Durham Cathedral
Durham DH1 3EH
Perched way above Durham's city centre, almost on an island on a bend in the river, Durham's Cathedral is one of the best-preserved Normal buildings in England, built between 1093 and 1133. Dead opposite the city's Castle, it's a vital stop on any tour of the city, and repays a lengthy wander to admire its many and various parts, among them the massive Norman columns, the rib-vaulting of the roof and the elegant cloisters – which you may recognise from various scenes in the Harry Potter movies which were filmed here. Other highlights include the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede in the beautiful round-arched Galilee Chapel, the amazing Norman Chapter House (another Harry Potter location!) and the monks' kitchen and dormitory. The tower can be climbed – not an especially easy task as it consists of 325 steps, but worth it for the fabulous views from the top.
