The Way of Learning

Highlights...

Finchale Priory, BrassideThe very extensive remains of a 13thC priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.

Durham Castle, Durham CityDurham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.

Durham Cathedral, Durham CityThought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.

National Glass Centre, SunderlandDiscover how glass arrived in Britain, how it’s made and why Sunderland has such a rich glass making heritage here at National Glass Centre.

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, South TynesideArbeia is the best reconstruction of a Roman fort in Britain and offers visitors a unique insight into the every day life of the Roman army, from the soldier in his barrack room to the commander in his luxurious house.

Ankers House and St Mary & St Cuthbert's Church, Chester-le-StreetThe cathedral church and shrine of St Cuthbert from AD883 to 995 with attached anchorage containing displays on Roman, Saxon and medieval times.

World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library, Durham CityProviding a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre is the gateway to discovering what it is that makes Durham so significant, and what there is to see and do around the peninsula.

Durham Cathedral Museum, Durham CityExplore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.

The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, South Shields

Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library, Durham CityOver almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year. 

Jarrow Hall, JarrowDiscover the amazing world of Anglo-saxon Northumbria. Set across 11 acres explore the life and legacy of Bede in our dedicated museum alongside a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon farm.

St Paul's Monastery, JarrowSt Paul's Church has been a place of Christian prayer and worship for over 1300 years and is the starting point for the Way of Learning.

St Peter's Church, SunderlandSt Peter's Church stands as one of the oldest in Britain more than 1300 years old. Built in 674AD by Benedict Biscop, there is a stained glass window in the church dedicated to him. At the age of 7 the Venerable Bede joined the monastery here.

Northern Spire Bridge, SunderlandAn impressive two span cable stayed bridge and A-frame pylon rising to 344ft to cross the River Wear.  With two lane traffic capacity and access for cyclists with footpath along the length. 

Roker and Seaburn Beaches, RokerRoker and Seaburn beaches have been family hotspots for years. The twinned beaches have miles of beautiful coastline for the whole family to relax and unwind. Great for a walk along the promenade and safe for the family.

Roker Pier and Lighthouse, RokerRoker Pier and Lighthouse are a Grade ll listed building which opened in 1903. The original lantern was gas powered, emitting a 45,000 candlepower reflected beam reputedly visible for over 15 miles out to sea.

Penshaw Monument, Houghton-le-SpringOne of the North East's most prominent landmarks, Penshaw Monument was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton. Presented to the National Trust as a gift in 1939 by the 5th Earl of Durham.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, SunderlandSunderland's history under one roof, dating from 1846 there are so many exhibits to keep you entertained. One of the most famous of these is Wallace, Wallace a Lion who was part of the wild animal show to visit Sunderland in 1800.  After Wallace's death he returned to the Museum and over 135 years…

Hylton Castle, SunderlandA decorative gatehouse tower of a Castle.  Built by Sir William Hylton shortly before 1400, this is the second oldest building in Sunderland. 

Herrington Country Park, Houghton-le-SpringOne of the largest parks in Sunderland with walks and cycle trails, family cycling with Sustrans, an adventure play area, skate boarding, Nordic walking, model boat sailing in the lake and a variety of sculptures that celebrate the heritage of the area.

St Andrew's Church, SunderlandSt Andrew's Church is of international importance, the interior has many treasures including William Morris carpets, Ernest Grimson furniture and the painted ceiling in the sanctuary depicting the creation of the sun and stars which is painted in ‘egg-tempera’.

Bede Memorial Cross, RokerThe Bede Memorial Cross has carvings on all sides that are in the style of original Anglo Saxon stone carvings, made when Bede was alive. The images on the cross represent the many parts of Bede’s life, including his work, his friends, and his interests. 

Framwellgate Bridge, Durham CityFramwellgate Bridge, the oldest bridge in Durham, is one of three mediaeval arch bridges that cross the River Wear in Durham City. Over time the bridge has undergone quite a transformation.

Sunderland Sculpture Trail, SunderlandThe Sculpture Trail, running along the final part of the C 2 C or Coast to Coast was created over a decade from 1991 to 2001 by sculptor Colin Wilbourn and writer Chaz Brenchley. Colin and Chaz worked with residents of Sunderland to create the trail which brings together Sunderland’s past and…