Durham Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, shelters the body of St Cuthbert - one of England's most revered saints, and has attracted pilgrims for over 900 years. The adjacent imposing Durham Castle was seat of the Prince Bishops for nearly 800 years who ruled Durham as an independent state. The Prince Bishops had their own courts, coinage, armies and taxes and negotiated truces with the Scots.
The Norman Cathedral is widely regarded as one of the world's finest buildings as well as being voted Britain's Best Building by BBC Radio 4 listeners.
The neighbouring Castle, one of Britain's largest and best preserved Norman strongholds, towers above the City on its defensive site. Seat of the Prince Bishops until 1832, it now houses University College, the foundation college of Durham University and England's oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge.
Durham’s medieval layout can still be traced in the narrow winding streets and vennels of the bustling City centre. There are colourful outdoor and Victorian indoor markets as well as two modern shopping developments. The Gala Theatre is the city’s main arts venue, which runs a year-round programme of drama, comedy, live music, dance and children’s shows. Attractive riverbanks provide a peaceful retreat with woodland walks and boat trips on the River Wear in the heart of the City.
Other attractions range from medieval Crook Hall and Gardens and the University's Botanic Garden to the DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery and the University's Oriental Museum, so there is plenty to keep you busy on a visit to the City.
For more information visit the official Durham visitor website: www.visitcountydurham.com
