Excursion Unesco durham cathedral tour at Newcastle upon Tyne

Visit a UK World Heritage Site in the historic university city of Durham, one of the jewels of Northern England.

Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are among the greatest monuments of the Norman Conquest of Britain and comprise one of the most splendid groups of historic architecture in Europe. For this reason, the Cathedral and Castle were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Arriving in the city of Durham, walk to Palace Green to see Durham Castle (from the outside) and hear of its fascinating history.

Cross Palace Green to Durham Cathedral, a Norman structure built in the late 11th / early 12th century to house the tombs of two of the most eminent saints from early Christianity: St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral with its magnificent stone vaulted ceiling is the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England.

During a guided tour taking you through the history and development of the Cathedral, see the Nave, Quire and treasures such as the Shrine of St Cuthbert, the Tomb of the Venerable Bede, the Galilee Chapel and the Chapel of The Nine Alters.

Durham Cathedral Museum

At the end of your guided tour discover the medieval monastery that now houses Durham Cathedral Museum. Step inside the spectacular 14^th century Monks Dormitory to admire the original oak roof and a collection of early Christian stone monuments. See treasures of St Cuthbert, including his hand carved coffin, exhibited in the octagonal Grand Kitchen, formally the monks kitchen.

Leaving the Cathedral, enjoy a walk with your guide through Durham’s narrow streets, most of which have medieval origins.

Conclude at Market Square with the city’s Town Hall, Guild Hall and St Nicholas Church and return to your coach for the return journey to Port of Tyne.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 2 kilometres, including some cobbled streets in Durham and steep gradients during the walk to and from Palace Green and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and inside the cathedral. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.