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Durham Cathedral is open for private prayer, quiet reflection and in-person public worship in a limited capacity. 

Enjoy a moment of peace

You are welcome to come to the cathedral for private prayer or to light a candle and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

Worship is largely online, with live-streamed services on our Facebook page. Find times of our regular services here.

The Cathedral Shop, the Undercroft Restaurant and toilets remain closed.

Face coverings must be worn inside Durham Cathedral, except for children under the age of 11 and people unable to wear face coverings for specific reasons.

Cathedral opening times:


Until the end of Tuesday 12 January:

  • 10am-4pm 
From Wednesday 13 January:
  • Daily, 11am-2pm
 

What measures are in place because of COVID-19?

As is shown by the cathedral’s Good to Go accreditation from Visit England, the cathedral is well equipped to keep staff and members of the public safe onsite. Health and safety measures in place include:

  • social distancing and pews widely separated
  • a one-way system around the cathedral (with entry via the Galilee Chapel and exit via the North Door)
  • regular cleaning of the cathedral
  • hand sanitiser for staff and members of the public
  • specially trained staff on duty
  • protective screen at the visitor desk 
  • additional signage
  • limited number of people allowed in the building
  • encouraging the wearing of face coverings
  • collecting personal details to facilitate track and trace

Keeping you up to date

Durham Cathedral’s governing body is regularly reviewing the situation and is abiding by guidelines from the UK government, the Church of England and Public Health England. Updates will be posted here, and on our news page.

This page was updated on 12 January.

Updates will also be provided on our social media channels, @durhamcathedral on Facebook and Twitter.

Shop, restaurant, cloister and toilets opening times

The Cathedral Shop

From 31 December the shop will be closed, but you will still be able to shop online, with a click and collect option. See shop online for details. 

Cloister

From 13 January, open daily: 11am - 2pm

The Undercroft Restaurant

Currently closed.

Toilets

Our toilets are currently closed. The nearest public toilets are on Palace Green, in front of the cathedral.

What is open?

  • Visitor Desk
  • Nave of Durham Cathedral
  • Shrine of St Cuthbert
  • The Galilee Chapel
  • The Cloister 

What is closed?

  • The Cathedral Shop
  • Open Treasure
  • The Central Tower
  • Durham Cathedral Library
  • The quire of the cathedral and side chapels
  • Guided tours are currently not running
  • The Undercroft Restaurant
  • Toilets

Regular services

Sundays

  • 8.30am - Morning Prayer 
  • 9.30am - Sung Eucharist 
  • 3.30pm - Choral Evensong
Unless otherwise stated, from Wednesday 13 January all services are live-streamed online only and not open to the public.

Monday to Saturday

  • 8.30am - Morning Prayer 
  • 12.30pm - Holy Communion (not live-streamed online, open to the public)
  • 5.15pm - Evensong (Tuesday to Saturday) or Evening Prayer (Monday)

For more details on our services, including how to watch them online, go to our regular services page.

 

FAQs

Do you charge an entry fee?

There is no fee to enter Durham Cathedral, however we do ask that people donate £3 per person to support the cathedral’s future if they are able. You can donate online, or at the cathedral using a contactless card or one of the cash donation boxes.

Will the cathedral tower, library or Open Treasure be reopening?

At this stage some visitor attraction elements and other public engagement aspects of the cathedral life are closed, in line with current Government and Church of England guidance.

Are the toilet facilities open?

Durham Cathedral's toilet facilities are currently closed. The closest public toilets are on Palace Green, are are open daily 8am-6pm.

Can I come to a cathedral service, and what will it be like?

Yes, you are welcome to come to services at the cathedral. Find more information about what coming to a service in person is like on our service times page.

Will there be staff and volunteers on duty in the cathedral?

Yes, there will be a limited number of staff and volunteers on duty to welcome you to the church, and to provide guidance on the one-way system and social distancing. 

Will there be staff on the visitor desk to provide further assistance?

The visitor desk will continue to be staffed, with a protective screen in place to protect staff and visitors. They will be able to assist with any enquiries you may have.

Do I have to wear a face mask to enter the cathedral?

You must wear a face covering inside Durham Cathedral, unless one of the following exemptions applies to you:

  • You are under the age of 11
  • You cannot wear a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability 
  • You cannot wear a face covering without severe distress
  • You are providing assistance to a person who relies on lip-reading to communicate

Thank you for your continued co-operation and support. For further information please see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Will there be opportunities to light candles and pray for loved ones inside the church?

Yes, there are a number of candle stands positioned along the one-way route, so that you can offer your prayers and light candles for loved ones if you so wish. 

What does the one-way system look like?

Entry to the cathedral is be via the Galilee Chapel. Members of the public will be directed through the Galilee, past the visitor desk in the west end and into the nave, where socially distanced pew seating will be available either side. From there, you will be able to access candle stations to light candles should you wish, before exiting via the north nave aisle and through the North Door.  

Will I have to queue to get inside Durham Cathedral?

There is a limit on the number of people allowed inside the cathedral at any time. Please be prepared to queue outside and dress appropriately for the weather, should it be inclement.