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Family adventures

We love welcoming visitors of all ages to Durham Cathedral. Come and explore, learn, enjoy, play, and experience the wonder of this historic place and the surrounding riverbanks.

There is something for visitors of all ages to explore at Durham Cathedral and its 1000 years of history.

Explore Harry Potter filming locations, see Durham Cathedral in LEGO® or let off steam in the surrounding riverbanks. Kids go free in Durham Cathedral Museum and ages 8-17 can climb the Tower for free.

Things to do

Borrow an activity backpack

New for spring, borrow a backpack filled with fun activities and challenges to explore the cathedral in a new and different way. Use the binoculars to spot hidden details high up, roll a die and find the object it lands on, plus get crafty with colouring sheets. To borrow a backpack for free on your next visit head to the Visitor Desk.

See Durham Cathedral in LEGO®

After a few years in storage, the LEGO® version of Durham Cathedral has been re-built and is back on permanent display inside the museum. You can see the giant model for free, if you wish to explore the Museum further tickets are available (£7.50 per adult and free under 18's).

Find out more here

Free entry for kids

Did you know that kids go free in Durham Cathedral Museum and the Tower? Children under the age of 18 can experience areas of the cathedral which usually have an additional charge, absolutely free with an accompanying adult.

Climb the 325 steps to the top of the Tower See the treasures of St Cuthbert in the Museum

Calling all wizarding fans

Don your wizarding house colours and robes to explore some of Durham Cathedral's famous filming locations. Get a selfie in the cloisters and see if you can position yourself where the magic took place. 

Blockbuster filming locations

Be an outdoor explorer

Explore the woodland paths and riverside trails around the cathedral. Take a look at the woodlands and riverbanks page for walking routes and more information.

Riverbank and woodland trails

Light a candle

Some people like to light a candle as a sign of prayer, which continues to burn after they have left the cathedral. If you like, you can write your prayer on a piece of paper and leave it in the basket. We will then read out your prayer at a service.

Things to do with older children

A family on top of Durham Cathedral's tower

Climb the tower

Challenge yourself to climb the 325 steps of the tower for amazing views over Durham. Suitable for children over 8.

Durham Cathedral Museum

Step into the buildings of the old medieval monastery to discover how faith has changed (and stayed the same) over the past 2000 years. Suitable for young adults.

Cathedral tours

Discover stories from the cathedral's past on a guided tour. Suitable for young adults

Junior Church

Join Junior Church to learn about the values of faith through activities, crafts and story readings, Sundays at 10am

Find out more about Junior Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the toilets?

Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities can be found in the toilet block. Go through the cloister and exit beyond the shop and café.

Download a cathedral map

Can I bring a pushchair into the cathedral?

Yes, we welcome children in pushchairs and the majority of the building is step-free. However, due to the age of the building, some parts of the cathedral are only accessible by stairs. Access to the shop, restaurant, toilets and museum is via stairs or lift. For further details to help you plan your visit, see our accessibility page.

Is breastfeeding permitted in the cathedral?

Yes, Durham Cathedral supports breastfeeding. Please feel free to feed your child as you wish. If you would prefer a private space to breastfeed, ask at the visitor desk inside the cathedral.

Do you have any children’s food options?

Yes, we have loads of choice in the café. Take a look at our cafe to find out more.

You might prefer to bring a picnic with you – the Monks’ Garden and our riverbank paths are both fantastic to recharge and let off some steam.

What is in the shop for families?

There is something for everyone! We have a wide range of children’s books, toys, activities, games, souvenirs and more, including plenty that can be bought with pocket money. Explore our shop.

Can I park at the cathedral?

Unfortunately the narrow streets means we can’t offer parking, apart from a very limited disabled area. However, many families enjoy making a day of it by using the Cathedral shuttle bus from the railway station. There is also a Park and Ride scheme. Find out more about getting here.

Do you have information about visiting with children who have access or sensory needs?

Everyone is welcome at Durham Cathedral. For tips about visiting the cathedral with disabilities, sensory needs and information about the accessibility of different spaces around the cathedral visit our Accessibility page