What's On

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.

10.30am-12noon
Are you a history lover aged 11-16? Come along to this taster day for our Young Curators programme, and discover what goes on behind the scenes in a museum! 

Join us for a celebratory evensong welcoming the Reverend Charlie Allen at her official installation as Canon Chancellor of Durham Cathedral. All are welcome to attend this service.

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 North East England as World War I ended, soldiers came home, and peace was gradually restored.


 

Cathedral Church

Durham Cathedral is proud to take part in the nationwide 'There But Not There' installation project. The clear shadows of figures, commemorating those who never returned from fighting in the First World War, are powerful aids to reflection and remembrance as we commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. This installation in the Cathedral has been made possible through a generous grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust.

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. 

South Trancept, Cathedral Church
A special day of family activities as we commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. Come down for this free event in order to participate in a range of activities, such as a virtual reality trench-life experience, poppy and badge making, costumes, and a story tent.

10.30am - 12noon, Woodlands and riverbanks

An outdoor guided walk with local geologist Brian Young covering aspects of the geology of the Durham Cathedral site, including the riverbanks. Discover the variety, sources and uses of stone within the Cathedral and its associated buildings

10.30am-12noon and 1.30pm-4pm

Join local geologist Brian Young for both his talks on the geology of the Cathedral and its surrounding areas. At 10.30am explore the fascinating geology of our woodlands and riverbanks, and at 1.30pm hear a talk from Brian on the geology of the Cathedral's stone, before a tour of the Cathedral.

1.30pm - 4pm
Durham Cathedral ranks in the top 100 geological sites in the UK. Join us for a 45 minute talk, followed by refreshments and questions, and then a geology tour of the Cathedral.

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.