Top Things to do in County Durham
Top Hotels in County Durham
- 1. Burnhopeside Hall
- 2. Travelodge Durham
- 3. Radisson Blu Hotel Durham
- 4. Premier Inn Durham City Centre (Walkergate) hotel
- 5. Premier Inn Hartlepool Marina hotel
- 6. Travelodge Hartlepool Marina Hotel
- 7. Premier Inn Durham North hotel
- 8. Ramside Hall Hotel
- 9. Lumley Castle Hotel
- 10. Blackwell Grange Hotel
The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in County Durham, England
Discover the best top things to do in County Durham, United Kingdom including Laithkirk Parish Church, St. Brandon's Church, Brancepeth, St Laurence Church, Durham Cathedral, Escomb Saxon Church, Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, St Cuthbert's Church, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Church, St Thomas the Apostle's Church.
Restaurants in County Durham
1. Laithkirk Parish Church
2. St. Brandon's Church, Brancepeth
3. St Laurence Church
4. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
5. Escomb Saxon Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Sean002 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is a wondrous small Church and amazing to see it standing proud after having been on the site since around 675AD.It also has the oldest sun dial in its original setting in the Country and lots more of significant historical interest.
6. Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By mrgrahamb2015 - Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom
This beautiful Church in the heart of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, dates back to 883. The oldest surviving translation of the Gospels into English was done here and this was the original Cathedral before Durham Cathedral was built. There is just so much historic value here to see and touch that I can not put in to words. Volunteer guides are on site who have a fantastic knowledge of the Church, it's history and the surrounding area. If you are visiting County Durham, this is a site that you must not miss. Amazing!
7. St Cuthbert's Church
8. St Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By douglashraefn
Wonderful and peaceful medieval church. Purchased a DVD about the history of the church and a couple of postcards which acted as lovely mementos. The medieval carved tomb stone inside of the church was also great to see!
9. St Mary's Church
10. St Thomas the Apostle's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By AnnetteJ682
Right in the centre of Stanhope, this beautiful church and graveyard is well worth a visit. Rest awhile in its peace, and admire the artistry all around you. Woodcarvings, stonework, stained glass (Medieval and Victorian) and ornate needlework all delight the eye and soothe the soul. Look out for the Roman altar recovered from the moors, the Frosterley Marble Victorian font and a Saxon font. The graveyard is also of interest, with many headstones conveying the heartbreakingly high levels of child and infant mortality of the past. Don't miss the stone coffins from Crusader times to the left of the church porch, and take time to marvel at the 250 million year old Fossil Tree near the churchyard entrance. The church now has a lovely little coffee shop inside, serving homemade cake and hot drinks. Staffed by friendly volunteers, you're assured of service with a smile!
