The city of Durham is a World Heritage Site with Durham Castle, Cathedral and University. The Cathedral and Castle are on a wooded cliff within a horseshoe bend in the River Wear, watch for the magnificent view if your train is approaching Durham from the south. Tourist Information is available from Durham University's Palace Green Library (open M-S) and this is a good place to start your visit. Durham is the county town of County Durham. Durham Bus Station is ¼ mile from the Rail Station.
A series of interlinked gardens, each with its own style, including a maze, orchard, walled garden
and wildlife pool. Medieval hall. Views of Durham city and cathedral. Café.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1700. Nov-Feb, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crook-hall-gardens
Built in the Norman period as an imposing fortress, later developing into a lavish palace,
the Castle's story is closely linked to the powerful and wealthy Prince Bishops of Durham.
Open Admission by guided tours, see website.
www.dur.ac.uk
Bus see Cathedral Bus above.
The main focus of the Museum is the archaeology of North East England. Admission free.
Open M-F 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1600.
www.dur.ac.uk
Bus see Cathedral Bus above.
The magnificent Durham Cathedral was built in the late 11th century to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert.
Book a tower tour for stunning views over Durham. Café. General admission free (donations welcome), charges for tours.
Open M-S 0930-1630, Sun 1200-1500, check website for closures.
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Bus Cathedral Bus 40 operates from the Rail Station to Palace Green Library,
9 minutes journey, M-S every 20 minutes.
Durham Cathedral Museum covers 2000 years of the North East's history, culture and faith.
Highlights include the octagonal Great Kitchen and St Cuthbert's wooden coffin.
Open M-S 1000-1600, Sun 1200-1600.
www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Bus see Cathedral Bus above.
Displays cover the origins and development of the city from medieval times to the present day.
Open closed for building work.
www.durhammuseum.co.uk
Bus see Cathedral Bus above.
Collections cover the art and archaeology of the great cultures of
Northern Africa and Asia. Café. Admission free.
Open TWThF 1100-1600, SSu & BH 1200-1600.
www.dur.ac.uk
Bus 42 from Rail Station (or 6 from Bus Station) to 'South Road Colleges' stop,
about 12 minutes journey, then ¼ mile walk. 42 M-S ½-hourly. 6 M-S every 20 minutes, Sun & BH ½-hourly.
For 42 bus times see Traveline.
6 operated by Arriva.
Plant collections from around the world as well as a woodland and alpine gardens,
a bamboo grove and a wildflower meadow. Café, picnic benches.
Open Daily 1000-1630 (1030-1600 Nov-Feb).
www.dur.ac.uk
Bus as for Oriental Museum.
Indoor and outdoor soft play areas, farm animals, crazy golf and other attractions. Café.
Open MThFSSu 1000-1600.
www.adventurevalley.co.uk
Bus 62 from Bus Station (¼ mile from Rail Station) to entrance,
18 minutes journey. M-S hourly.
For bus times see Traveline.
The picturesque ruins of Finchale Priory beside the River Wear. The Priory was founded in 1196 on the site
of the hermitage of St Godric and was an outpost of Durham Cathedral being used by monks from Durham as a holiday retreat.
Admission free.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Feb).
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus 62 from Bus Station (¼ mile from Rail Station) to Frankland Prison,
18 minutes journey, then 1 mile walk. M-S hourly.
For bus times see Traveline.
A nature reserve of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats created from an opencast coal mine in 1996.
A wide range of birds and other wildlife can be seen, including butterflies in summer. Bird watching hides (pass required).
Visitor Centre. Café and picnic area. Admission free but charge for bird hides pass.
Open Visitor Centre Daily 1000-1600, Reserve anytime.
www.durhamwt.com
Bus 20A from Bus Station (¼ mile from railway station) to
Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate, about 30 minutes journey, then ½ mile walk. M-S ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly.
Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Sunderland.
Ushaw is a former Roman Catholic seminary. The historic house, chapels, park and gardens
are now open to all. Woodland play park. Art exhibitions. Café.
Open Daily 1000-1600.
www.ushaw.org
Bus 52 from Bus Station (¼ mile from Rail Station) to opposite entrance,
20 minutes journey. M-S infrequent but suitable for visiting.
For bus times see Traveline.
