Durham Cathedral - Britain's best-loved building (Durham Cathedral)

Member Name: jeffjen

Product:	Durham Cathedral
Date:	03/05/09 (344 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A beautiful place to visit

Disadvantages: None

I do like cathedrals and churches, and have visited quite a few, but I do consider myself lucky enough to live here in the north-east and not far from what I consider to be the best cathedral I have ever seen!

The cathedral I am talking about is Durham Cathedral, built high on a peninsula of land, created by a loop in the River Wear, it can be seen from miles around.
I remember from childhood, when being away from the north-east on holiday or a day trip, returning home up the A1 I would look for Durham Cathedral, and when spotting it in the distance, know I would soon be 'home'. I still think that way to this day!
One of my favourite views of the cathedral is at sunset, there is no better scene than this, the central and western towers dark against a yellow-red skyline is breath-taking.

Bill Bryson described Durham Cathedral as 'the best Cathedral on planet Earth, a sentiment which has been echoed by many people from all over the world. It was also voted Britain's best-loved building in a nationwide BBC poll.
It is popular not only for it's architecture, but also for it's amazing setting which I mentioned above. Far better landmark than the Angel of the North in my opinion!

Durham cathedral has also became very popular with children, as the cloisters area featured in the Harry Potter films, as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


The cathedral is a master-piece of Norman 'Romanesque' architecture, and is the only cathedral in England to retain it's Norman craftmanship. Building began in 1093 and was completed within 40 years.
Built as a place of worship and also to house the shrine of St Cuthbert, it was also the home of a Benedictine monastic community.

The nave, quire and transepts are all Norman. At the west end is the Norman style 12th century Galilee Chapel ,and at the east end is the 13th century Gothic style Chapel of the Nine Altars. The central tower dates from the 15th century which displays perpendicular Gothic detailing.
The cloisters on the south side contain work from the 15th century and later. Cathedral Close is a quiet area also on the south side and known as 'The College'. It is home to the clergy and also the Chorister School.

Walking around this magnificent building you are in awe of the architecture, and find yourself thinking of it being constructed all those years ago, and the work and craftmanship of the people involved. It does take a while to walk around it as very large.
Entry is gained by the North door, which housed the famous gothic Sanctuary Knocker. Folk who banged on this, would receive sanctuary for 37 days and given the choice of trial or exile. A replica sits in it's place now, but the original can still be seen on display inside the cathedral in St Cuthbert's Treasury.

There are some beautiful stained glass windows, particularly in the Galilee Chapel, which is also home to the tomb of The Venerable Bede.

Entrance to the cathedral is free, however you can give a contribution to the upkeep of the cathedral as it does cost over £60,000 a week to maintain the cathedral, buildings and ministry. There is a separate charge for admission to the Tower, the Monk's Dormitory and St Cuthbert's Treasury .

The central tower stands 66 metres high and I have climbed the stone spiral steps many times to the top, where you will have amazing views of Durham and beyond. I would recommend it to anyone fit and able, but bear in mind the climb up the tower becomes quite narrow towards the top. There is also a minimum height restriction of 4 feet 3 inches. Please note that if you are wearing high or stilletto heels, backless sandals or mules, you will not be allowed to climb the tower.
Climbing the tower is £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children under 16. Family tickets are available at £8.00. The tower is open every day except Sunday and will be closed during services or bad weather.

The treasures of St Cuthbert houses objects which date back to Cuthbert himself, including his cross and his coffin. Other items tell the story of the cathedral and community right up to recent times.
It is open daily and entry is £2.50 for adults and 70p for children. Family tickets are available at £6.00.

The Monk's Dormitory, with its oak-beamed roof,now houses part of the cathedral library, but used to be the place where the Monk's slept, and there are many items on display. It is open daily and entry is £1.00 for adults and 30p for children. A family ticket is £2.00.

There is also a 'Building the Church' exhibition which shows the many crafts and skills the builders used when constructing the cathedral, and an audio visual display of ' Saint Cuthbert and Durham Cathedral'. Entry to this is priced the same as the Monk's Dormitory.

There is a book and gift shop and also a restaurant, which is open daily serving home-made scones, cakes and biscuits at all times, and meals, soups and salads at lunchitmes. The restaurant can also be hired for private functions.

The cathedral does have 1317 services each year, and thousands of people regularly attend the Christmas carol services every year. Although the cathedral is open to the public every day, occasionally some of the services and events mean that visitors may be restricted, so it may be worth checking before you go.

If visiting the cathedral you may also wish to visit the castle nearby and Durham City with it's cobbled streets and shops are all within easy walking distance. It is also nice to walk along the river or go on a boat.

A great city to visit and great day out!

General enquiries about the cathedral, services and times etc can be emailed to - enquiries@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Summary: The best cathedral in Britain