Cathedral & City of Durham

by coach & on foot

Departing from the port, an approximate 1.25h drive will take you south, passing Antony Gormley’s famous Angel of the North, possibly the most recognisable piece of public modern art in the country.

Upon arrival, follow your guide on an approximately 15-minute uphill walk through the medieval streets of this historic city to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest buildings, the original rib-vaulted church reveals architectural innovations of great importance. The construction of the church took 40 years and was completed in 1133. Since then, the cathedral has attracted pilgrims and travellers from all over the world. Enjoy an unguided visit inside where you can appreciate the remarkable history and design of the building; one of the most splendid examples of early Norman architecture in England.

Having viewed the main parts of the cathedral and taken a walk through the beautiful cloisters, retrace your steps around Palace Green, elegantly lined with atmospheric university buildings. Meanwhile, glimpses of the impressive Durham Castle, dating back to 1072, can be seen. Now largely used as a residence for university students, the immense building is one of the world’s largest Norman Castles and one of the grandest Romanesque structures to survive in England.

Enjoy some free time to take a leisurely stroll back through the small side streets surrounding the cathedral and along the River Wear. Here, the medieval character of Durham is perhaps at its most beguiling.

Re-joining your coach, reflect on the sights you have seen during the return drive to the Port of Tyne.