Why Durham was named the UK’s greatest UNESCO site… and how to make the most of your visit

Stonehenge. The Tower of London. The city of Bath.

The UK is home to some of the most celebrated World Heritage Sites on the planet – and according to BBC Countryfile, the greatest of them all is right here in Durham.

Countryfile magazine has crowned Durham Castle the UK’s greatest UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting our city at the top of the nation’s must-visit list. For those of us who see the Castle and Cathedral’s towers rising above the River Wear every day, it’s a welcome piece of recognition – and for anyone yet to visit, it’s the perfect excuse.

Here’s why Durham earned the title and how to make the most of your visit.

A World Heritage Site

Durham Castle and neighbouring Cathedral wasn’t just added to the UNESCO list recently – it was one of the UK’s first ever World Heritage Sites, noted in 1986 alongside global icons like the Taj Mahal and Venice. UNESCO recognised the site for its extraordinary architecture and its role in the story of medieval England.

The Cathedral, built between 1093 and 1133, is widely considered the finest example of Norman architecture in Europe. It houses the shrine of St Cuthbert, the North East’s beloved saint and the tomb of the Venerable Bede, one of the most important scholars of the early medieval world.

The Castle, begun in 1072 on the orders of William the Conqueror, stands opposite the Cathedral across Palace Green – together they crown the rocky peninsula around which the River Wear loops in a tight horseshoe, creating one of the most dramatic cityscapes in Britain.

What makes Durham Cathedral special?

Step inside and you’ll understand why film crews (notably Harry Potter and The Avengers), historians and more than 700,000 visitors a year make the journey. Highlights include:

• The nave, with its vast ribbed vaulting and famously patterned pillars – a feat of engineering that changed the course of European architecture.
• The Cloisters, instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans as a filming location for Hogwarts.
• The Tower climb: 325 steps to the finest view in the North East, taking in the city, the river and the hills beyond.
• Open Treasure and the Cathedral Museum, home to the relics of St Cuthbert, including his remarkable 7th-century coffin and cross.

Entry to the Cathedral is free, though donations are warmly encouraged, and some exhibitions and the tower climb are ticketed. Find out more on the website.

Exploring Durham Castle

Durham Castle has a secret that surprises many visitors: it’s a working university college. As University College, Durham – the oldest of Durham University’s colleges – students genuinely live, dine and study within its medieval walls. Imagine that.

Because of this, the Castle can only be visited on a guided tour, which is part of its charm. Knowledgeable guides (often students themselves) lead you through the Great Hall, the Norman Chapel, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, and the striking Black Staircase. Tours run most days but times vary with university term dates, so it’s worth booking ahead via Durham University’s website.

Beyond the peninsula: Making a day (or weekend) of it

The World Heritage Site may be the headline act, but Durham rewards those who linger:

• Walk the riverbanks. Right on our doorstep, the circular path along the River Wear offers the classic postcard views of the Cathedral rising above the trees – best at golden hour, or on a misty autumn morning.
• Wander the cobbled streets. Saddler Street, Elvet Bridge and the Market Place are lined with independent shops, cafés and centuries of history.
• Take to the water. Rowing boats can be hired below Elvet Bridge in season, and the Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers a gentler way to see the city from the water.
• Explore further afield. Durham makes an ideal base for the wider North East – from the Beamish open-air museum to the North Pennines and the Northumberland coast.
• Take in a show. Choose from our local Gala Theatre or the Cathedral itself, both of which offer a range of live events all year round.

Where to stay in Durham: Right on the riverside

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to go far to sleep well after a day of exploring. Radisson Blu Durham sits on the banks of the River Wear, just a short and scenic walk from the Cathedral, the Castle and the city centre.

After a day on the cobbles (and perhaps those 325 tower steps), unwind in our riverside Jozef’s Bar & Restaurant or simply enjoy the views across the Wear from your room.

With a gym, pool, steam, sauna and jaccuzi, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking and family rooms available, we’re the ideal base for a Durham city break – whether you’re here for a weekend of history or passing through on a wider North East adventure.

Plan your visit to Durham

Durham has always known it was special. Now it’s official. Whether you’re drawn by a thousand years of history, the drama of the riverside setting, or simply the chance to say you’ve seen the UK’s greatest World Heritage Site for yourself, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Ready to explore? Book your stay at Radisson Blu Durham and wake up minutes from the best of the city.