Concerts and evening events

The exhibition explores the rites of Sanctuary, the position of the Bishop of Durham which was unique in England for holding both spiritual and secular power within their diocese. Alongside, a deep dive into recorded cases, prison cells and courts within the cathedral walls.

Children aged 0 to 18 are invited to learn more about the Christian Gospel through storytelling and exciting craft activities every Sunday during term time.

Would you like to explore questions of God, life and faith? Coming up in January and February is an opportunity to meet members of the Cathedral team and ask questions on the themes of meaning, belonging and hope.

Book your ticket to explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum at your own pace. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross. Your ticket will give you access to the latest exhibition, which is Courts and Coroners: The Law in Medieval Durham.

Join our experienced guides on a one hour tour of the Cathedral to learn the fascinating history of the building and those who have lived and worshipped on this site for over a thousand years.

Conquer the 325 spiral steps to the top of our Central Tower from where you can enjoy unrivalled views over our historic city of Durham.

This unique tour makes an ideal experience for those wanting to delve deeper into history and see parts of Durham Cathedral that are rarely open to the public. Step into the cathedral’s prison cell (if you dare!) and get up close with rare books in the 350 year old Refectory Library.

Under expert tuition, try your hand at stone carving and learn more about this centuries old heritage skill.

Durham Choral Society invites you to a celebration of the music of Durham-born composer Will Todd. The concert will feature award-winning North East chamber choir Voices of Hope, members of Newcastle's Strictly Smokin' Big Band and vocalist Alice Grace, with Will Todd accompanying on the grand piano.

The forces of Durham University’s Orchestral and Choral Societies will come together to present Verdi’s mighty Requiem in Durham Cathedral this January.

Our celebrations of God becoming man in Jesus Christ at Christmas reach their climax when we mark the ancient feast of Candlemas when Mary and Joseph presented the Christ Child in the Temple in Jerusalem in an act of thanksgiving.

Join Professor Jane Heath from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University on this specially curated tour of the Marian Art in Durham Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral Choir performs Handel’s ever-popular Messiah with acclaimed early music specialists the Avison Ensemble. Enjoy well-loved music retelling the story of Christ, including the majestic ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus, one of the most famous pieces from the Baroque period. With sweeping orchestral playing and stunning solos from within the choir, this is one not to miss.

Join Gabrieli Roar for a performance of the ever-popular Vivaldi Gloria. The performance, which will see teenagers from across the North-East region join Gabrieli’s professional singers and orchestra, will open with two gems of the Baroque repertoire by the English composer Henry Purcell – Rejoice in the Lord Alway (‘The Bell Anthem’) and Come Ye Sons of Art.

Celebrate Valentine’s night with an unforgettable evening of music in one of Durham’s most romantic settings. Step into the timeless beauty of Durham Cathedral, the perfect stage for a night of passion and elegance. Let the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons sweep you away!

Experience the magic of Dire Straits like never before, as some of the UK's finest session musicians come together to celebrate the legendary sound of Mark Knopfler and his iconic band.

As our Lenten journey toward Easter begins, we receive ashes upon our foreheads as a sign of our mortality, and our need for the love of God to bring us new life. Join us at services throughout the day to mark the start of Lent.

At the turn of the 8th Century Northumbrian monks transformed the many different scriptural books by gathering them into an all-emcompassing volume, "the Bible" as we know it today. Now known as Codez Amiatinus, The River of Ink project celebrates this extraordinary achievement and its place within the Northumbrian cultural heritage.

Professor Francis Watson is a New Testament specialist in the Durham Department of Theology and Religion, with a particular research focus on the formation of the biblical canon.

This Lent, you are invited to a series of discussions with leading figures in the world of the creative arts in conversation with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel

Durham University History Professor Richard Gameson is an expert on the history of books, from Antiquity to Renaissance.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of film, with the Reverend Professor Jolyon Mitchell who is Principal of St John’s College, Durham University, former producer and journalist with BBC World Service, who teaches media, religion and culture.

To celebrate their famous harmonies, the boys are touring the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals for stunning, intimate, piano-led concerts.

Explore Durham city to view the ice sculptures, watch live demonstrations and enjoy interactive displays

Do you know a child that loves to sing? Durham Cathedral Choir is looking for the next generation of Boy and Girl Choristers. This is a unique opportunity for any child in school years 2-6 to sing with the Choristers in the Cathedral.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of literature, with Catherine Fox author, academic and director of the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Join us for an amazing candlelit concert featuring a live band and strings performing hits from Les Mis, Wicked, JC, Greatest Showman, Frozen and more.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of theatre, with Sir Gregory Doran the former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of television, with Peter Taylor, LVO, is Head of Operations at BBC Studios and oversees the broadcasts of major national events such as Elizabeth II’s funeral service and Charles III’s Coronation.

Join Durham University Chamber Choir on a journey from prayer to deliverance, bringing together the stunning passion of Łukaszewski’s Lamentations with Howells’ awe-inspiring Requiem in the Chapter House of the Cathedral.

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra’s 90-piece Symphony Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, his Pathétique Symphony, and music by Elgar and Pejačević in Durham Cathedral.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of art, with Pim Baxter, OBE, former Deputy Director of the National Portrait Gallery, a non-executive member of the Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral, and a licensed lay minister.

Beginning outside of Palace Green, the clergy process into the Cathedral, echoing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Members of the congregation are given palm crosses, representing Christ’s victory over death on the cross.

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts in conversation with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel. This Sunday explores the topic of music, with Sir James MacMillan, CBE, is a conductor and composer of sacred choral and orchestral music.

Begin Holy Week with a poignant performance of St John Passion, performed by Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble.

In the Liturgy of Good Friday we mark the Death of Christ through preaching, choral music and prayer.

Easter Sunday marks the day when Jesus rose again. Join us for a day of services as we triumph of light over dark.

Step into the tranquil glow of candlelight and enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral, performed by Warren Mailley-Smith and The Piccadilly Sinfonietta.