What's On

Celebrate the mining heritage of County Durham with a fascinating exhibition in the Open Treasure Collections Gallery.  Twenty-five years since the closure of the last County Durham colliery, and 75 years since the founding of the ‘Bevin Boys’, we explore the Cathedral's links to coalmining in the region, the continuing role of the Durham Miners' Gala, and how mining remains an integral part of County Durham life.

North Nave Aisle

Wednesday 1 August to Friday 31 August

The exhibition explores the heritage of County Durham in all its colours and forms. Interpreting 'heritage' in a broad sense, from the architectural magnificence of the county's iconic landmarks, to the ever-present legacy of our industrial past, this exhibition hopes to delight but also inspire poignant reflection.

Monks' Dormitory, Durham Cathedral

Join us for our regular Ten Minute Talk in Open Treasure. Hear one of our experienced Gallery Attendants sharing their insights into Durham Cathedral’s history and collections in a short, informative talk. Today join Anne-Marie Ashman for a talk on 'Miners' banners - proud heritage of the North East: A look at miners' banners past and present and their role at the Durham Miners' Gala'.

1 August - 12 September, every Wednesday

Join us for our organ recital series, featuring some of Britain's greatest organists.

Please click for further details and booking information.

Join our Education team for craft activities this summer in Open Treasure's Community Gallery! Alongside our current exhibition in Open Treasure, Miners, Pitmen and Prayer, have a go at using traditional tools and methods to create beautiful Hook and Proddy badges out of rags!

For the first time, the public will be able to climb the North West tower, and see Durham City from a new perspective. With the central tower still closed to the public for a major conservation project, we are excited to offer this unique opportunity to climb one of the smaller towers of Durham Cathedral and see the roof, masonry and central tower up close for the first time.

Trips will run on Fridays and Saturdays at various times throughout the day.

Please contact the Visitor Desk to check availability.

Monks' Dormitory, Durham Cathedral

Join us for our regular Ten Minute Talk in Open Treasure. Hear one of our experienced Gallery Attendants sharing their insights into Durham Cathedral’s history and collections in a short, informative talk. Today join Anne-Marie Ashman for a talk on 'Miners' banners - proud heritage of the North East: A look at miners' banners past and present and their role at the Durham Miners' Gala'.

A special opportunity to spend a summer evening with your camera inside Durham Cathedral.  

Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public.

Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public.

Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public.

Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public.

Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days with free events at Durham Cathedral and explore spaces usually closed to members of the public.

Runs to early 2019
The Collections Gallery, Open Treasure

On 11 November 1918 an armistice ended the war in Western Europe, although peace would not fully return for many more months. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of this momentous event, this exhibition explores what it meant for the people of Durham and the north east as World War I ended, soldiers came home, and peace was gradually restored.


 

Exquisitely translated from a number one bestselling Danish novel, The Song of Hild is an epic new take on the prominent role of women in the Church during the during the period of conversion to Christianity in the seventh century. Author Vibeke Vasbo and translator Gaye Kynoch reveal the story behind the story, drawing us into a world of dark dealings, powerful patriarchy and religious wrangling, where women had to develop peace-weaving strategies and became pioneers of the early Church.

A chance to experience a walking tour of Durham Cathedral’s historic woodlands and riverbanks guided by an expert walk leader.

The Chapter House

Stories of Sanctuary captures the heart and soul of the stories of sanctuary sought in the city of Durham, both past and present, through spoken word and song. This performance showcases brand new songs that were written by participants from different backgrounds, including Syrian refugees, in a series of summer workshops facilitated by Durham-based folk singer-songwriter Sam Slatcher. 

Durham Cathedral is hosting its annual Prisons Week seminar. 

We invite visitors to join our innovative tours of the whole of Open Treasure, incorporating both our permanent displays and temporary exhibitions, Armistice: Living with the peace.

Special Service: Advent Compline.

The Compline will be sung by Durham Cathedral Consort of Singers.

An opportunity to purchase local produce and artisan goods in the unique setting of the Cathedral Cloister. Visit the Cathedral stall in the Cloister, and the Marquee on Palace Green, to find unique Christmas gifts.

Carols for All, Durham Cathedral.

An opportunity for visitors to the Durham City Christmas Festival to sing carols in the splendour of Durham Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral.

A special family service depicting the story of St. Nicholas, who always makes an appearance. The service follows a lantern procession to the Cathedral, led by the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band, starting at 3:30pm in Durham Market Place.

Durham Cathedral.

All are welcome to attend a service of lessons and carols for Advent in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Music is sung by Durham Cathedral Choir. 

As these are very popular services, members of the congregation are advised to arrive in good time.

Durham Cathedral.

Durham Inter-Collegiate Christian Union Carol Service hosts their annual carols in the Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral.

Special Service of Carols - Durham and Darlington NHS.

Durham Cathedral.

Enjoy an evening of Christmas music in support of the Friends of Durham Cathedral.

Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting...

Due to overwhelming public demand, original X-Factor stars and operatic multi-platinum selling vocal quartet G4 are back, with their atmospheric “G4 Christmas” tour across the UK in November and December 2018.

Durham Cathedral.

Carol Service for the NSPCC.

Durham Cathedral. 

Join us for Carols for the Durham Women's Institute.

Durham Cathedral.

Durham University Chamber Choir deliver a spectacular programme of festive music.

Durham Cathedral.

A special service for St. Chad's College Advent Procession.

Durham Cathedral.

St. John's College Carol Service.

Durham Cathedral.

A special Service of Carols for Durham High School For Girls.

Durham Cathedral.

A service of Carols with Durham School.

Durham Cathedral Choir is joined by the Avison Ensemble, for a festive performance of Handel's famous oratorio. Soloists will be from within Durham Cathedral Choir, the orchestra is led by Pavlo Beznosiuk. 

Durham Cathedral.

Watch as the lights on the magnificent 20 feet tall Norwegian spruce are switched on. The Clergy and Choir then process to the West End of the Cathedral where the Crib is blessed. This service is particularly suitable for children.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to bring wrapped Christmas presents appropriately marked with age and whether for a girl or a boy. The presents are collected by the Salvation Army to be given to families in need. Thank you to Ward Brothers, who donate the Christmas Tree each year.

Durham Cathedral.

The winter season can be a poignant time for those missing a friend or a loved one. Why not light up the life of someone by making a donation to St. Cuthbert's Hospice in their memory? Their name will be entered into a Book of Remembrance and dedicated at this service.

Durham Cathedral.

A special service of Carols with Durham Johnston School.

Durham Cathedral.

Special Service - Haswell and District Mencap Carols.

All are welcome to attend our traditional Festical of Nine Lessons and Carols, which always starts in darkness with a solo chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. These services are a highlight of the Advent and Christmas season, during which lessons are read and the Cathedral Choir sings beautiful music to herald the birth of Christ.

On Sunday 24th December the Durham Miners' Association Band will play before the service.

Durham Cathedral.

A traditional 30-minute carol service for families. An opportunity for children and their parents/carers to come to the Cathedral to sing well-known Christmas carols with the Cathedral Choristers.

Celebrate the birth of Christ through music, prayer, and Holy Communion as Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day. This is a most joyful celebration of the Eucharist and all are welcome to attend. Sung by the gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir, with invited sopranos.

Join us as we host The Snowman Tour for one day only. 

Screenings also taking place at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Join with the churches of Durham and gather for a service of reflection on the past, of thanksgiving for the blessings of God in the present and of hope for the year to come. You are invited to gather in Durham Market Place at 6:00pm with lanterns and process to the Cathedral for 6:30pm.

Durham Cathedral Choir joins forces with the Avison Ensemble to perform Bach’s stunning St John Passion on the evening of Palm Sunday 2019. This unmissable concert will be conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist at Durham Cathedral.  The orchestra will be led by reknowned period instrument violinist Pavlo Beznosiuk.