1. Home
  2. Visit Us
  3. Plan your visit

Student activities

Whether you’re a new student discovering Durham for the first time or are looking for different student experiences in the city, Durham Cathedral has a whole host of student activities.

Welcome to Durham

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.

Six-Day Walking Pilgrimage and Retreat

Wednesday August 19th - Monday August 24th

To mark the end of the academic year and in anticipation of the new Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer launching in September, the Revd James Shelton will be leading a six-day walking pilgrimage & retreat in August.

A group of up to 15 pilgrims will journey together along the ‘Way of Light’ Northern Saints Trail, between Heavenfield and Durham, experiencing the joys and challenges of pilgrimage, as well as sharing in times of conversation and solitude, meals and daily reflection.

Book a Space

Just a few of the things to do here at the cathedral...

  • Join one of the regular daily services which everyone is welcome to attend. Find out more about our Student Tuesday services below.
  • 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

Exploring Faith

Every Tuesday at 5.30pm we welcome you to visit us and experience Choral Evensong which lasts about 40 minutes.

This evening service takes place in the Quire of the Cathedral (at front of the church floor) and you can simply turn up and attend.

If you wish to stay, there is food and drink afterwards, together with discussion and a chance to get to know others.

Learn more about services

Upcoming Events, Music and Services

Organ Recital Series 2026

Various dates 7:00pm

Book tickets

Motown By Candlelight at Durham Cathedral

Various dates 7:30pm

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October, 7.30pm. Expect to hear the soulful sounds of your favourite artists, from The Supremes, The Temptations and Diana Ross to Stevie Wonder, The Commodores, Marvin Gaye and many more!

More info

Johns' Boys Welsh Male Voice Choir

Saturday 14 November 2026 7:30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate a decade of musical excellence. Johns’ Boys Welsh Male Voice Choir has redefined the male voice tradition with breathtaking interpretations of chart hits, opera classics, musical theatre favourites, and traditional Welsh hymns.

More info

An Evening of Kate Bush

Saturday 26 September 2026 7:30pm

Join for an Evening of Kate Bush performed live by a full band, vocalists and string quartet in Durham Cathedral this September.

More info

The Music of Oasis by Candlelight

Thursday 27 August 2026 7:30pm

Expect to hear the best of Oasis, from Champagne Supernova, Live Forever and She’s Electric to Slide Away, Wonderwall, Morning Glory and many more.

More info

Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral

Thursday 29 October 2026 7:00pm

Scouting For Girls will be performing their greatest hits live in Durham Cathedral in October.

More info

Library resources

Durham Cathedral Library holds an internationally significant collection of manuscripts, printed books, music manuscripts and modern collections. You can also use the space to study, find out opening times and more below.

Find out more

Durham Cathedral and Harry Potter

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.