What we offer

Learn about monastic life in the medieval period and the impact of the Reformation to support work in History. Marvel at the architecture and art both in the stained glass and the intricate patterns employed by Norman stonemasons.

There are a number of set sessions and tours or we can tailor a visit to meet individual requirements. These include learning sessions in our city centre woodlands and riverbanks.

Please note that you must book to visit the Cathedral if you are an educational group.

Prices for schools and colleges

• Half day visit: £3.50 (including VAT) per child
• Whole day visit: £5 (including VAT) per child
• Outreach: £3.50 (including VAT) per child within a range of 20 miles. We charge 40p a mile after this.
• Students: £3.50 per person
• Loans box: £25 (including VAT) per 4 weeks.

All accompanying adults – such as staff, carers and helpers - are free.

Is there a charge?

There is a charge for all group visits to Durham Cathedral. Unbooked groups may be refused entry or charged the current admission rates on the day of their visit.

This includes parties who do not require a guide and/or do not wish to visit any of the facilities.

When can we visit?

The Cathedral is open to educational groups from 9.45am throughout the year.

We don’t accept group bookings on Ash Wednesday – the start of Lent - and during Holy Week, which is the week before Easter. There may be restrictions on Sundays, Christmas, Easter and other festivals such as St. Cuthbert’s Day too. Take a look at our regular service times.

What is the adult/child ratio?

All educational groups need to provide a ratio of at least 1 adult: 10 children. This does not apply to groups of students aged 18+. No pupils are to be left unsupervised in any area at any time.

Can I make a preliminary visit?

To make a preliminary visit please call us. We’ll send you a voucher so you can access all our facilities for free. We can also help you with planning.

Are there any toilets?

Yes, there are both public toilets and toilets in the Education Centre. These include wheelchair accessible toilets.

Where can we eat lunch?

We have limited lunch space in the Education Centre. This is available free of charge on a first-booked, first-served basis. Otherwise you may eat in the Cloister.

Please remember that the Cloister is part of the Cathedral and noise levels should be kept to a minimum. During the summer you can also picnic on the riverbanks.

Where can the bus drop us off?

Because of the narrowness of our nearby streets, coach access to the Cathedral is prohibited. Passengers can be set down at the Walkergate slip road, or at the Coach Park at Freeman’s Place. Allow at least 15 minutes to walk up to the Cathedral.

Many schools are dropped off at Dunelm House, New Elvet, and walk across Kingsgate Bridge. However there are a number of steps which means it isn’t accessible to anyone with mobility difficulties. Ask your bus driver about this.

What about disabled access?

So we can make your visit run as smoothly as possible, please tell us in advance of any special needs your group may have. Most of the Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.

You may also find out Accessibility page useful.

Is there a shop?

The Cathedral Shop sells gifts for children such as pencils and erasers as well as books. We can organise goody bags to a specified amount. This is ideal if you want to avoid taking the children into the shop!