Marvel at Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Durham City, Durham

Be awestruck by Durham Cathedral and Castle, take a relaxing stroll on the banks of the River Wear, and soak up a city as beautiful as it is historic.

Whether you arrive into Durham City by road or rail, your first sight of its Cathedral and Castle standing proud above the medieval city will awe and impress.  A scenic stroll from the station takes you to these magnificent buildings, among the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be designated.

At the Cathedral, one of the finest Norman buildings in Europe, climb the Tower's 325 steps for spectacular views of the city and countryside. Pop into the Chapter House if you’re a fan of Harry Potter – it starred onscreen as a Hogwarts classroom.

Take a student-led tour of Durham Castle: now a Durham University building, the Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1072 to defend the peninsula. Meander down cobbled streets into town and grab a picnic from the Marketplace to enjoy on the riverbanks while watching rowboats glide past.

Durham is under 3 hours by train from London.

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Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site © Visit County Durham
View of Durham Cathedral from the riverbanksView of Durham Cathedral from the riverbanks © Visit County Durham
Red telephone box outside Durham CastleRed telephone box outside Durham Castle © VisitEngland / Diana Jarvis
Couple relaxing at Durham Cathedral cloistersDurham Cathedral cloisters © VisitBritain / Rod Edwards
Durham Cathedral's famous Rose WindowDurham Cathedral's famous Rose Window © Visit County Durham / Sally Ann Norman Photography

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