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Durham Cathedral Museum Tours

This unique behind-the-scenes experience tells the stories of the cathedral, including what life was like for the monks who once lived here. Explore the extraordinary spaces that house the museum collections, such as the remarkable treasures of St Cuthbert.

Step into over 1000 years of stories with a 90 minute tour, led by a specially-trained guide, with plenty of time to ask questions.

Tours take place daily at regular intervals.

Book museum tour tickets online

An introduction to the treasures of St Cuthbert by Dr Janina Ramirez

Durham Cathedral Museum cares for several remarkable objects regarded as the relics of St Cuthbert, the North of England's greatest saint whose remains rest at Durham Cathedral in the Shrine of St Cuthbert. 

Learn more about the incredible history of these wonderful artefacts, which take us back to Durham Cathedral's 1000 year old roots.

Dr Janina Ramirez is a cultural historian, broadcaster and author, with a particular passion for medieval history.

Watch

The Treasures of St Cuthbert - Dr Janina Ramirez

Accessibility within Durham Cathedral Museum

Accessing the exhibition spaces

The entrance to Durham Cathedral Museum is via stairs from the Cloister up to the Monks’ Dormitory. There is an enclosed platform lift to access the first floor and the starting point for the museum exhibitions.

The two main galleries are not at ground floor level so there is no level access route into the museum. The lift and museum spaces are unable to accommodate motorised scooters.

The lift is 1.4m deep, and 1.1m wide, with a door width of 90cm.

After the Collections Gallery, there is another enclosed platform lift to take visitors back down to ground floor level.

There are benches throughout Durham Cathedral Museum for visitors who wish to stop and rest.

Assistance dogs

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs are welcome in Durham Cathedral Museum.

Visitors with a visual impairment

The majority of Durham Cathedral Museum's exhibitions are text-based. However gallery attendants and volunteer stewards can explain and give information about exhibits.

There are some tactile exhibits within the exhibition, as well as scents and music.

Touch Tours may be available. Dates will be announced in advance and booking will be essential. Please take a look at What's On.

A large print version of the text is available.

Visitors with a hearing impairment

There is currently no audio guide to Durham Cathedral Museum.

The information desks in the museum are fitted with induction loops.

British Sign Language tours are occasionally available, dates are announced in advance and booking is essential. Upcoming British Sign Language tours will be listed on our What's On page.

Accessible toilets

There is one accessible toilet within Durham Cathedral Museum. The main cathedral toilet block, near the Shop and Restaurant, also has accessible toilets.