I visited this WHS in June 2016. I slept 1 night here on the day the Brexit referendum voting took place and as much as I loved the vibrant feel of this university town and the magnificent views of the castle and cathedral from the banks of the River Wear, I wasn't that much impressed about its OUV. Unfortunately, I think it doesn't rank as one of the best European cathedrals on the list so I'm glad I spent more time visiting another site of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire and only dedicated a late evening and a morning visit inside the cathedral. I felt the castle doesn't add much to this inscription and it isn't impressive either. I enjoyed my free visit at the Durham WHS Visitor Centre (open 09:30-18:00) but I cannot understand why photography is not allowed in the Cathedral during normal hours while it is permitted on special Thursday night tours. Probably a source of income for restoration I hope, but it would make much more sense to be able to pay to take photos any time and not only on a particular day of the week. If truth be told, there's nothing that special inside apart from the Norman elements of the cathedral. My highlight in Durham was eating a delicious fish & chips with mushy peas in the main square from the popular Proper Fish & Chips Restaurant. Had I more time, I would have loved to meet up with Solivagant for some insider tips but I hope to make up for that in Vilnius at least. Now I can fully understand why he would choose York and Whitby over some of the nearby WHS.