Enjoy a visit to one of the UK’s
15 World Heritage Sites on this half-day tour today.
Depart from the pier and begin with a drive by to the
university city of Durham, one of the jewels of northern
England.
Upon arrival in Durham enjoy a guided walk through
this historic city to bring Durham’s stories to
life, ending with a short, uphill climb to the cathedral
and castle. Durham Castle, along with the Cathedral
and other buildings around Palace Green, form one of
the most striking groups of historic architecture in
Europe. For this reason the Castle and Cathedral were
designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
Built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries to
house the tombs of two of the most famous names from
early Christianity: St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede,
Durham Cathedral is the largest and finest example of
Norman architecture in England. More recently the cloisters
were used during the filming of the Harry Potter films.
Following your guided tour of the cathedral, visit
Durham Castle, an ancient Norman fortress which was
the residence of the prince-bishops of Durham.
Founded soon after the Norman Conquest, the Castle has
been rebuilt, extended and adapted to changing circumstances
and uses over a period of 900 years: from being a key
fortress in the defence of the border with Scotland,
it was gradually transformed in more peaceful times
into an imposing and comfortable palace for the Bishops
of Durham; and since 1837, soon after the foundation
of the University of Durham, it has served as a residential
college for many generations of students and dons.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Castle before rejoining
your coach for the return journey to your ship.
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