Place to go: Durham Cathedral Title: Durham Cathedral Location: The College, Durham. Cost: £ donation requested Contact: Tel: 0191 3864266 County: Durham Map Link: Show Map Access Details: Situated in the heart of the city, there is limited parking on the ‘Palace Green’. The Facilities: Education department, exhibitions, gift shop, restaurant Description: The Cathedral for the diocese of the Prince-Bishops. Review: Begun in 1093, Durham is not only beautiful, but is arguably the best example of a Norman Cathedral, accepted when it became a World Heritage site. It is still a working church, thus a visit needs to be planned carefully. Durham was a Benedictine Monastery up until 1540, and as such is one of the best examples of a complete Monastery, giving a different perspective to Monastic life than the ruined abbeys locally. The visitor can walk around the covered cloister, used in the Harry Potter films, or walk up the stairs to the Monk’s dormitory. Durham Cathedral is home to the tombs of St. Cuthbert (the North’s most important religious figure), and the Venerable Bede. As the Galilee Chapel prevents entry through the old west main door, one enters through the North door; past the famous Sanctuary Knocker, and into the huge Nave, looking up the nave one sees the central crossing, then the open Quire which frames the main altar, behind the main altar St. Cuthbert’s tomb and the Chapel of the Nine Altars complete the Eastern end of the Cathedral. Visitors can walk freely around the major parts of the Cathedral, viewing most of its aspects, including the top of the main central tower. The treasury and exhibitions; one on Cathedral Building, are also worth a visit. Durham offers the visitor a wide range of experiences and beautiful views, the site is outstanding, the Cathedral and Norman Castle sit on a promontory surrounded on three sides by the River Wear, creating wonderful views of, and from the Cathedral. Related Items: Durham Cathedral Carving A look at one carving on the outer wall of Durham... Keystage 3   St Pancras Church A wonderful Georgian church. Updated: 03 September 2004