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Visitors are welcome to take non-flash photos inside Durham Cathedral. Share your photos with us on social media using #durhamcathedral

Making memories at Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral is a place of worship and pilgrimage, and also the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recognise those who visit do so for many different reasons, and many wish to take photos to remind them of their visit.

Durham Cathedral encourages respectful non-flash photography taken for personal use inside the cathedral. No photos can be taken during services and events.

Where can I take photos?


The Chapter of Durham Cathedral, our governing body, has the following policy on photography in the Cathedral and precincts:
 
  • Visitors are encouraged to take respectful non-flash photos for personal use inside Durham Cathedral, outside of services and events.
  • Non-flash photography is permitted in the first two galleries of Durham Cathedral Museum, the Monks' Dormitory and the Collections Gallery. Photography is not permitted in the Great Kitchen, where the Treasures of St Cuthbert are on display.
  • Photos can be taken in the Cloister, the College (our Cathedral Close) and on the woodlands and riverbanks surrounding the cathedral.

More questions?

 

Are you coming to visit Durham Cathedral? 

There are a few more caveats on taking photos that reflect our busy life as a working church. Scroll down for more information.

Are you a commercial photographer or film-maker? 

Fees apply, and you must seek our permission in advance. Scroll down for more information.

Do you wish to take photos or film for media purposes?

Contact us with your request. Scroll down for more information.

Are you interested in images of our collections?

Durham Cathedral Library’s imaging service can provide digital images, digital scans and microfilm reproductions of material from the Cathedral’s collections. Find out more in photographic imaging services.

 

Taking photos inside Durham Cathedral

Please respect these rules when taking photos

  • Photos for personal use taken on ordinary handheld cameras and/or mobile phones is encouraged.
  • Don’t use flash when taking photos, as it can be disruptive to other visitors.
  • Please respect the privacy of other visitors, especially during quiet periods of reflection or worship.
  • No photos of children are permitted unless they are part of your party, for safeguarding reasons.
  • No photos of school groups is allowed unless taken by the school themselves.
  • Visitors are not permitted to climb any areas of the cathedral in pursuit of a better vantage point.
  • Selfie sticks, tripods and monopods are not allowed as they can be disruptive and hazardous to other visitors.
  • In special cases, visitors with disabilities that make it hard to hold a camera may use tripods or monopods inside the cathedral. If possible please contact the cathedral visitor desk ahead of your visit on 0191 338 7178 or visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk

As a working church, we must limit photos in some cases

Given that the cathedral is above all else a place of daily worship, please do not take offence if you are asked to refrain from taking photos at any time.

  • The Gregory Chapel, located in the North Transept, is reserved for private prayer. Photos are prohibited to protect the privacy and peace of worship and prayer here.
  • The Feretory holds the Shrine of St Cuthbert. You are welcome to take photographs of the Shrine, but please be mindful of those who may be praying. Photos are not permitted during Shrine prayers (daily at 11.15am and 3pm).
  • Taking photos and making recordings is strictly prohibited during services, unless permission has been granted in advance.
  • No photos of the cathedral choir can be taken at any time, including recording of choir rehearsals.
  • Photos are not permitted in any closed off areas (these areas will be marked clearly with signage).
  • Taking photos or making recordings are strictly prohibited during events (ticketed or otherwise) unless express permission has been granted. For more information please contact events@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Commercial photography, filming and media requests

 

  • Commercial photography on Durham Cathedral property (both inside and outside buildings), including wedding photography, must be agreed by prior arrangement with the Marketing and Events department. A permit must be issued and fees apply. Please contact events@durhamcathedral.co.uk for more information.
  • Anyone wishing to take photos or film for media and PR purposes should contact media@durhamcathedral.co.uk  
  • Drone filming is not permitted inside the Cathedral or in the cathedral grounds, including cathedral-owned woodlands and riverbanks, unless by prior arrangement. Please contact media@durhamcathedral.co.uk

 

More information about media enquiries here

Photos cannot be taken in the Library or the Library reading rooms.

  • Photos cannot be taken in Durham Cathedral's library spaces due to conservation and copyright issues.
  • The Cathedral Library has postcards of some of the Cathedral's manuscripts. You can also order copies from its large collection of master slides and photos of buildings, artefacts and other specialist items.
  • Durham Cathedral Library's imaging service can provide digital images, digital scans, and microfilm reproductions of material from the Cathedral’s collections. Find out more in photographic imaging services.