Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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ad The best trip from London to Durham ☀ After spending 3 days in Durham I can safely say that it’s one of the UK’s best kept secrets, great for UK staycations and home to two of the country’s best hotels: @seahamhall, which won gold in the best small hall hotel category, and @hotelindigodurham, which won silver in the best large hotel category at the @VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022 🤗 For the perfect trip to @thisisdurham make sure to: - Pay a visit to Seaham Hall Hotel for a luxury spa break - Go sea glass hunting along the Durham Heritage Coast - Eat a wholesome lunch @flamingocafeseaham - Discover the Harry Potter shoot locations @durhamcathedral - Hire a rowing boat from Browns Rowing Boats in the city centre - Stay in the city centre at the historic Hotel Indigo - See a show @themagiccornerdurham - Have your own cottage core moment at Crook Hall Gardens by @northeastnt Also big up to @wanderlustruby for being the best UK countryside explorer by my side and I hope you all feel inspired to visit Durham sometime soon! 🧳 #uktravel #ukstaycation #ukstaycations #uktrip #visituk #lovegreatbritain #britishcountryside #englishcountryside #lovedurham #durham #visitengland #northeastengland #escapetheeveryday #durhamheritagecoast #seahamhall #hotelindigodurham #durhamcity #ukdaysout #traveluk #visitengland🇬🇧 #travellinguk #bestplacestovisit #uktraveller #durhamcathedral #exploreuk #uktraveltips 🙌
sandymakessensesandymakessense
5.3K401
Durham Cathedral is a magnificent example of medieval architecture and holds immense historical and aesthetic significance. Located in County Durham, England, it is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world. The cathedral's construction began in 1093 and took several decades to complete. Its soaring stone walls, intricate ribbed vaults, and towering towers create a breathtaking sight. The cathedral's most iconic feature is its dramatic Norman Durham Castle, which overlooks the surrounding landscape. Inside the cathedral, visitors are greeted by a vast nave adorned with stunning stained glass windows that illuminate the space with a kaleidoscope of colors. The intricate stone carvings, particularly the famous "Gundulf's beasts," add an element of exquisite craftsmanship to the cathedral's interior. The Durham Cathedral is also home to the Shrine of St. Cuthbert, one of England's most revered saints. This ancient pilgrimage site attracts visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects and experience the spiritual aura of the place. The cathedral's setting is equally enchanting, as it overlooks the picturesque River Wear and is surrounded by lush greenery. The combination of natural beauty and architectural grandeur creates a truly captivating atmosphere. Durham Cathedral's historical significance cannot be overstated. It has been a center of Christian worship, learning, and culture for centuries. The cathedral played a pivotal role in the development of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Overall, Durham Cathedral is a testament to human creativity, craftsmanship, and devotion. Its awe-inspiring architecture, rich history, and serene surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to appreciate the splendor of medieval England. Highly recommended by Nina and Lettie.
World Atlas of Nina & Lettie Ronald CraigWorld Atlas of Nina & Lettie Ronald Craig
00
Visiting Durham Cathedral is like stepping into the pages of a magical storybook, with its soaring architecture and rich history. As I wandered through the grand corridors and intricate stone carvings, I couldn't help but feel transported to the world of Harry Potter. Fans of the series will instantly recognize the cathedral's majestic interior as the inspiration for several iconic scenes in the movies. Walking through the cloisters, I half expected to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione hurrying to their next class. The cloisters' vaulted ceilings and ancient stone columns create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder, reminiscent of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ascending the winding staircase to the Library, I couldn't shake the feeling of being in Dumbledore's office. The majestic stained glass windows and towering shelves filled with ancient texts evoke the same sense of awe and reverence found in Hogwarts' most magical spaces. And who could forget the breathtaking views of the cathedral's exterior? Standing in the courtyard, gazing up at the imposing towers and spires, it's easy to imagine Harry flying on his broomstick during a game of Quidditch, or Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, soaring overhead. But beyond its ties to the world of Harry Potter, Durham Cathedral is a true marvel of architecture and history. From its Norman foundations to its stunning Gothic nave, every corner tells a story of centuries past. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply appreciate beauty and craftsmanship, a visit to Durham Cathedral is an unforgettable journey into the magical world of imagination.
J CheungJ Cheung
00
We had a short break to Durham and decided we would love to see the cathedral. It is free to enter, but you can give a donation to help fund the upkeep of the cathedral, which we did. There is lots to see, with a huge Lego cathedral, lego play area, dress up as a monk, and amazing history. Some of Harry Potter's filming was done there. You can feel the history in every step. There is a book exchange, so if you have books you would like to pass on, you can drop there if you are local. We were extremely lucky as we decided to stay for the evening song. We got to go up to where the choir sang and stood alongside a visiting choir from Chattanooga, USA, to sing. This was a truly amazing privilege. Their voices rang out, and I really felt that I had been transported somewhere else. This is a memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life. It was really worthwhile going and we parked in the local shopping centre, which is an easy walk to the cathedral from there. Be mindful that it is uphill, but just take your time, and you will get there. There are toilets in the cathedral and some outside. I didn't use the ones inside, but I used the ones in the square outside, but they didn't have any hand-wash in them. There are lots of shops in the town, but I only went into two. There was a lovely independent shop, where I bought a small souvenir. There is also a souvenir shop inside the cathedral. All in all a lovely day, as we met some lovely people and the weather was great!
Denyse “DeniMP” MohanDenyse “DeniMP” Mohan
00
Incredible cathedral - one of the best in the country and probably the finest example of Norman architecture in the country. It's lovely it's free, a bit different compared to somewhere like York Minster where it costs quite a bit to get in. Architecturally, one of the most important in the country as cathedrals go. I particularly love the Galilee Chapel, very nice and atmospheric. There's a hanging display from the tower at the moment, made of a few thousand paper doves lit up which is spectacular but means you can't see right through from one end to the other which is a shame. Just as a heads up because it confused me, from reading the guide book, the organ near the font isn't a functional organ or part of the main one, it's just where an old organ case has been moved in the past. Quite a stunning piece of woodwork though. Highly recommend going up the tower - go at your own pace, stay up there as long as you want and the absolute best views of the castle, city and river, as well as the cathedral roof. I really recommend booking on for a slot. There's a little exhibition about the tower half way up, and the first staircase is a nice Norman spiral one so really wide (there's a similar one a Lincoln), but then it goes to quite a narrow one as you more often get in cathedrals. Overall, pretty stunning cathedral, really worth it.
Adam WhiteAdam White
00
Riverwalk car park offers convenient parking for a delightful stroll to Durham Cathedral, approximately a 10-minute walk with mesmerizing river views. Adjacent to the cathedral, the castle adds to the historic charm. Capture the moment with photos from the car park's top, where a painted wall proudly declares "I love Durham." This charming touch adds a local flair to your experience. Moreover, Durham Cathedral's cinematic history, featuring in movies like Harry Potter and Avengers, adds a delightful layer to your visit. Enjoy the unique blend of history, architecture, local character, and a touch of film magic during your time in Durham. Do consider visiting the market hall Durham Cathedral is a magnificent masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its soaring Gothic vaults and stunning stained glass windows create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The intricately carved details in the pillars and the historic significance of the site make it a must-visit for anyone interested in history or religious architecture. The cathedral's setting atop a hill overlooking the River Wear adds to its charm, providing a picturesque backdrop. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Durham Cathedral offers a captivating experience.
Ashish PatilAshish Patil
10
Nearby Attractions Of Durham Cathedral
Prince Bishops Place
The Riverwalk
Durham Castle
National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens
Wharton Park
Durham University
OYO The Townhouse
Prebends Bridge
Escape Rooms Durham
Elvet Bridge
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The Riverwalk
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Durham Castle
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National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens
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Nearby Restaurants Of Durham Cathedral
Turtle Bay Durham
The Bishops' Mill
Fat Hippo Durham
Inshanghai
The Head of Steam Durham
The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse
The Water House
Slug & Lettuce - Durham
Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill
The Three Bridges
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The Bishops' Mill
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Fat Hippo Durham
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Durham DH1 3EH, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 191 338 7178
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Website
durhamcathedral.co.uk
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Description
The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, commonly known as Durham Cathedral and home of the Shrine of St Cuthbert, is a cathedral in the city of Durham, County Durham, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Durham, the fourth-ranked bishop in the Church of England hierarchy.
attractions: Prince Bishops Place, The Riverwalk, Durham Castle, National Trust - Crook Hall Gardens, Wharton Park, Durham University, OYO The Townhouse, Prebends Bridge, Escape Rooms Durham, Elvet Bridge, restaurants: Turtle Bay Durham, The Bishops' Mill, Fat Hippo Durham, Inshanghai, The Head of Steam Durham, The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse, The Water House, Slug & Lettuce - Durham, Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill, The Three Bridges
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