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　 　 Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle were inscribed by UNESCO as one of the first of the British World Heritage Sites in 1986. The Cathedral became a World Heritage Site. The UNESCO committee description was that "Durham Cathedral is the largest and most perfect monument of 'Norman' style architecture in England".Durham Cathedral was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. It is the finest example of Norman architecture in England. Behind the cathedral stands the castle, an ancient Norman fortress which was the residence of the prince-bishops of Durham.

Durham Cathedral has stood here for over 900 years. It contains the remains of Cuthbert, the saintly seventh-century bishop of Lindisfarne; it also holds the tomb of Bede, the chronicler of Cuthbert's life and the first English historian. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in England . Pevsner said of it "Durham is one of the great experiences of Europe to the eyes of those who appreciate architecture, and to the minds of those who understand architecture. The group of Cathedral, Castle, and Monastery on the rock can only be compared to Avignon and Prague." Bill Bryson called it 'the best Cathedral on planet earth'. And it is now part of a World Heritage Site.

In 1986, the Cathedral became a World Heritage Site. Today, the Cathedral is still the seat of the Bishop of Durham. Durham Cathedral has also been featured in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where it had a spire added onto the top of the famous towers to make it look less like the cathedral.