Historic Durham & Cathedral
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port
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$110
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
"Durham Cathedral was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. It attests to the importance of the early Benedictine monastic community and is the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England. Near to the cathedral stands the castle, an ancient Norman fortress which was the residence of the prince-bishops of Durham."
Departing the ship at the port of Tyne, you'll stop for photos at the Angel of the North -- a wonderful steel sculpture. With wings the size of a jet plane's, it dominates the surrounding area.
Continue the short distance to the city of Durham. Disembarking the coach, you'll take a walking tour through the historic city center. Climb up the hill to the stunning 12th-century Durham Cathedral -- a shrine to St Cuthbert. Your guided tour will reveal the history and architecture of the cathedral that is a magnificent example of Norman style.
Across the Palace Green, view Durham Castle, originally the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, but now part of Durham University, which is the third-oldest tertiary institution in England after Oxford and
Cambridge. See some of the medieval buildings and learn of the Prince Bishops who ruled the Northern Kingdom from the 14th century, after being granted special powers by the King.
From Durham, the tour returns to the ship, passing through countryside that was once one of the world's most productive coal mining areas.
Please note: Tour does not include an inside visit at the castle. Extensive walking is required, including an approximately 20-minute walk from the motorcoach drop-off point to the cathedral. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Photography of any kind is not allowed inside the cathedral. Photographs may be taken within the precinct area, including the cloisters. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.