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Lent, Holy Week and Easter

Join us for Lent, Holy Week and Easter at Durham Cathedral, the most important festival in the calendar for Christians around the world.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter dates 2026

Ash Wednesday: 18 February

Palm Sunday: 29 March

Maundy Thursday: 2 April

Good Friday: 3 April

Easter Day: 5 April

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the holiest week of the Christian year as we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

We walk the way of the cross with Our Lord, stand at the foot of his cross, and celebrate his resurrection.

Read more about visiting during Holy Week

Take part in worship

All are welcome to join a service at Durham Cathedral. You can worship with us in person or join livestreamed services on YouTube. 

See upcoming services

What is Lent?

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and is a time where we practice humility and trusting in God, just as Jesus did. 

For 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus went into the desert to reflect and think, and Lent is a chance for us to take a step back from the stresses of daily life to connect with faith. 

During Lent, we tend to give up a bad habit or perhaps this year you might want to try something new, such as: 

  • giving up certain foods 
  • having a break from social media
  • attending a church service
  • reading more books

This year's theme for Lent within the Church of England is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. This is an opportunity to learn habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts

Every Sunday throughout Lent, we welcomed a leading figure in the world of creative arts, who discussed their careers and encountering God with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel Vice-Dean and Precentor of Durham Cathedral. Catch up with the talks below. 

Watch here

Holy Week Services

Holy Week commemorates the last week of Jesus' life on earth, and we mark the week with different services to remember the passion of Jesus. 

See Holy Week services here

Easter Day Services

We remember as Jesus was raised from the dead, so all who trust him can know life beyond the grave.

See Easter Day services here

Visiting during Holy Week

Please note the visiting hours are slightly different during Holy Week. See more below.

  • Sunday 29 March to Wednesday 1 April: Cathedral open as usual.
  • Thursday 2 April: The cathedral is open for visiting at 1pm. The Museum, Shop and Undercroft Restaurant are open as usual.
  • Friday 3 April: The Visitor Desk, Museum, Shop and Undercroft Restaurant are closed. The main cathedral is only open for services, the Galilee Chapel will be open for visitors wishing to light a candle.
  • Saturday 4 April: Open as usual
  • Sunday 5 April: The Visitor Desk, Museum, Shop and Undercroft Restaurant are closed. The main cathedral is only open for prayers and services.

We are open as usual after Easter Day, and join us for family activities.

See all opening times for the Visitor Desk, Shop, Undercroft Restaurant and Library here

A Message for Holy Week from the Dean of Durham

This Holy Week we follow Christ in the way of the cross, remember his death and celebrate his resurrection. The Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, shares his Holy Week message below.

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Pentecost Praise

Pentecost Praise is a celebratory service hosted by Durham Cathedral in partnership with local churches.

It offers an opportunity for Christians to gather together to give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church, and to celebrate and pray for God’s work in the world today.

Sunday 24 May, 6.30pm

Find out more here

Stop by the Library for Lent reading

The Cathedral Library is highlighting a variety of topical modern publications, including daily reflections, meditations and devotions for Lent, the history of Lenten traditions, as well as the past several years' of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book, and books relevant to Black History Month (February 2026). 

Books are available to all with a free Cathedral Library membership. Email Library@durhamcathedral.co.uk to enquire further.

Learn more on how to visit the library

Discover the secret of the Last Supper table

Used in the Maundy Thursday service, the Last Supper table may appear to be simple and roughly made, but this ordinary looking object hides a beautiful and intricate interior.

Learn more about this object

The Easter Candle

The Paschal or Easter candle is a large, white candle kept in churches to represent Jesus Christ. In medieval times, the great Paschal candlestick of Durham Cathedral was an astonishing sight, reaching almost to the top vault of the roof!

Discover more about this fascinating object