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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 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

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra - Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Pathétique

Wednesday 18 March 20267:30pm

Book tickets

Durham University Chamber Choir: I Heard a Voice from Heaven

Monday 16 March 20267:30pm

Book tickets

Explore at Durham Cathedral

Various dates 7:00pm

Would you like to explore questions of God, life and faith? Coming up in January and February is an opportunity to meet members of the Cathedral team and ask questions on the themes of meaning, belonging and hope.

More info

Lent Talks

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Sir James MacMillan on music

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts in conversation with Reverend Canon Michael Hampel. This Sunday explores the topic of music, with Sir James MacMillan, CBE, is a conductor and composer of sacred choral and orchestral music.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Jolyon Mitchell on Film

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of film, with the Reverend Professor Jolyon Mitchell who is Principal of St John’s College, Durham University, former producer and journalist with BBC World Service, who teaches media, religion and culture.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Catherine Fox on Literature

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of literature, with Catherine Fox author, academic and director of the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Sir Gregory Doran on theatre

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of theatre, with Sir Gregory Doran the former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Lent Talks: Encountering God through the creative arts with Peter Taylor on television

Join us for a series of discussions for Lent, featuring leading figures in the world of the creative arts. This Sunday explores the topic of television, with Peter Taylor, LVO, is Head of Operations at BBC Studios and oversees the broadcasts of major national events such as Elizabeth II’s funeral service and Charles III’s Coronation.

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.