Durham - 1000 years of history
Historic Buildings

Durham Cathedral, Palace Green.
Tel: (0191) 386 4266 (Chapter Office)
The finest example of Norman architecture in the world. Begun in 1093 by Bishop William St Carileph, his design was completed by 1135 though there have been many additions since. Contains the shrines of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Admission free (donation requested). The Treasury contains relics of St. Cuthbert, illuminated texts, cathedral plate and the original sanctuary knocker.
Cathedral open all year.
Undercroft Restaurant and Bookshop.
Admission charges apply to: The Treasures of St Cuthbert, Monks' Dormitory (closed in winter), The Tower

Durham Castle, Palace Green.
Tel: (0191) 334 3800
Dating from 1072, the Castle was the seat of the Prince Bishops until 1832, when it became the foundation college of Durham University. Contains the Norman Chapel, Great Hall, and the 57ft high ‘Black Staircase’ - made of oak. Amazingly, the castle’s 15th century kitchen is still in use. A guided tour will show you more about the past and present day life of the castle. Please check times of tours.
Note: occasionally, functions at the castle may cause scheduled tours to be cancelled. Closed Christmas vacations. Admission charge (includes tour).

Guildhall, Market Place.
First built in 1356 and rebuilt in 1535 and 1665. Long associations with the old city guilds which were the regulatory bodies for various trades in Durham. By the mid 19th century, the building had become too small, necessitating the building of the new Town Hall.

Town Hall, Market Place.
Built in 1850 and modelled on London’s Westminster Hall, it features an impressive hammer-beam roof as well as superb stained glass windows, heraldic symbols, paintings and a magnificent fireplace of local stone. The personal belongings of ‘The Little Count’ are on show in the foyer. Originally from Poland, Joseph Boruwlaski was just under 1 metre tall and became well known in Durham society. When he died in 1837 he was almost 98 years old.
Guided tours by arrangement Tel: (0191) 301 8490

Crook Hall, Sidegate.
Tel: (0191) 384 8028
14th century manor house with minstrels’ gallery and 4 acres of fine gardens much restored by previous and present owners, including the Secret Walled Garden; Shakespeare Garden; Cathedral Garden and the Silver and White Garden. After a tour of the gardens and parts of the Hall, enjoy a traditional English tea.
Closed in winter. Admission charge.

The Almshouses
Situated on Palace Green between Durham Cathedral and the Castle, the Almshouses were founded in 1666 by Bishop Cosin in the building formerly occupied by Bishop Langley.s Grammar School, built almost two centuries earlier. The building was given to the University after its founding in 1832, and it has been used as a café since the 1960's.