Durham City's World Heritage Site

Home , County Durham, Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral, Fountains Abbey, Palace Green

DURHAM CITY’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE BUSINESS TOOLKIT 2 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 3

CONTENTS

PAGE 3 INTRODUCTION 4 WHAT IS WORLD HERITAGE STATUS? 6 DURHAM’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE 9 MANAGING DURHAM’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE 9 VISITING DURHAM’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE 10 THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE VISITOR CENTRE 11 THE VISITOR 11 WHAT DO VISITORS WANT TO DO? 12 MAKING THE MOST OF A WHS IN YOUR DESTINATION ELCOME 13 HOW ARE BUSINESSES USING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS IN THE DESTINATION TO THEIR ADVANTAGE? England’s World Heritage Story: The In order to help local businesses 15 EXTRA INFORMATION North, is a Discover England Fund clustered in and around the World AND RESOURCES project designed to raise awareness Heritage Sites, the project has 16 VISITOR INFORMATION of and increase visitor numbers to produced this business engagement the six United Nations Educational, toolkit designed to help local Scientific and Cultural Organizations businesses make full use of their (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites (WHS) connections to their local World of northern England (Durham Castle Heritage Sites. This includes & Cathedral, Hadrian’s Wall, Lake information on the significance of District National Park, Liverpool, world heritage status, how world Maritime Mercantile City, Saltaire heritage status can benefit you and Studley Royal Water Park & and how to effectively market that Fountains Abbey). connection to your client base. For more information please contact: The legacy of the project will be the creation of bespoke, bookable Durham Visitor Contact Centre itineraries of between one and five Email: [email protected] days, highlighting northern England’s Telephone: 03000 262626 deep contribution to the world’s cultural patrimony. Website: thisisdurham.com 4 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 5

WHAT IS WORLD HERITAGE STATUS?

World Heritage Site designation is managed by UNESCO. The main aim of which is to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of Did you know? outstanding value to humanity. World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural There are over 1,300 WHS in the world and there are sites considered to be of currently 31 sites in the UK. ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, which have been inscribed on World Heritage Sites in the UK cover n It can enhance a destination’s the World Heritage List by the a broad thematic range, including profile through comparisons with World Heritage Committee. archaeological sites, seats of power, other well-known destinations. These places or buildings industrial sites, natural sites, sites are thought to have special n related to the early Christian Church, Destinations with a WHS site have importance for everyone. and 18th century ensembles. been known to attract higher spending, cultural visitors. The benefits of a World Heritage n Site to the visitor economy: It enhances destination distinctiveness through n The internationally renowned uniqueness and authenticity. designation can provide ‘quality assurance’ for visitors.

World Heritage Sites in Northern England

Newcastle airport Port of Tyne Hadrian’s Wall Durham Castle and Cathedral

Lake District Fountains Abbey National Park and Studley Royal Water Gardens Saltaire Village A1M Port of Hull Heysham Port

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City

Liverpool Docks and Airport Manchester Airport

DURHAM’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Durham World Heritage Site comprises of Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and the buildings between them. Durham Castle and Cathedral Durham Cathedral was built in the The Durham site in its present form Durham World Heritage Site was Cathedral reflect the unique status Durham's late 11th and early 12th centuries is one that has remained in use for Did you know? inscribed by UNESCO in 1986 (among of the Prince-Bishops of Durham. to house the relics of St Cuthbert almost 1000 years: the Cathedral Durham Cathedral also the first UK sites to be listed) in The Prince-Bishops were religious significance (evangelisers of Northumbria) and as a religious building, educational has religious and historic recognition of its Outstanding leaders who also had secular The fortified peninsula on the Venerable Bede. It is the largest centre, and place of pilgrimage; and significance that transcends Universal Value. The site’s architectural powers — they governed a virtually the River Wear is home to and finest example of Norman the Castle, first as the home of the its architectural value. In it are importance lies in the fact that autonomous state that formed the one of Europe’s greatest architecture in England, an example Prince-Bishops, and then as the home the shrines of St Cuthbert, Durham Cathedral and Castle are buffer zone between England and cathedrals and a castle built of the importance of the early of Durham University, established who was instrumental in among the greatest monuments of the Scotland from the late eleventh by William the Conqueror. Benedictine monastic community. in 1832 — the third oldest university spreading Christianity in the Norman Conquest of Britain, and that century until 1603. Behind the cathedral stands the in England. north of England, and the Durham Cathedral, built between 1093 castle, an ancient Norman fortress The Site boundaries were expandedCemetry Venerable Bede, who lived and 1133,Wharton is one of the finest examples College which was the residence of the in the seventh century and of NormanPark architecture in Europe. in 2008 to include Palace Green Prince-Bishops of Durham. and the buildings surrounding it, wrote the first ever history The site is also outstanding because as well as Durham Cathedral and of the English people. Bede’s of its political history:Durham the Castle and Durham Castle. work included science, maths, Train Station history and chronology. His calculations are used to this day to determine the date Outline of Durham City of Easter every year by the western Christian church.

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Playing ields 8 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 9

MANAGING DURHAM’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE

The current management plan for The aims of the plan are to: Management plan Durham Castle and Cathedral World n Protect the Site’s Outstanding The Management Plan is designed Heritage Site covers the period Universal Value and setting; to assist partnership working 2017-2023. The plan outlines the with the UK Government to vision as a welcoming and inclusive n Conserve and enhance the adhere to the terms of the place with a vibrant community Site and its setting; World Heritage Convention. which takes its inspiration from its past, whilst planning for a sustainable n Support understanding and World Heritage Site status brings future and striking an effective and awareness of the Site and its with it considerable responsibility for creative balance between a place to Outstanding Universal Value its stewardship. Durham Cathedral, live, work, worship, learn and visit. and of World Heritage; the University of Durham and St Durham WHS aspires to be a place n Support communities in realising John’s College as the landowners, where World Heritage significance is the economic, social and cultural along with Durham County Council, fully acknowledged, appreciated and opportunities and benefits. are answerable through the UK understood by present and future Government to UNESCO as well as generations. It will strive for the World Heritage status can bring: to the wider international highest standards of conservation, community for its conservation protection and interpretation for a n Support visitor and communities’ and sharing of the WHS with sustainable future for the Site. access, their enjoyment of the Site present and future generations. and its benefits; n Provide WHS management to The plan can be found at deliver all aims. Did you know? www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/research Durham Cathedral took 40 years to build and is one of the DURHAM’S WORLD finest examples of Norman Architecture in Europe. VISITING DURHAM’S HERITAGE SITE WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Durham Cathedral and Castle were inscribed The massive scale of both the children over 8. Open Treasure - the Durham Castle is home to the students on the World Heritage List because of: Cathedral and the Castle, Cathedral’s award winning museum - of University College, part of means that any visitor to Durham is £7.50 admission. Durham University. n n n cannot fail to see them. The site’s exceptional architecture The physical expression of the The importance of the site’s Open Treasure is open Monday to It is advisable to check tour times in demonstrating architectural spiritual and secular powers of archaeological remains, which The World Heritage Convention Saturday 10am until 5pm, 12.30pm advance of a visit. When there are no innovation. the medieval Prince-Bishops that are directly related to its history states that a World Heritage Site until 5pm on Sundays. private events booked, tours are usually the defended complex provides. and use over time. n must have a “function in the life available every day at 1.15pm, 2.15pm, The visual drama of the Cathedral The Cathedral Tower is open Monday n n of the community”. 3.15pm and 4.15pm. During University and Castle on the peninsula and The relics and material culture of The continuity of use and to Saturday 10am until 4pm, 12.30pm the associations of the site with the three saints (Cuthbert, Bede ownership of the site as a vacations, tours are also normally The Cathedral is open every day until 2.30pm on Sundays - subject to offered at 10.15am, 11.15am and notions of romantic beauty. and Oswald) buried at the site, place of religious worship, of the year. Visitors are invited to make weather conditions. Cathedral tours and the cultural and religious learning and residence over 12.15pm. n The site’s role as a political a suggested donation of £3 per person usually take place Monday to Saturday traditions and historical the past 1,000 years. to support the up keep of the building. at 10.30am, 11am and 2pm. Times can There is an admission charge which statement as one of Britain’s memories associated with them. most powerful symbols of the Cathedral tours cost £5 and it costs £5 change when there is a special service is currently £5 per adult and £4 Norman Conquest. to climb the Cathedral Tower, £2.50 for or event taking place. for concessions and children. 10 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 11

THE WORLD HERITAGE THE VISITOR

SITE VISITOR CENTRE Heritage tourism generated break. Country Loving Traditionalists do so for general sightseeing and to £16.4 billion in 2017 in make up 30% of England’s population. visit heritage exhibitions and sites. The Centre is staffed by a combination of paid staff and spending by domestic and Visit County Durham actively promote A World Heritage Site in a destination volunteers, who share their knowledge of the site and international visitors with the destination to Country Loving is often a key driver in the decision- enthusiasm for Durham with residents and visitors alike. 278,000 people employed Traditionalists through messaging making process for a trip. in visitor economy related that they know will appeal, such as Housed in a refurbished 19th century Visitor Centre Opening Hours: heritage attractions. the heritage offer and have an annual 35% of overseas visitors to the UK almshouse, Durham’s World Heritage heritage campaign which runs participate in sightseeing of famous Daily: 9.30am to 5.00pm monuments and buildings during their Site Visitor Centre, a free facility open Britain is recognised as a world class each spring. (closed Christmas and New Year) visit. 20% visited a religious building seven days a week, provides visitors destination for culture and heritage The Visitor Economy is worth £216 and 28% visited a castle whilst with an overview of the World Heritage Telephone: 0191 3343805 which can be a major draw in attracting million annually to Durham City (25% exploring history and heritage Site, including information about what overseas visitors. it means to be a World Heritage Site, Email: [email protected] of the total expenditure across the during their stay. what makes Durham significant, and 48% of visitors to Durham are classified county) and is visited by 4.2 million World Heritage Day what there is to see and do in Durham. via Visit County Durham’s segmentation visitors a year staying on average for Did you know? Look out for: International World Heritage Day is study (2017) as Country Loving 1.17 days (STEAM 2017). Staff are available to provide advice One of the most striking things WHS Guide and other information celebrated across the world every Traditionalists. These high volume, and information about Durham and its about the Durham site is its 30% of visitors to Durham City at the WHS Visitor Centre year on 18th April. It is designed to moderate spenders enjoy visiting heritage. The visitor centre hosts art dramatic setting on a peninsula (Durham City Visitor Survey 2016) raise awareness of the world’s heritage attractions as part of their exhibitions, talks, seminars, musical formed by the meandering of cultural and natural heritage. events, and family activities throughout the River Wear. From the west, Events take place at sites, usually the calendar year. you can see the relationship of WHAT DO VISITORS WANT TO DO? on the closest weekend to the date. the Castle and Cathedral very clearly respectively, they were the As World Heritage Site visitors cannot be classed as any one type of visitor, it is best to complementary seats of secular consider the main activities that are enjoyed by Durham’s visitors and then decide upon and religious power. If you visit how your business can take advantage of this status. the WHS Visitor Centre, you can see a computer-generated model of the site, turned into Durham Cathedral is the most visited Recent updates 4. A Riverbanks working group a 3D model. attraction in the city. Combining this has been created to ensure the with the visitors to Durham Castle Keep abreast of local developments in area is used to its full potential. and to the World Heritage Site Visitor order that you can update visitors on Developments will follow in Centre, it is a large proportion of total more recent information. Examples due course. visitors to Durham. can include: Look at your offer and try 1. 2017 saw the return of St and link your location: Cuthbert’s Relics to public display after six years in storage, as part of Open n Accommodation – promoting local Treasure - a new museum - located attractions on your website can off the Cathedral Cloister in stunning help to incentivise people to stay medieval buildings. These are some of Did you know? at your property. the most significant surviving Anglo- Although not included in the Saxon artefacts in the UK. listing of Durham World Heritage n Activities – walking tours and Site, both the University itineraries could take advantage of 2. Durham University’s restoration of and the Cathedral also have the World Heritage Site backdrop. the Exchequer Building included the renowned libraries, containing refurbishment of nine rooms. n Eating out – take advantage of very valuable collections of visiting coach tours to the site, 3. Durham Cathedral’s central tower manuscripts, early printed For more information perhaps offering special offers. has recently seen vital conservation books, and other documents of durhamworldheritagesite.com/visit/whs-visitor-centre work. It is once again open to the local and national importance. public to enjoy. 12 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 13

HOW ARE BUSINESSES USING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS IN THE DESTINATION TO THEIR ADVANTAGE?

Hotel Indigo The developers of Hotel Indigo highlight this on their website within Durham made a significant the neighbourhood’s section. investment of £15m in the Old Elvet building which had been empty for The room décor is in keeping some time. with the local theme from the interior designers and a number The recently opened hotel prides of the bedrooms are themed as itself on being in close proximity cathedral bedrooms to ensure that to a World Heritage Site in their the experience of the city starts © Durham Cathedral marketing material. They also immediately upon arrival.

© Hotel Indigo MAKING THE MOST OF A WHS IN YOUR DESTINATION Forty Winks Guest House With a prime city centre location high-end historical architecture Every tourism business in Durham has the opportunity to benefit from the and views of the World Heritage overlooking the River Wear in full World Heritage Site designation. By taking advantage of being in the proximity Site from three of their eight guest view of majestic Durham Cathedral of the World Heritage Site it can support your business. rooms, Forty Winks take advantage and Castle dominating the stunning of their location in their promotional city skyline. n n material and messaging. Sign up to e-newsletters and No matter what your business A number of their visitors do so to Top tips for social media accounts to ensure type, remember that your location Their website describes the guest visit the World Heritage Site as part that you are up-to-date with could be as big a selling point as house as standing proudly in the of their stay and they feel that this is getting involved what’s going on. your core offering. dramatic setting of south street’s an asset to their desirability. Communication n n World Heritage Site information Look at what other, similar © Forty Winks n Make sure that your website is leaflets – have a stock of these businesses are doing in close attractive and up-to-date and in your business. proximity to World Heritage Sites – mentions the proximity to the you might get some good ideas. Explore opportunities World Heritage Site. n Collaborate with other businesses n Take advantage of events taking n Ensure that your messaging in the area – think about place – perhaps you could have enthuses visitors. things you can do through a special rate or discount during working together. n Take advantage of the promotional an event such as World Heritage "The launch of the Treasures of St Cuthbert on messages from the World Heritage Day, WHS Lecture Series, World n Take advantage of the World Site accounts, for example using Heritage Day and Lumiere. Heritage Site connection by permanent display in their new home marks a new your businesses’ social media to using it to add value and reach n Visit the World Heritage Site and share and retweet announcements a wider audience. phase in the life of Durham Cathedral and its the Visitor Centre regularly to find and events as this could drive out about new developments and n Sign up to the Visit County Durham exhibition experience Open Treasure." demand for your business. what’s happening. newsletter and make sure you get involved in the heritage campaigns. — The Very Rev Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham. 14 Durham City’s World Heritage Site England’s World Heritage Story: The North 15

VISITOR INFORMATION

Local knowledge to make the most of your visit

Visitor Contact Centre Durham City Simply turn up and park your car for free, then buy your ticket at one of With excellent knowledge of the area, Durham Indoor Market Market Place, the easy-to-use payment machines the experienced professional staff Durham City DH1 3NJ with coins, notes or a credit card by in Durham’s official Visitor Contact following the on-screen instructions. Centre are on hand to help before and Gala Theatre & Cinema Millennium during your visit. Place, Durham City DH1 1WA Durham Cathedral Bus n Information and bookings for The Town Hall Market Place, The Cathedral Bus is a dedicated places to stay Durham City DH1 3NJ service covering three routes linking the rail station, principal n World Heritage Site Visitor Centre Information on places to visit, city centre bus stops, coach park 7 Owengate, Durham City DH1 3HB eat, shop and events and the Market Place with the World n Practical information including Durham Pointers (seasonal) Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral opening times and accessibility Market Place, Durham City DH1 3NJ and Durham Castle. Call: 03000 26 26 26 Look out for the volunteer ‘Pointers’ Public Transport in their distinctive pink tabards Email: [email protected] Once you arrive in Durham you’ll located by the map in Durham find a good network of regular public EXTRA INFORMATION Text: ‘Visit’ and your enquiry City Market Place, alongside their transport services. For further details to 80011 distinctive trike. Assisting visitors with of routes and lines of services visit the "A huge amount of directions to attractions, places to AND RESOURCES Twitter: @moreDurham Interactive Transport Map at eat, leaflets and maps, the North East durham.gov.uk/busmap. A printed history, a huge amount Calls: cost of a local call, ‘Visitor Information Provider’ 2018 copy of the transport map can be So where can you find additional help and advice? calls from mobiles may vary. of beauty, and a great winners are present seven days a obtained by calling 03000 268 667 There are plenty of resources online to guide you Texts: standard network week from mid-May to early October. or emailing sustainabletransport@ on your World Heritage journey: deal of friendliness." charges apply. Durham City Park & Ride durham.gov.uk Business Opportunities: Edinburgh – A World Heritage City — Bill Bryson, author, and former Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Secure CCTV-controlled sites al Traveline Chancellor of Durham University Closed weekends and Bank Holidays dur.ac.uk/durham.castle Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands. Park For more information about the Please note: the Visitor Contact & Ride users park free and travel into Cathedral Bus and public transport durhamcathedral.co.uk Centre is not open to the public the city centre for £2. Open Monday to services across Durham and for face enquires. Saturday 7am-7pm. durhamworldheritagesite.com/files/ surrounding areas, contact Traveline direct by calling 0871 200 2233, or Durham%20WHS%20Management%20Plan%202017.pdf Visitor Information Points n Belmont Route on the junction of the A1(M)/ A690: Milburngate Bridge visit their website al traveline.info durhamworldheritagesite.com/heritage During your stay, call into one of east side, Milburngate. County Hall, the Visitor Information Points at 19 Visitor Information: 03000 26 26 26 University Hospital durhamworldheritagesite.com/visit/whs-visitor-centre locations across the county. They offer durhamworldheritagesite.com/files/Annual%20Statement%202017.pdf the latest information via face to face, n Sniperley Route on the A691: electronic tourist information kiosks University Hospital, County Hall, historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/ or telephone points, plus access to a Milburngate, Claypath heritage-boost-to-economy-revealed-in-new-report wide selection of leaflets and guides. n Howlands Park Route on the A177, thisisdurham.com New Elvet, Milburngate Bridge east side, Milburngate, Leazes Road visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/Documents-Library/ underpass, New Elvel documents/2014-12%20Leveraging%20our%20Culture%20and%20Heritage.pdf worldheritageuk.org For more information, please contact the England’s World Heritage Story: The North team: [email protected] Produced by: 01539 822 222 englandsworldheritagestory.com All photos © Imagen Photography Ltd unless specified