Durham offers several distinct ways to explore the city: religious architectural history, political rule, a Chinese collection, and a landscape of gardens, paddock and fields. There is also a relaxing riverside walk in Durham City. When planning your stay, you can use these differences to choose a focus between history, museums and time outdoors.
Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle: two historical perspectives
Durham Cathedral was built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries to house the remains of St Cuthbert (634–687 AD) and the Venerable Bede (672/3–735 AD). Its construction period and intended purpose connect the building with two specifically named historical figures. For travellers interested in religious history, this dedication and the dates of their lives are important points of reference.
The construction of Durham Castle was ordered in 1072. The castle served as a fortress and residence for the Prince Bishops of Durham. In return for protecting England’s northern borders, they were granted extensive autonomy and wielded both religious and secular power. The castle therefore offers a different historical focus from the cathedral: protection, residence and rule are all relevant here. The Prince Bishops combined religious duties with secular power; their autonomy was tied to border defence. The year 1072 marks the order to build the castle, while the cathedral dates from the period between the late 11th and early 12th centuries.
Collections, gardens and walks
The Oriental Museum offers a different cultural focus. Its Chinese collections comprise more than 10,000 objects; this number may change as the collections develop. Alongside Durham’s medieval architectural and political history, it offers a distinct collection to consider when choosing what interests you.
The journey from Durham railway station to Palace Green Library takes 10 minutes on the Cathedral bus. Check the timetable before departure, as the bus route and journey time may change.
Crook Hall Gardens include a Grade I listed medieval hall, 10 acres of garden grounds, as well as a paddock and fields. The site thus combines a specific historical connection with a focus on the landscape. The hall and gardens offer a different perspective from the political history of Durham Castle or the collection at the Oriental Museum.
You can also enjoy a relaxing riverside walk in Durham City. It complements the focus on buildings and collections with an outdoor activity. When planning your stay, you can include it as a separate item on your itinerary alongside the historical and cultural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Hamsterley, Croxdale, Burnhope, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Stanley, Crook, Newton Aycliffe, Woodland
Go to the main travel overview: Durham.
