William's imposing stronghold

OVERLOOKING the leafy River Wear as it weaves its way through Durham City is one of William the Conqueror's first fortified castles.

On his return from Scotland, in 1072, William had Waltheof, the Saxon Earl of Northumberland, build him a castle from which he could pacify the rebellious northern regions of his new realm.

With its prominent keep built high on a mound and surrounded by a walled enclosure, Durham Castle is a classic early example of the distinct Norman motte and bailey-style fortress.

The castle continued to serve as a centre of power to counter threats from north of the border throughout the Middle Ages.

It then became the principal residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, who each added important sections to the illustrious building.

The gatehouse, which leads visitors into the courtyard, is near the site of the castle moat which was crossed by a drawbridge.

Primarily, the work of Bishop Pudsey (1153-1195) the gatehouse underwent alteration during the episcopacies of Bishop Tunstall (1530-1559) and Bishop Shute Barrington (1791-1826).

To the west of the gatehouse is the Great Hall, which contains a gallery full of military memorabilia, including relics from the Civil War and Napoleonic Wars, and portraits of former bishops.

Between the Great Hall and Bishop Pudsey's building is the majestic 57ft Black Staircase, so called because of the distinctively rich dark oak from which it was built.

Walk around the castle courtyard and you can see the additions each bishop made as they had their coat of arms mounted on to the areas each had rebuilt.

The oldest part of the castle is the Norman chapel, built in 1080, and largely intact.

Despite its dominance, the keep is probably the least historic part of the castle as over the centuries it continually fell into ruin until the 1840s when it was rebuilt by Anthony Salvin to the original floor plan as the Norman building.

Today, the castle, a Grade I listed building, houses the University College and its keep acts as accommodation for students.

According to the Department of the Environment: "Few buildings in England can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Durham Castle.

"Founded soon after the Norman Conquest, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to changing circumstances and uses over a period of 900 years".

Enjoying English Heritage Open Days in County Durham

Boldron Mission Church

Quaint and tiny Victorian country church set on the village green in the village of Boldron.

From Scotch Corner W along A66 for 13m, turn R at signpost.

Sun 1200-1700.

Holy Trinity Church,

Startforth

Beautifully set, early Victorian church by the river Tees. Fine interior and stained glass and recently restored spire.

Half mile from Barnard Castle on the S bank of the Tees.

Sun 1400-1700.

St Giles' Parish Church, Bowes

Historic church, in Main Street, dating from 10th Century in the village of Bowes. Buried in the churchyard are people on whom Charles Dickens based his characters in Nicholas Nickleby.

From Scotch Corner, head W along A66 for 15m, Bowes signposted.

Sun 1400-1700.

St Mary's Church,

Brignall

Delightful mid-Victorian church recently restored with beautiful wood panelled ceiling and other carved wood fittings.

W from Scotch Corner, along A66, turn L at Greta Bridge.

Sun 1400-1700.

St Mary's Church,

Rokeby

Splendid 18th Century church, designed by Thomas Robinson. Notable for its unusual north facing position, crypt and fine stained glass.

From Scotch Corner follow A66 10m to Greta Bridge.

Sun 1400-1700.

Allington House, Durham City

This 17th Century house at 4 North Bailey was built on the remains of the castle wall. It was extended in the 18th Century, clearly illustrated by the front facade of the building. The windows offer a fascinating insight into the changing fashions of the period. Inside, various ages of building are evident, not least the 19th Century stairs.

From Market Place head S up Saddler St keeping to the L.

Fri to Mon 0830-1400.

Beaurepaire Manor House, Bearpark

Ruins of medieval manor house used as a country retreat for the Priors of Durham. Dates from mid 13th Century. Enjoy as part of a walk around Beaurepaire estate. See Durham's local programme for details.

From centre W on A690, R on to A167, L on Tollhouse Rd, 1st R, R by chapel.

Fri Sat Sun Mon, during daylight hours.

Brancepeth Castle

Grade I medieval castle, home of the Nevilles, Earls of Westmorland. Substantial medieval survival supplemented by new building designed by John Paterson (begun 1818) and Anthony Salvin (c1829).

From centre W to Langley Moor on A690 to New Brancepeth L at jct in village.

Tours Fri Mon 1830 Sun 1430 & 1630.

Pre-book on 0191-384 3720.

Bull Hole Byre, Bearpark Lodge Farm

A Grade II listed, cruk-framed small barn of 17th Century or earlier, forming part of the Prior of Durham/Dean and Chapter estate of Beaurepaire. This building is situated on a working farm and visitors must appreciate the conditions under foot.

Tollhouse Rd to Bearpark, sign to Bearpark Colliery, after 0.7m R, Lodge Farm.

Sun 1000-1700.

PENINSULA WALK

Enjoy a new peninsula walk by Martin Roberts, inspector of historic buildings, English Heritage (NE region). The tour will highlight the conflict between architectural styles on the peninsula - a battle that has lasted almost 400 years. Meet outside Durham Castle.

From city centre S up Saddler St, bear L up Owengate to Palace Green.

Sat 1000.

Pre-book on 0191-269 1227.

Croxdale Hall,

Old Chapel

Grade I Norman church in the grounds of Croxdale Estate. Early (late 11th/early 12th Century) "Tree of Jesse" door tympanum. Late 12th/early 13th Century chancel.

A690 to S'land Bdge from Durham, L on to B6300, L again under viaduct.

Sat 1400-1600.

DURHAM CITY

Durham Castle

Enjoy a guided tour of Durham Castle, in Palace Green. This Grade I listed building, dates from 1072 and was the residence of the Prince Bishops until 1832. It now houses the University College.

From city centre S up Saddler St, bear L up Owengate to Palace Green.

Tours Sun 1000-1200 & 1400-1600 Every 30 min.

Durham Cathedral

An exhibition and educational resource which shows the story of the building of the cathedral. Situated in the oldest part of the claustral buildings (the Walcher Undercroft). Adjoins the cloisters of Durham Cathedral.

Sat 1000-1600.

No parking.

Town Hall

Durham Town Hall, in Market Place, is a Grade II* listed building. The original Guildhall was built in 1356. Enclosing this is the town hall, extended and replaced by Hardwick, in 1851.

Tours Fri 1200 & 1500 Mon 1200 & 1600.

Pre-book on 0191-384 3720.

Fowlers Yard

Utilising an as yet un-let unit in Fowlers Yard conversions, in Back Silver Street, the full programme of Heritage Open Day events can be accessed. In addition, a local exh ibition of mining history and memorabilia will be held. In association with the Single Regeneration Budget team for 12 mining villages, a cultural interpretation project will be on display incorporating digital images and sound, interpreting the past and looking into the future for the villages.

From Market Place head N, turn R past St Nicholas down to Walkergate, 1st L.

Fri Sat Sun Mon 1000-1600.

Fowlers Yard Units

Fowlers Yard, in Back Silver Street, is a historic group of buildings. A chance to see active visual arts and craft workshops. See glass making, metal working, beer making, textile arts and visit the photographer's studio. On Saturday, oral history throughout the day - share your memories of this part of the city.

From Market Place head N, turn R past St Nicholas down to Walkergate, 1st L.

Fri Sat Mon 1000-1600.

Gala Theatre

Opened in 2001, the new theatre, in Millennium Place, is purpose- built, forming part of the Durham Millennium City. Tours of the back of house.

In the city centre, next to TIC.

Tours Fri Sat 1200 & 1400 & 1600 & 1800 Sun Mon 1200 & 1400.

Pre-book on 0191-332 4061 (A Bell) or 0191-332 4051 (J Marthen).

Kepier Hospital

and Loggia

Medieval hospital buildings and later earlier 16th/17th Century walled garden and ruined loggia. The loggia, in The Sands, has been consolidated.

From centre N on to Claypath down Providence Row, Sands, follow L fork in rd.

Tours Fri Mon 1100 Sat 1500 Sun 1230.

Pre-book on 0191-384 3720.

Booking required.

Memories of Durham Coalfields

Come and see a portable exhibition of mining memorabilia and artefacts of the Durham Coalfields, in Fowlers Yard. New to Heritage Open Days.

From Market Pl head N, turn R past St Nicholas church.

Mon Sat Sun Fri 1000-1600.

North Road Methodist Church

A Grade II listed building by ER Robson, former Bethel chapel, now Methodist church dated 1853. Celebrating 150 years. Combined with coffee morning.

From city centre W on to Framwelgate Bdge, church on top L of North Rd.

Sat 1000-1300.

Old Durham Gardens

Restored formal gardens which developed from 17th to the early 20th Century featuring a gazebo, terrace and walled garden with restored planting. Free fun Heritage Trail around gardens. Access on foot via Maiden Castle or Pelaw Woods.

From city centre S on to A177. Park in Maiden Castle Sports Centre.

Fri Sat Sun Mon 1000-1600.

Redhills Miners Hall

A rare chance to see this Grade II listed building, in Redhills Lane, built 1913-15 by H T Gradon. Now used as offices by the Miners' Association.

Under Claypath bridge over river to Framwelgate r'about, A690 signs for Crook.

Tours Fri Mon 1400 Sat Sun 1030.

Pre-book on 0191-384 3720.

St Mary-the-Less

Now the chapel of St John's College, but formally one of the small parishes of the peninsula. Largely rebuilt in 1847, but incorporates good 17th Century woodwork and a rare early 13th Century sculpture.

From city centre S up Saddler St, on to North Bailey then South Bailey.

Fri Sat Mon 1000-1600.

Salvation Army Citadel

Built as an assembly room in 1820, the hall, in Saddler Street, is approached through a Greek Doric doorcase, up a graceful stair. The hall is built in part on the site of the Great North Gate. It became the Salvation Army Citadel in 1925.

From city centre N up Saddler St, on L prior to Owengate.

Fri Sat 1000-1700 Sun 1300-1600 Mon 1000-1300.

GUIDED WALK

Tour by Durham Blue Badges Guides. Enjoy a guided walk around the city centre with Durham Tour Guides.

Meet outside the tourist information centre, in Millennium Square.

Tour of City

A tour of the city, a World Heritage Site. Guided tour by Martin Roberts, historic buildings inspector. Meet outside the cathedral. Palace Green. Property owned and managed by English Heritage.

Sat 1000.

Pre-book on 0191-269 1227/8, Max 25 people per tour.

Booking required.

Vane Tempest Hall

This is the only remaining Militia headquarters, a Grade II listed building in County Durham. Built in 1863 as the 2nd Durham Militia Stores, it is an impressive sandstone building in mock castle style.

From city centre E on Claypath, up Gilesgate Bank, R at Queens Head into Gilesgate.

Fri Sat 1000-1500, Tours Fri 1030 & 1330 Sat 1130 & 1300.

Wharton Park

An opportunity to take a guided tour of Wharton Park, in North Road, the park was a gift to the city from WL Wharton, Sheriff of Durham in 1858. Meet at the car park, in Wharton Park.

A690 turn R on to A691, turn L after railway bridge, car park at top of hill.

Sun 1000 & 1200 & 1400.