Churches & Cathedrals : Attraction of Durham

A magnificent Norman cathedral, founded in 1093, the shrine of St. Cuthbert and a focus of Christian worship in the Diocese of Durham.
The cathedral and the castle are a World Heritage Site.
Visitors can see the Monk’s Dormitory, Tower, Treasury Museum and Audio-visual presentations.

THE TREASURY MUSEUM
Durham Cathedral, Durham City.
Tel: 0191 386 4266.
E-mail: enquiries@durhamcathedral.co.uk
Display of valuable and beautiful objects representing 900 years of cathedral history. Includes the relics of St. Cuthbert, fine altar plate, richly illustrated manuscripts, bishop’s rings and seals and embroidered copes. As an active place of worship, which also attracts many other events, the Cathedral is not always fully accessible to visitors. Please enquire if you wish to visit on a particular day, especially when travelling far. The Cathedral is open for worship and private prayer between 7.30am and 9.30am (Monday to Saturday), and 7.45am and 12.30pm (Sunday). The Cathedral closes at 6.15pm (Monday to Saturday) and 5pm (Sunday). From the beginning of April to the end of September, the Cathedral is open until 6pm on Sundays.

Finchale Priory, 4 miles north of Durham City.
Tel: 0191 386 3828 or 0191 269 1200.
E-mail: victoria.provo@englishheritage.org.uk
13th century Benedictine Priory which served as a holiday retreat for monks from Durham. There are considerable remains of the church and monastery buildings in an attractive riverside setting.

Egglestone Abbey, near Barnard Castle.
Tel: 0191 261 1585.
E-mail: victoria.provo@englishheritage.org.uk
Ruined 12th century abbey in a picturesque setting above the River Tees. Close to the abbey is a fine example of a Medieval pack horse bridge. Open at all times during daylight hours.

Escomb Church
Escomb Village near Bishop Auckland.
Tel: 01388 662265 (Tourist Secretary).

Saxon church dating from 7th century and built of stone from Binchester Roman Fort. Now restored, it is one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in northern Europe. Open summer 9.00-20.00; winter 9.00-16.00. Guided tours by arrangement with the Tourist Secretary; key available from 22 Saxon Green, Escomb.