Love Durham Cathedral?Donate now

Have an awesome day out inside our soaring cathedral and outside in our woodlands and riverbanks!

Durham Cathedral in LEGO

You’ll get proper brick envy when you see our 300,000 brick replica of the Cathedral! Take a look at Durham Cathedral in LEGO.

Free Toddler and Young Explorer Backpacks

Toddler backpacks are free to borrow from the Visitor Desk in the Cathedral. They include toys and games to keep youngsters amused such as jigsaws, picture trails and lots of surprises!

Sights and smells from the medieval world

Our outstanding Open Treasure exhibition is packed full of state-of-the-art interactive activities.

There are two floors to discover, including the atmospheric octagonal Great Kitchen. You can even dress up as a monk! Watch out for the airlock... Admission charges apply.

Let off steam outdoors

We’ve lots of woodland paths and riverside trails to explore. Take a look at Woodlands and Riverbanks.

How about a family tour?

We can offer guided tours for families. Just book in advance by emailing education@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Family Friendly Events

 

Events for all the family.

Big Draw

10.30am-3pm Pick up a pencil and get involved in our Education team's Big Draw activities today.

See more

Big Draw

10.30am-3pm Roll up your sleeves, grab a pencil and get drawing with our Education team's free Big Draw event!

See more

Armistice Family Activities Day

South Trancept, Cathedral Church A special day of family activities as we commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. Come down for this free event in order to participate in a range of activities, such as a virtual reality trench-life experience, poppy and badge making, costumes, and a story tent.

See more

Combined ticket for Stones of Durham tours

10.30am-12noon and 1.30pm-4pm Join local geologist Brian Young for both his talks on the geology of the Cathedral and its surrounding areas. At 10.30am explore the fascinating geology of our woodlands and riverbanks, and at 1.30pm hear a talk from Brian on the geology of the Cathedral's stone, before a tour of the Cathedral.

See more

Family fun - On a starry night

Come and hear the Christmas story told by a friendly fox, and then make and take a Christmas decoration that you can take home as a reminder of your visit.

See more

The Snowman Tour

Join us as we host The Snowman Tour for one day only.  Screenings also taking place at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

See more

Music Outreach Celebration

We are delighted to welcome children from local schools to join with the Cathedral's Boy and Girl Choristers to sing in our termly Music Outreach Celebration.

See more

Chorister Experience Day

This is a fantastic opportunity for girls and boys in years 2 to 5 to have a first- hand experience of being a Chorister, which culminates in singing Evensong with the Cathedral Choir.

See more
View all events

Frequently asked questions

Where are the toilets?

There are accessible toilets and baby-changing facility off the Cloister, just past the Cathedral Shop and Restaurant.

There are also accessible toilets in the Open Treasure exhibition.

Do you offer children’s options in the restaurant?

Yes, we’ve everything from snacks to meals. Please take a look at Undercroft Restaurant.

Can we park nearby?

Unfortunately the narrow streets means we can’t offer parking, apart from a very limited disabled area.

However many families enjoy making a day of it by using the Cathedral shuttle bus from the railway station. There is also a Park and Ride scheme. There are more details in Getting Here.

New for 2018 - the North West Tower Tour

On Fridays and Saturdays climb 137 steps for the best views of Durham! Admission charges apply. Minimum age of 8.

More about North West Tower tours

How I See It! Young Curators

Things to See and Do including the Cabbage' Window, Harry Potter locations and smells and stinks in Open Treasure.

Watch

How I See It! Young Curators

Video: The story behind Durham Cathedral in LEGO

Why we started building the Cathedral in LEGO, some of the people involved and some timelapse of how it grew.

Watch

The story behind Durham Cathedral in LEGO

Video: St Cuthbert

How a shepherd became a monk, plus why Vikings and milkmaids are so important to our story.

Watch

Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 1 Cuthbert

Video: Building the Cathedral

From the White Church to the current building, taking in murdered bishops and exceptional geometry.

Watch

Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 2 Building The Cathedral

Video: Life in the Monastery

No knickers and getting up at midnight to go to church - would you have wanted to be a monk?

Watch

Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 3 Life In The Monastery

Video: The Reformation

How smashing open the Treasures of St Cuthbert didn't go quite as planned for King Henry VIII...

Watch

Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 4 Reformation

Video: Open Treasure

Journey through time in our Open Treasure exhibition in some of the most amazing surviving monastic buildings in the UK!

Watch

Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 5 Open Treasure