library a fascinating place to visit then the entrance to the Norman castle this area known as palace green is the world heritage site voted number 1 English heritage site in 2017.

Here are some facts​

      Work on the cathedral began in 1093 as a church for the remains of St Cuthbert, the 7th Century bishop of Lindisfarne. The cathedral  also is home for the tomb of Jarrow’s Bede, who was the chronicler of the life of Cuthbert Bead from Jarrow was the first English historian. Durham Cathedral’s Norman architecture has survived through the centuries whilst many important Norman buildings in England have been modified, but not Durham cathedral and castle it remains century after century as an important visitor attraction. Over 600,000 people pass through its doors every year. On Durham Cathedral’s main door is the sanctuary knocker. Any fugitive who touched it was granted sanctuary for 37 days. They could then face their accusers or be given safe conduct to the coast.
   In 1523, Henry VIII’s chief adviser Cardinal Thomas Wolsey became Bishop of Durham. Interestingly you may wish to visit Bishop Auckland as it is here where the Bishops of Durham lived in Auckland castle. In 2016 Kynren came to this site at Auckland castle some 12 miles to the south of Durham cathedral. https://elevenarches.org/

 

        The tower of the cathedral, is just 198ft (about 65 metres), and it can be seen from miles and miles away. If you are feeling energetic you can climb the 325 steps to the top of the tower for amazing views. The cathedral famously appeared in the Harry Potter movies and has just been used on the latest marvel movie filmed in 2017