Student activities at Durham Cathedral

Calling all students, we welcome you to get to know the cathedral at the heart of your bustling city.

You're always welcome to come and explore the 1000 year old building, whether its to learn more about the history in the Museum or for a quiet space away from daily life.

• Join one of the regular daily services which everyone is welcome to attend. Find out more on our Faith & Worship page.
• Climb the Tower - although some Durham University students are superstitious that climbing the tower before graduation might affect their exam results(!), which makes it a little busy around Graduations!
• Grab a coffee or re-fuel at the Undercroft Cafe and if you bring your own reusable cup get 10% off any hot drinks
• Pick up up new stationary for the academic year at our shop - don't forget your student card for 10% off
• Take some time out to pause and reflect, sit for a while in the pews or perhaps you might like to light a candle as a sign of prayer

Over the years, we've welcomed film crews to Durham Cathedral, often the perfect location for everything from documentaries to blockbuster films. Most notably, various locations across the cathedral were used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

You can wander around The Cloisters which were used in various Hogwarts corridor scenes, or look out into the Cloister Garth where famous scene when Ron's 'eat slugs' curse backfires. Plus, visit the Chapter House which was used as Professor McGonagalls classroom!

In November 2021, to mark the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first hitting our cinema screens, we invited in the Durham University Harry Potter Society for a photoshoot.

Yes - we have a range of opportunities for those wanting to volunteer, we would love to hear from you, please find out more below.

Yes you can take images on your phone or with a camera during your visit, in fact we would love to see them. You can tag us on Instagram @durhamcathedral

Please bear in mind when you're taking photos inside the cathedral to please check that your flash is switched off, and respect other visitors' privacy. We ask visitors not to use tripods, or selfie sticks inside the cathedral or to take images during services.

There is no entry fee to visit the cathedral. If you can, please donate £5 when you visit to help support the cathedral's future. As a charitable organisation without regular government funding, we rely on the generous donation of visitors to support the day-to-day running of the cathedral and to carry out vital conservation work.

Yes - we offer a 10% discount in the gift shop, simply show your valid student card. You are also welcome to bring your own reusable cup for 10% off any hot drinks in the cafe.

We always try to accommodate filming with the societies and university projects. Please contact media@durhamcathedral.co.uk