Best cathedral on planet Earth

Picturesque, cobbled streets lead enticingly towards a heartstopping moment and “the best cathedral on planet earth” (Bill Bryson) looms into view. What atmosphere, what a tribute to human ability, endeavour and belief. Durham Cathedral  and its neighbour, Durham Castle , together provide one of the best man-made views in the whole of England, even, perhaps, Europe. This living Cathedral satisfies on so many different levels, it is not to be missed.

Pocket-size Escomb Saxon Church  couldn’t be more different from Durham Cathedral, it is one of the very few complete Saxon stone churches still standing in England. Different because of the curious serpent head carving which can be seen on the sundial high up on the outside wall near the entrance porch. Different because it was built with stones from nearby Roman Binchester. Inside and outside, look for individual stones carved with Roman inscriptions.

How many times would Escomb’s perfect package of charm and beauty fit inside Durham Cathedral? Don’t ponder that question for too long. Just collect the key from a nearby house, walk down the level path to the church door and step into 1,300 years of peace and tranquillity.