As we look ahead to the 900th anniversary of Durham Cathedral’s completion, we are delighted to share our hopes, prayers and plans for the years leading up to 2033.
The story of Durham Cathedral is extraordinary. Its completion in 1133, after only forty years in construction, saw the opening of a building which has inspired both awe and affection from visitors and worshippers ever since. It has provided a home to our much-loved saints, Cuthbert and Bede, whose own stories of faith, wisdom and prayer have stirred the hearts of people from all over the world.
A message from the Dean
We have identified four priorities for us as a cathedral looking ahead to 2033. In 2033 we want Durham Cathedral to be known locally and internationally as:
- a welcoming and engaging place for people to encounter God
- a leading destination and resource for life-transforming pilgrimage for people of all stages of life and faith
- a leading centre for the learning and practice of prayer
- a leading focus for world-engaging discussion, witness and proclamation in the name of Christ
In each of these areas, and in the vital enabling priorities which underpin them, we have identified specific goals for the years 2025-2027, so that we can work together on seeing our vision becoming a reality. Our prayer is that Vision 2033 will enable more people to be impacted positively by the story of Durham Cathedral, its saints and the faith that inspired this extraordinary building.
Our Priorities
The Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer
The establishment of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer will involve bringing back into use and making fully accessible the Chapel of the Holy Cross, along with new hospitality and garden spaces around the Deanery so that there is a welcoming space for pilgrims and people seeking quiet prayer. We have appointed the first Director of the Centre who will lead on developing our offer, so that more people have the chance to experience this aspect of the cathedral’s story for themselves. This new senior position is a key investment in an exciting part of Durham Cathedral’s story.
Enabling Priorities
Financial Overview
In 2024...
...our wonderful volunteers gifted us over 58,000 hours of their time
In 2024...
…we welcomed 393,091 visitors in to the cathedral
In 2024...
…we engaged almost 600 children with our choral tradition through our Music Outreach programme
In 2024...
…we hosted 8,389 pupils on school visits from across the region
Supporting Vision 2033
The story of Durham Cathedral is indeed amazing and we are looking forward to writing the next chapter together. There are many ways in which
you can play your part in our story:
- being part of our regular worshipping community and/or coming to special services throughout
the year - joining us as a volunteer across many different roles
- supporting us financially through regular giving, one-off gift or a legacy donation
- joining the Friends of Durham Cathedral
- hiring a space at Durham Cathedral for your own event
- visiting the cathedral museum, engaging with our events and art programming and using the restaurant and shop
- praying for our Vision 2033 using the prayer below
