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.

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 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

Upcoming Events, Music and Services

Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated

Friday 7 March 2025 7:15pm

An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light.

More info

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.