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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.

Climb the central tower

Durham Cathedral's central tower is open to the public again after a three year closure for a major conservation project. The reopening is sponsored by Baldwins Accountants. Climb the 325 steps of the central tower to enjoy fantastic views over the historic Durham City and the surrounding countryside. You'll also get a close look at the repair works on the tower's parapet, which involved our small team of expert in-house stonemasons carve and install new hand-carved stone to replace weathered Victorian sandstone.  

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Viking crafts family fun

Learn more about Viking loom weaving and make your own woven creation to take home. This activity takes place between 10am and 12 noon near the visitor desk inside the cathedral.

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Wizarding wonders broomstick workshops

*SOLD OUT* Join us in the Cloister, a filming location for the first two Harry Potter films, to make your own broomstick, try flying around the cloister and discover hidden magical messages.

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Viking crafts family fun

Learn more about Viking loom weaving and make your own woven creation to take home. This activity takes place between 10am and 12 noon near the visitor desk inside the cathedral.

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Summer bat walk

Take a gentle stroll along the riverbanks to find out more about the bats of Durham. You may see pippistrelles, daubentons and noctules foraging for food. The walk starts at the north door of the cathedral, off Palace Green. Bring a torch and please wear sturdy footwear as there are steep slopes. All children must be accompanied at all times by an adult (not suitable for very young children).

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Under 5s forest school taster session

Develop your child’s love of the outdoors by exploring Durham Cathedral’s woodlands and riverbanks in this taster of  tailored sessions for little learners, led by Durham Cathedral’s Education team.

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Under 5s Forest School - Autumn Sessions

Develop your child’s love of the outdoors by exploring Durham Cathedral’s woodlands and riverbanks in these six tailored sessions for little learners, led by Durham Cathedral’s Education team.

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Heritage Open Days: cut-flower and herb gardens

Celebrate Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public. Explore the cathedral's cut flower garden and enjoy activities for all ages in our monastic herb garden.

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Heritage Open Days: Chapter House

Celebrate Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public. Explore the Chapter House, a stunning hidden space within Durham Cathedral.

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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.

Make a climb up Durham Cathedral's towers the high point of your visit

Climb the central tower or north west tower for the best views over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham City and the surrounding countryside. Admission charges apply. Children must be 8 years+

Read more about climbing the towers

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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...

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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!

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Story of Durham Cathedral in Lego - Part 5 Open Treasure