What is open?

• Visitor Desk
• Nave of Durham Cathedral
• Shrine of St Cuthbert (from Monday 10 August afternoons only)
• The Galilee Chapel

What is closed?

• Toilets (the nearest public toilets are on Palace Green)
• The Cloister
• Open Treasure
• The Cathedral Shop
• The Undercroft Restaurant
• The Central Tower
• Durham Cathedral Library
• The quire of the cathedral and side chapels

Access to parts of the Cathedral may be restricted before and during these services:

Sundays

• 8.30am Morning Prayer (not open to the public, live-streamed only)
• 9.30am Holy Communion (open to the public - prior booking required - and live-streamed)
• 11.30am Holy Communion (open to the public, prior booking required)
• 3.30pm Choral Evensong (not open to the public, broadcast online only)

Monday to Saturday

• 8.30am - Morning Prayer 
• 5.15pm - Evensong or Evening Prayer

To find out how to access our services online, go to our online worship resources page.

To find out how to book a public Sunday service, or for more details on attending public services, go to our regular services page.

Do you charge an entry fee?

There is no fee to enter Durham cathedral, however we do ask that people donate to support the cathedral’s future if they are able. You can donate online via our website, or at the cathedral using a contactless card or one of the cash donation boxes.

Will the cathedral tower, restaurant, shop, library or Open Treasure be reopening?

At this stage the visitor attraction elements and other public engagement aspects of the cathedral life are closed, in line with current Government and Church of England guidance.

Will the toilet facilities be open?

Unfortunately, our toilet facilities will remain closed at present so that we can maintain social distancing. However, toilet facilities are available on Palace Green.

Can I come to a cathedral service, and what will it be like?

From Sunday 19 July you will be able to come to a number of services inside the cathedral. Service times are above. Prior booking is required to come to a Sunday Eucharist service (if you’re unable to book a ticket online, staff will make every effort to accommodate you if you come to the service). Book a place here. It’s important you understand the adaptations we’ve made to regular services to enable them to go ahead. You will still be able to participate in the cathedral’s worship online, and there is more information about how to do so on our online worship resources page.

Will I be able to access the Shrine of St Cuthbert?

The Shrine of St Cuthbert will reopen to the public on Monday 10 August.

Do I have to wear a face mask to enter the cathedral?

We ask all visitors and worshippers to wear a face covering when visiting Durham Cathedral. From Saturday 8 August updated government regulations comes into effect, meaning you must wear a face covering inside Durham Cathedral.

You do not need to wear a face covering if:

• You are under the age of 11
• You cannot wear a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability 
• You cannot wear a face covering without severe distress
• You provide assistance to a person who relies on lip-reading to communicate

Yes, there will be a number of candle stands positioned along the one-way route, so that you can offer your prayers and light candles for loved ones if you so wish. 

What will the one-way system look like?

Entry to the cathedral will be via the Galilee Chapel. Members of the public will be directed through the Galilee, past the visitor desk in the west end and into the Nave, where socially distanced pew seating will be available either side. From there, you will be able to access candle stations to light candles should you wish, before exiting via the north nave aisle and through the North Door.  

Will there be staff on duty in the cathedral?

Yes, there will be a limited number of staff on duty to welcome you to the church, and to provide guidance on the one-way system and social distancing. 

Will there be staff on the visitor desk to provide further assistance?

There will be one member of staff behind the visitor desk at a time. They will sit behind a protective screen and will be able to assist with any enquiries you may have.

Will I have to queue to get inside Durham Cathedral?

There will be limit on the number of people allowed inside the cathedral at any time. Please be prepared to queue outside and dress appropriately for the weather should it be inclement.