Unguided Cathedral visit

Pre-booked groups are welcome to explore the cathedral as a free-flow visit, or can be guided by their accompanying academic or certified blue badge guide.

Cathedral guided tour

Our knowledgeable, friendly guides will show you around the Cathedral, pointing out hidden gems and fascinating stories about this magnificent building. Cathedral tours last about one hour.

Durham Cathedral Museum

Marvel at the spectacular 14th century Monks’ Dormitory and magnificent Great Kitchen housing the unique Treasures of St Cuthbert alongside some of the most significant surviving Early Medieval artefacts in the UK. A visit to the Museum would be timed free-flow for visitors to see and explore at their leisure at an additional reduced group rate.

Bespoke tours

Tours and talks are also available on special interest subjects.  These can include behind the scenes tours or special viewings for an additional cost.  

• Refectory Library Tour
• Northern Saints
• Pilgrimage Tour
• Stained Glass Windows
• Embroidery and Textiles
• Decorative Art in the Cathedral

Tower climb

Climb the tower to view this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Durham City from above. See the roof, masonry and exterior of the Central Tower up close.

Tickets can be purchased on an individual basis at the cathedral visitor desk. Subject to availability, and restrictions apply. See more on the Cathedral Central Tower page.

Evening tours

For a unique experience, after-hours evening tours can be arranged once the Cathedral is closed to the public.

Packages can be created to include a private drinks reception in the medieval Cloister, and evening dinner in the vaulted Undercroft Restaurant, with menus to suit accompanied by a range of wines and Durham Brewery beers.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.  

Private organ recital

Add a special touch to your visit with a private organ recital, with visitors seated in the 17th century carved wooden choir stalls in the Quire, the heart of the Cathedral.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.  

Worship and private chapel service

Private prayer and reflection can be included as part of your visit in the 13th century vaulted Chapel of the Holy Cross, a tranquil chapel underneath the Deanery.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.   

Groups are always to welcome to join in any of our regular services.

How to book

As we are a working Cathedral, groups are required to book ahead, checking the date and time of visit are available. This is so we can advise you of major services or events that might be taking place so you can get the most from your visit.

Please complete a booking request form, and send to visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk:

• Booking request form for group visits (Word)

• Download our Group Visit leaflet (PDF) to share with your group.

Bookings are all subject to availability and are not secured until confirmed by Durham Cathedral.

Payment

You will need to pay on arrival at the Visitor Desk inside the Cathedral, in one payment for the whole group by cash, debit/credit card or cheque (made payable to Durham Cathedral). Payment by invoice is by agreement for travel trade. Minimum numbers or charges apply.

Accessibility

Most of the Cathedral is accessible, however as an historic building there are some uneven floors and certain areas are limited. Durham Cathedral Musuem is fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available on request and assistance dogs are welcome.

If you need any extra help or advice please let us know in advance. You might also wish to look at our Accessibility page.

Getting here

Durham is west of the A1(M) and east of the A167 in North East England. Durham’s narrow streets mean there is restricted vehicular access to the Cathedral with no coaches and no parking. Coaches can drop of in the city, then continue to the free coach parking available at the Coach Park at Belmont Park & Ride (postcode DH1 1SR). Download a coach parking map.

Durham County Council provides a public shuttle bus service from the Coach drop-off point at Freemans Place and the Market Place to the Cathedral. An all-day ticket can be bought on board. There are more details on our Getting here page, including maps.

A region of delights

We are proud to be part of Discover Durham, promoting the city, countryside and coast of Durham as an exciting group travel destination. Please take a look at our Other Durham highlights page for more details.

Taking photos during your visit

We encourage visitors to take respectful non-flash photos inside and outside Durham Cathedral. Photos cannot be taken in Durham Cathedral Museum or in areas reserved for private worship. See our photography page for more information.

There are also postcards, prints and books available to buy in the Cathedral Shop.

Have more questions?

We would be happy to discuss your requirements further to arrange a visit to suit your group. Please contact visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk.