Historic Durham & Cathedral
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Port
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$120
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Departing the ship at the port of Tyne, you'll stop for photos at the Angel of the North -- a wonderful steel sculpture. With wings the size of a jet plane, it dominates the surrounding area.
Continue the short distance to the city of Durham. Disembarking the coach, you'll take a walking tour through the historic city center. Climb up the hill to the stunning 12th-century Durham Cathedral -- a shrine to St Cuthbert. Your guided tour will reveal the history and architecture of the cathedral, which is a magnificent example of the Norman style.
Across the Palace Green, view Durham Castle, originally the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, but now part of Durham University, which is the third-oldest tertiary institution in England after Oxford and Cambridge. See some of the medieval buildings and learn of the Prince Bishops who ruled the Northern Kingdom from the 14th century after being granted special powers by the King.
From Durham, the tour returns to the ship, passing through countryside that was once one of the world's most productive coal mining areas.
Please note: Tour does not include an inside visit to the castle. Extensive walking is required, including an approximately 20-minute walk from the motorcoach drop-off point to the cathedral. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Photography is not allowed inside the cathedral. Photographs may be taken within the precinct area, including the cloisters.