Tours and Experiences

The central tower you see today was extensively rebuilt after two lightning strikes in 1429 and 1459. Standing 218ft or 66m tall, there are 325 steps on a narrow winding spiral staircase that take you to the top to experience breath-taking views of the city below.

While you're climbing you can learn more about our project to restore the stonework at the very top of the tower. You can see and feel the contrast between the older stones spotted with 100 year old graffiti, and the fresher hand-chiselled stones made by our in-house stonemasons. 

Looking out from the tower, you have a bird's eye view over the cathedral, cloister and over the beautiful city of Durham. On a clear day you can see far north towards Sunderland and possibly spot the Angel of the North or Penshaw Monument on the horizon.

Some Durham University students are superstitious that climbing the tower before graduation might affect their exam results(?!), so the tower is usually fully-booked around graduations in early January and late June. We suggest booking tickets in advance.

Groups of all kinds are welcome to join us at the cathedral. We ask all groups to book ahead, which allows us to make sure there are no major events or services that would disrupt your visit. We can also arrange a package for your group visit, find out more information below.