There are already a few other reviews of this magnificent building on the Silver Traveller website, and I can not only recommend by add my full agreement to that of ESW from a few years ago.
Our visit to Durham was a return to my past, as I was born and brought up in the city. It is perhaps true to say that you never really appreciate a place while you live there, but going back 50 years later, I am now convinced it’s the best cathedral I have ever visited – but I would say that, wouldn’t I?!
The cathedral’s history remains the same as it has been for hundreds of years, of course, and its state of repair continues to be a problem, with the tower being wrapped up, on the day of our visit, as if covered in a bandage! The tombs of St.Cuthbert and St.Bede are the highlights, as are the roof vaults and their carvings, which I remember having to draw during a trip with my primary school!
Don’t miss a new feature, however – the Open Treasure, which requires an entrance fee, but takes visitors through the wonderfully-restored Monk’s Dormitory, housing a great collection of artefacts, and the former Great Kitchen, where treasures relating to St.Cuthbert can be seen. We were particularly impressed by seeing the coffin in which his body had been transported from Lindisfarne to its resting place at ‘Dun Holm’ – Durham!
“Cathedral website”:https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/
