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We are open to visitors and for services of worship.

Opening times

The cathedral's visitor desk, shop and cafe are open:

  • Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm
  • Sunday: 12noon - 4pm
Trips up the cathedral tower, museum tours and cathedral guided tours take place throughout the day.
 
As a working church, sometimes access to the cathedral is limited for visitors. Any upcoming closures will be listed further down this page.

Welcome to Durham Cathedral

There is no admission charge to visit Durham Cathedral. We ask all our visitors to donate £5 to support the cathedral's future.

Our staff and volunteers are excited to welcome you to the cathedral. Explore inspiration and information for what to do on your visit. Volunteer chaplains are on duty to offer pastoral support at the cathedral.

No advance booking is needed to visit.

What measures are in place because of COVID-19?

  • We encourage people to continue wearing face coverings whilst inside the cathedral. If you are attending a tour or climbing the tower you will be required to wear a face covering (unless exempt).
  • Track and Trace, along with protective screens at till points and hand sanitiser stations remains in place.
  • For some large events and services this Christmas you may need to book a ticket in advance to attend, and abide by additional measures. Find more information on the Advent and Christmas page.

Visiting this Christmas

Durham Cathedral is open to visitors and worshippers every day of the year.

Christmas opening hours
Over Christmas and New Year, our visitor desk, Durham Cathedral Museum, Cathedral Shop and Undercroft Restaurant will have altered opening hours on some days:

  • Christmas Eve - 10am-2.30pm
  • Christmas Day - Closed
  • Boxing Day - Closed
  • New Year's Eve - 10am-2.30pm
  • New Year's Day - Closed

On all other days these areas are open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon-4pm Sunday.

Disrupted visitor access during services and events
Durham Cathedral is a busy working church, especially during Advent and Christmas. Visitor access to areas of the cathedral may be disrupted for events and services listed on the Advent and Christmas page, so please check this before you travel.

Service times

Sundays

  • 8am - Holy Communion (in person only)
  • 10am - Matins (live-streamed and in person)
  • 11.15am - Sung or Said Eucharist (live-streamed and in person)
  • 3.30pm - Evening Prayer or Choral Evensong (live-streamed and in person)

For more details on our services, including how to watch them online, go to our regular services page.

Monday to Saturday

  • 8.30am - Morning Prayer (live-streamed and in person)
  • 12.30pm - Holy Communion (in person only)
  • 5.30pm - Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer (live-streamed and in person) 
  • 8.45pm - Compline (Mondays, live-streamed only)