The Cathedral Shop

The shop is currently closed, but you can still shop online with the option of delivery or click and collect. 

Cloister

Currently closed.

The Undercroft Restaurant

Currently closed.

Toilets

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

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
• The Cloister

Sundays

• 8.30am - Morning Prayer (live-streamed and in person)
• 9.30am - Sung Eucharist (Organ only until choir return on 20 April, live-streamed and in person)
• 11.30am (from 18 April) - Sung Eucharist (Organ only until choir return on 20 April, in person only)
• 3.30pm - Choral Evensong (Said service until choir return on 20 April, live-streamed and in person)

Monday

• 8.30am - Morning Prayer (live-streamed only)
• 12.30pm - Holy Communion (in person only)
• 5.15pm - Evening Prayer (live-streamed only)

Tuesday to Saturday

• 8.30am - Morning Prayer (live-streamed and in person)
• 12.30pm - Holy Communion (in person only)
• 5.15pm - Evening Prayer (up to 19 April) / Choral Evensong (from 20 April) (live-streamed and in person)

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

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.