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Visits for schools and youth groups

Durham Cathedral, its historic buildings, collections and riverbanks are all fantastic learning resources in the heart of the city.

We offer a variety of guided and self-led experiences to help your learners understand our purpose and history.

We ask all school, academy and college groups to book ahead of their visit using the enquiry links below.

Timings

Full day guided visits typically run 10:00am - 2:15pm, including 30 minutes for lunch time.

Half day guided visits typically run 10am - 12:30pm.

Self-led visits are arranged to a schedule that suits your needs. 

Availability

We are fully booked for visits in Summer 2025. We are now taking bookings for September 2025 onwards.

Guided visits are available Tuesday to Friday.

Self led visits are available within cathedral opening hours by arrangement. All group visits need to book ahead of their visit using the enquiry links below.

Pricing

Guided visits are available from £5.00 per young person. 

Self-led visits are £3.50 per young person.

All accompanying adults are free of charge.

See FAQs for more information on how to pay.

Our calendar fills up fast. We are now taking bookings for guided visits from September 2025 onwards.

Key information and FAQs

If you've never planned a group visit to Durham Cathedral before, or want to remind yourself of some key information, this page is here to help.

We recommend you share this with all visiting staff and helpers.

FAQs and key information for school and youth groups

Guided visits

From £5 per young person, we offer a wide range of tours, workshops and craft activities led by our welcoming and experienced guides. Using our expertise on a wide range of subjects and curriculum areas, your group will have a day to remember. 

Learn more about the guided sessions we offer

"All the staff and our parent helpers commented on what a great day we had - the verdict from the children on the bus back to school was 'best day ever'!"

Self-led visits

Self-led visits are a great way to share your knowledge of the cathedral in the best location to bring it to life at your own pace with your learners. We can support self-led visits with information packs and resources to help you make the most of your time at Durham Cathedral.

We ask that you take extra care to familiarise your staff with our key information to help your visit run as smoothly as possible.

To book a self-led visit or to start a conversation about how our resources can support your teaching, complete an enquiry form using the button below. Make sure you include any learning aims or requests in the additional information box.

Enquire here

"We have visited for the past two years, and the children absolutely love the visit! The staff and visit process were excellent."

Short visits and visits for specialist providers

If you’re planning a drop-in visit or a short visit (less than an hour), you’ll still need to book, but please let us know about your intentions and needs when you enquire. You may be eligible for a reduced rate. 

If you work for a specialist provider, we can work with you to find dates and times of day where the atmosphere in the cathedral is most suited to your pupils' needs and help make sure they have access to facilities that they need to make their visit most comfortable.

Enquire here
A visitor looks at items in the cathedral's shop

"A fantastic, organised trip, that was pitched perfectly for the pupils."

How did we do?

We’d love to hear your thoughts about your visit.

Complete a feedback survey
Spring blossom surrounding the exterior of the cathedral

Parking for coaches

Coach parking isn't available in the cathedral grounds, but follow this link for Durham County Council's coach parking information page.
Cathedral view from the South.

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at Durham Cathedral. Find tips for visiting the cathedral with disabilities, and information about the accessibility of different spaces around the cathedral.
Family outside of Durham Cathedral

Safeguarding

The welfare of everyone, including children, young people, vulnerable adults, is a priority at Durham Cathedral and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do