|
|||||
|
 |
||||
|
|||||
Places Of Interest in Durham |
|
|
|
 |
You’ll never
be short of things to do during your stay in the historic
city of Durham as the city is packed to bursting with
fascinating places of interest. From one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world to a living, working museum, this city has just what you need for a fun and educational day out. Durham has many magnificent historic buildings but the best is undoubtedly Durham Cathedral [map], which is dubbed the finest example of Norman architecture in the world. Designed by Bishop William St Carileph in 1093, the building was completed in 1135, although there have been many additions since. Among the exhibits on display here are the shrines of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Next door to the cathedral you’ll find another astounding piece of architecture, Durham Castle [map], which dates back to 1072. The castle, which contains a Norman Chapel, the Great Hall and a 57ft high Black Staircase, was the seat of the Prince Bishops until 1832 when it became the foundation college of the University of Durham. Amazingly, the castle’s 15th century kitchen is still in use, and although the place is now halls of residence for university students, you can enjoy a guided tour around the building. Other important buildings worth checking out during your visit to the city include the Guildhall, on Market Place, which was first built in 1356 and then rebuilt in 1535 and 1665. Just down the road from here is the Town Hall, which was built in 1850 and modelled on London’s Westminster Hall. It features an impressive hammer-beam roof as well as superb stained glass windows, heraldic symbols, paintings and a magnificent fireplace of local stone. There’s also Crook Hall on Sidegate, a 14th century manor house with minstrels’ gallery and four acres of fine gardens, including the Secret Walled Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Cathedral Garden and the Silver and White Garden. If you’re a garden lover then you should also cast your eye over the Durham University Botanic Gardens [map] on Hollingside Lane, an 18-acre site set in mature woodland features exotic trees, the Prince Bishops Garden, and a tropical house with butterflies and insects. Situated in 25 acres on the site of East Durham and Houghall College, the Houghall Gardens [map] has a range of gardening styles with an arboretum containing some rare trees as well as the National Collection of Whitebeams. For breathtaking views of Durham head to Wharton Park [map], a city centre park with impressive floral displays, a Victorian style conservatory, tennis courts, putting green, and children’s play area. Those wanting to head out of the city centre for the day, will find that there are plenty more attractions within a short drive, such as the Bowes Museum [map] close to Barnard Castle. The museum has a collection of European fine and decorative arts from between 1400 and 1875, which is unrivalled in the North of England. Also close to the Barnard Castle area you’ll come across the medieval Raby Castle [map], home of Lord Barnard, which boasts the Barons' Hall, where 700 knights gathered to plot the Rising of the North. Raby also houses a fabulous art collection and treasures including an important collection of Meissen porcelain, tapestries, furnishings and paintings by leading artists such as Munnings, De Hooch, Teniers, Van Dyck and Reynolds. Last but certainly not least is the Beamish Open Air Museum [map], where the past is brought to life in more than 300 acres of beautiful countryside. Parts of north-eastern life are reconstructed here as they would have looked in the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can go underground and explore the mines, or see what life was like on a working farm, take a lesson in an old schoolroom, and even sit in the dentist’s chair. Beamish is located about eight miles north west of Durham and is signposted from the A1 (M). You should allow at least two hours to do the place justice. If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere, why not use our What You Recommend form to let us know. |
HOME LINKS |
|
|
|
| Visiting Durham: UK Home Page Durham Home Page |
|
 |
|
THE GUIDE |
|
|
|
| Visitor's Guide Local Business Search Places to Stay Cinema Entertainment Shopping Restaurants & Bars Events City Travel Places of Interest Local News What you Recommend |
|
|
|
VISITOR INFORMATION |
|
|
|
| Tourist Information Health Business Travel Romantic Kids Libraries Universities |
|
|
|
GETTING THERE AND AWAY |
|
|
|
| Bus Train Car & Motorcycle Air |
|
Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map