When In Durham: The Best Tourist Spots for History Buffs! |
Posted: March 28, 2022 |
If you're looking for a tourist spot that has it all - history, culture, and adventure - look no further than Durham, England. This city is steeped in culture, being home to some of the most famous historical sites in the world, but still with plenty of activities for those who love to explore. From the imposing Durham Cathedral to the vibrant Palace Green, Girl About Travel lets you in on the best historical attractions Durham has to offer! Durham: England's Historic HeartFor a bit of a background on Durham, it's located in the North East of England and is considered the birthplace of British Christianity. It was founded in A.D. 1080 by William de Percy, and its Norman architecture has earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list. In fact, the county has been inhabited by humans for over 12,000 years and was even a stronghold during the Norman Conquest. That's a lot of history to take in! It's also where William Wallace (of Braveheart fame, of course) defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Talk about a history buff's dream destination! But Durham isn't just a city for those who love to learn about the past - it's also an excellent place for outdoor strolls and explorations, boasting some of the most picturesque countrysides in all of England. So whether you're looking to explore Durham's rich history or take in its natural beauty, this city has something for you. Durham Cathedral
Starting with the most famous attraction in Durham, let's look at Durham Cathedral. This imposing cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the whole country and has been standing since A.D. 1133. The Durham Cathedral is a beautiful, centuries-old building that replaced an earlier wooden church destroyed by fire. Due to a lack of available resources, the entire construction process took over 100 years to complete! But evidently, the time and effort paid off because the cathedral is home to some impressive features, including its stained glass windows (which are some of the oldest in Europe) and even the remains of St Cuthbert, which are housed in the crypt. So if you're feeling adventurous and a bit nostalgic about a time long past, you can try climbing the 199 steps up to the top of the tower for some fantastic views over Durham! Palace GreenNext on our list is Palace Green, which is located right next to the cathedral (very convenient). Palace Green was once the site of Durham Castle, which was built in A.D. 1080 to serve as both a royal residence and a fortress. Nowadays, it's one of Durham's most popular tourist spots because of its lush greenery and picturesque setting. In fact, you won't be able to resist a photo op. The Palace Green is also home to several museums, such as the Oriental Museum and the Archaeology Museum, making it the perfect spot for a day of learning and exploration. Even if you're not interested in visiting any of the museums, though, it's still worth taking a stroll through the vast expanse of beautiful green space - you might even get lucky and spot some wildlife! Barnard CastleIf you've always had a heart for the dramatic, then a visit to Barnard Castle is an absolute non-negotiable. Barnard Castle was built over 800 years ago by Guy de Balliol and is now one of the most well-preserved castles in all of England. This castle has everything you could ever want in a historic site: from its grand Great Hall to its quaint chapel, there's plenty to explore. Barnard Castle has been through quite a lot in its years of existence - from being used as a royal residence to serving as a prison. As a matter of fact, the history of Barnard Castle is so rich that it's even been featured on the popular T.V. show, Castle! And if that's not enough, the Barnard Castle also boasts stunning views of the River Tees, which flows right through Durham. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the dramatically gorgeous gardens, which are manicured and perfect for a summer's day. So if you're looking for an epic Instagram backdrop (or want to pretend you're in Game of Thrones), Barnard Castle is the place to be. Binchester Roman FortFor those of you who are interested in archaeology or ancient history, you cannot skip over Binchester Roman Fort. The Romans built this fort in A.D. 71 and served as one of their main outposts in Northern England during that time. Interestingly enough, it wasn't until the 1970s that archaeologists discovered the fort's significance - before that, it was actually used as a farm! The castle itself is pretty impressive, with its three towers and massive keep, but the show's real star is the view from the top. You can see for miles over the picturesque countryside - it's breathtaking. Nowadays, it's open to the public and serves as both a museum and an event venue (so you can really get a taste of medieval life). Durham CastleHow can you visit Durham without making a stop at Durham Castle? This imposing castle has been standing (tall and proud) over the city since A.D. 1080 and is now one of the most popular tourist spots in all of England. Durham Castle was initially built as a royal residence, but it's also served as a fortress, a prison, and army barracks! Talk about versatility. These days, you can visit the castle to explore its many rooms and halls (including the King's Hall and Queen's Chamber) or participate in one of the many fun activities hosted there throughout the year. Wynch BridgeThey say being nervous on an old bridge can evoke feelings of being in love. We're not sure about that, but the antique beauty of the Wynch bridge will definitely make your heart flutter. This bridge was built in the 18th century and is one of the only remaining bridges of its kind in the world. It's made entirely of stone and is incredibly sturdy, despite its delicate appearance. The Wynch bridge crosses the River Wear and leads right into the city center, so it's the perfect spot for a romantic evening walk. Just make sure to stay on the bridge - there have been reports of ghost sightings on the riverbanks! Finchale PrioryIt's only fitting that we end this list with an ethereal and otherworldly experience at Finchale Priory. This ancient priory was founded way back in A.D. 640 by St. Aidan and served as a monastery until it was closed down in 1539. Nowadays, Finchale Priory is said to be one of the most haunted places in England - so if you're brave enough, definitely check it out! (Just be prepared for some spine-tingling experiences). But even if you're not into ghosts, Finchale Priory is still worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and serene gardens. It's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet. Final ThoughtsDurham is a city with plenty of history and culture to offer tourists. With so many attractions and activities available, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience. So if you're ever in the area, be sure to check out these spots!
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