Durham Castle

This Norman castle shares a rocky peninsula above the river Wear with the great cathedral, together forming one of Britain's most dramatic skylines. Built to guard the northern frontier, it later became the palace of the powerful prince-bishops of Durham and is now a university college. Students still dine and sleep within its ancient walls. A distinctive detail is the Norman chapel and the great hall, among the oldest parts, and the fact that the castle functions as a living residence for students rather than a museum.