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Practical Information for Visitors
As an active place of worship, which also attracts many other events, the Cathedral is not always fully accessible to visitors. Please enquire at the Chapter Office if you wish to visit on a particular day, especially when travelling far.
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Opening Information
The Cathedral is open for worship and private prayer between 7.30am and 9.30am Monday to Saturday; 7.45am and 12.30pm on Sunday
The Cathedral closes at 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, 5.30pm on Sunday
Extended Summer Opening until 8.00pm between Saturday 16th July and Monday 29th August 2011
We do not charge a fee to enter the Cathedral. However, it costs more than £60,000 a week to maintain the Cathedral and other buildings together with our ministry and mission for which we receive no state aid. Therefore, we ask visitors to make a generous donation.
All visitors are most welcome to our regular services. Further details can be found in the schedule section of the website.
Whilst visiting the Cathedral you may wish to visit other parts of the Cathedral that have special entry or different opening times. Further information about these attractions and opening times can be found on the ‘What to See’ page.
For the Disabled Visitor
Most of the Cathedral and precinct is accessible to wheelchair users, but because this is an old building a few areas are not accessible. If any help whatsoever is needed please contact either a steward (purple or blue gown) or one of the Vergers. We have a Touch-and-Hearing Centre for the visually impaired, and have large print guides. We always do our best to help wherever possible. Please see the accessibity page for further information to help you plan your visit, and contact us in advance if you are not sure about anything.
Photography
Personal Photography
The Cathedral is a sacred place to which people come to pray and visit undisturbed and, in order to preserve the atmosphere of the sacred space, photography is not permitted within the Cathedral Church. This includes the use of digital cameras, video cameras and mobile phones.
Outside of the Cathedral Church — i.e. within the precincts and the Cloister — personal photography is permitted if it respects the nature of the sacred space. Other visitors should not be photographed without their permission.
Commercial and Educational Photography
For all commercial photography (including wedding photography) in the Cathedral and its precincts, and photography for bona fide educational purposes, permission must be obtained in advance from the Cathedral Office and is at the discretion of the Cathedral. A fee is payable and an identifying sash must be worn by the photographer. Further details are available from the Marketing and Events Department (events@durhamcathedral.co.uk, 0191 386 4266).
Where can I find images of Durham Cathedral?
The Cathedral Shop has a wide range of postcards and some images are available on a CD. The colour Guide Book also contains a range of beautiful and interesting photography. A selection of photographs can be viewed in our online gallery.
The Cathedral arranges occasional photography evenings — details of which may be obtained from the Cathedral Office — when photographers are welcome.
Visits by groups to any part of the Cathedral
All group visits should be pre-booked by contacting The Chapter Office. Full details can be found on the group information page.
Cathedral tours for individual visitors
No pre-booking is required for tours for individual visitors which are provided at the times listed below. However, during special services and events these tours do not take place. To check availability, contact the Chapter Office. There is a charge of £4.00 (including VAT) per adult, with accompanied children under 16 years free, concessions £3.50 (including VAT).
In 2010 day time tours are provided on the following days (except Sundays):
- Monday 5 April – Friday 28 May:
- 11.00am and 2.00pm
- Saturday 29 May – Saturday 5 June (Half Term):
- 10.30am, 11.00am and 2.00pm
- Monday 7 June – Saturday 17 July:
- 11.00am and 2.00pm
- Monday 19 July – Saturday 30 October (including half term):
- 10.30am, 11.00am and 2.00pm