Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Explore Durham Cathedral, part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the resting places of iconic Northern saints St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede as pilgrims have done for 1000 years, and discover the cathedral’s history as a place of faith, art and remembrance. Look up to see stained glass windows and pause by the County Durham miners and local regiment memorials. Step into the cathedral’s museum to see the treasures of St Cuthbert on display in the spaces previously part of Durham’s medieval Benedictine monastery. No admission charge. If you are able, please consider donating £5 tosupport the cathedral’s future
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- seakingaviator58 contributionsCathedral tourInformative guide Marion took our tour group she was patient, easy to listen too and giving of her time to answer Questions or queries. Very knowledge and made the tour a pleasure to undertake, thank you. We did pay for and visit the museum but I wasn't as impressed with the layout or artefacts on display in the upstairs galler, quite haphazard and more a collection of carved stone cross pieces or coffin parts from all iver not necessarilyfrom the cathedral. The St cuthberts artefacts were fascinating but strangely housed in what was described as the 'kitchen,' it was more a vaulted store and the only element that gave it away as a kitchen was the metal oven door. Why not just label it as the 'artefacts chamber', it's not like there was any info regarding the kitchen it's use etc, you went down there to see the St cuthbert artefacts which was perfectly understandable and very interesting in its own right.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 March 2023
- kevin mLiverpool, United Kingdom23 contributionsHistorical Magnificence.A tour of the cathedral is a must for anyone visiting the city. Our tour guide Bob spoke passionately and informatively about the cathedrals history. I would recommend paying for the tour. I could have listened to him all day !Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2023
- Grim72Freuchie, United Kingdom415 contributionsStunning and awe inspiringA visit to Durham isn't a visit without a trip tot he cathedral - it is a stunning and majestic piece of architecture which makes you wonder how something so big, so detailed and so impressive could have been constructed so long ago. Walking through the cathedral is a feast for the eyes and leaves you speechless. I'm not a religious person as such so I visited more for the grandeur of the place than for any higher spiritual reason but I do have an interest in Northumbrian folklore and history - which the cathedral offers plenty reference to. Definitely worth a walk around - we didn't do a guided tour and just wandered around ourselves which was more than ok.Visited April 2023Written 5 April 2023
- Ernie HCardiff, United Kingdom1,828 contributionsImpressiveA good visit if a bit confusing over add ons that have to be paid to visit as it wasn't immediately clear. The transcept and practically everywhere was set up for a dinner for the local business owners so harder to navigate and have a good look around, so will have to return one day to see what was missed. The cafe is a welcome stop and the produce of a good standard.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2023
- yorkshireladYork, United Kingdom284 contributionsYou have to visit Durham Catherdral.Really nice visit. Impressive. Staff very helpful and friendly. Have been before but you have just on to visit again if you are in the area. Although it is free to go in, a suggested £5 should be offered. Well worth it. Cafe very reasonable priced meals and drinks. I think it is better than York minster and I live in the York area. On point to mention there is no parking at the catherdral but there is bus service from the market place. You will need the number 40 bus from outside Boots the Chemist.Visited April 2023Written 28 April 2023
- historylover3Somerville, Massachusetts150 contributionsNot to be missedDurham Cathedral has proved to be my absolute favorite cathedral in England. It is stunning yet its sacred and historic feel is not overwhelmed by tourism - at least not when I was there. We signed up for a tour through the cathedral, and Mike was a wonderful guide who told its history so vividly, including about St. Cuthbert with whom I had not been familiar. Attended a Sunday morning service as well as evensong - both beautiful experiences. Greatly enjoyed the cathedral's museum. Also appreciated the excellent cafe and gift shop. Ended up spending much more time than expected there because there was so much to see, learn about and experience. Really didn't want to leave!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- AnneSeamer, United Kingdom56 contributionsA must visitSimply stunning, no visit to Durham is complete without visiting this treasure. Entrance is free with a requested donation of just £5, such value these days. I highly recommend walking back to the town centre via the river to get another stunning view of the cathedral and castle!Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 April 2023
- Tom Ashley6 contributionsSuperb Cathedral, Aidan the highlightGreat visit overall - impressed at how the Cathedral had been set up to maximise the visitor experience. The highlight was talking to Aidan at the end, such passion and knowledge (@ management - give him a permanent job!). Would thoroughly recommendVisited May 2023Written 3 May 2023
- pfefmeisterSan Francisco, California3,043 contributionsHighlight of DurhamBeautiful cathedral overlooking the town, It asks for a 5 pound donation to walk around. I marvel at these structures and how they were possibly built without modern devices or computers. This one is 1000 years old - 1000 ! It is, not surprisingly, showing it’s age, but still a worthwhile stop.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
- Kevin SPontypridd, United Kingdom6,253 contributionsAs expected a very impressive cathedralAs expected a very impressive cathedral. Large with imposing supporting pillars, so much so that they take up space making it seem smaller inside than expected. Very good stained glass windows, ornate wooden quire area, organ pipes etc. Lacking information boards, certainly not like the excellent ones in Lichfield cathedral an audio guide would have helped. The wonderful clock for example, 500 years old, had little information near it that I could see. I would have liked to have visited their mu-seum, £7.50 extra on top of the cathedral donation amount, but timed tickets, the next one being nearly an hour away, totally impractical.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 June 2023
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4.5
7,095 reviews
Excellent
5,519
Very good
1,283
Average
179
Poor
59
Terrible
55
J C
Sunderland, UK50 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Truly a beautiful cathedral. Visited whilst in Durham for the day, the cathedral was busy but not too overcrowded. I was very impressed with the scale of the cathedral and the architecture behind it. We entered through the room where the Venerable Bede is buried and lit a candle to say a prayer.
The choir was singing during the time was visited so we couldn’t go too far into the rest of the cathedral due to areas being cordoned off.
We decided to go outside into the courtyard area which was very peaceful and very picturesque.
Well worth the visit when in Durham, I would also recommend going to the top of the tower on a good day during the Summer and spend a good time looking around.
The choir was singing during the time was visited so we couldn’t go too far into the rest of the cathedral due to areas being cordoned off.
We decided to go outside into the courtyard area which was very peaceful and very picturesque.
Well worth the visit when in Durham, I would also recommend going to the top of the tower on a good day during the Summer and spend a good time looking around.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
consettravler
Consett, UK31 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We have been to almost every cathedral in the UK and we must say, Durham Cathedral is the most inspiring ancient cathedral in the country. The staff were friendly and informative and the cathedral was being cleaned constantly while we visited. The restaurant serves good food and the cream scones are to die for. If you are visiting the North East then call into Durham Cathedral. It's also one of the few major Cathedrals which is still free to enter.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann G
33 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Absolutely stunning. Do book the guided tour. But also take a look at some of the other parts that are not included. Cathedral volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven J
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
What a beautiful cathedral! My family and I visited on a whim and the guided tour was fantastic! Very engaging for our children and my wife is in love with the cloisters. The huge lego structure had my son in awe and the gift shop satisfied my daughter. Lovely little cafe for coffee and a cake. Would love to come back in the summer for some more photos.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SharonJT67
Durham, UK5,256 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Visited on Saturday for the music event Lost in Music, we arrived early but the doors weren’t opened until 7 which was a bit tight trying to get everyone in & seated for 7.30, whilst the event was great with some excellent music it was quite uncomfortable as their were no cushions, it was bums on pews, so forced us into our feet to dance 💃, great that they’ve found a way to help create additional funding, but wouldn’t rush back!
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob H
Mansfield45 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I went to university in Durham in the early 1980’s but never walked up that hill to the cathedral. In January it was my wife’s birthday and id booked a weekend away and she had no idea that our daughter son in law and 3 old grandson was going to be there, infact she had no idea where we was going until we booked into the hotel. On the Saturday we walked up the hill me miles behind with my stroller. When you turn the corner is the best cathedral ive ever seen and we have been to quite a few over the uk. Inside the cathedral it is huge and full of history. It is a voluntry donation to enter and the chap looked shocked when i said theres 4 of us, heres £20. But it is well worth it. They had a quick look round but they were going on to the castle tour. The choir were singing and i sat back watched and listened to them for well over a hour. A stunning building and well worthy of a visit
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Derby, UK12 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is the most impressive Cathedral I have visited!
The view from the top is stunning, but the narrow spiral stairs might not suit everybody.
The architecture is simply breathtaking.
A genuine Must See!
The view from the top is stunning, but the narrow spiral stairs might not suit everybody.
The architecture is simply breathtaking.
A genuine Must See!
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leedssally
Leeds, UK92 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful place to visit in any weather, lots of historic interest but also where some Harry Potter films had scenes filmed! If brave and fit enough can walk up the stairs to the top of the tower, where my husband said the views of the surrounding area were amazing. Nice coffee shop, good toilet facilities. Steep if you walk up to it, but a cheap little city bus can drop you right outside.
The visitor centre, museum and an ancient library are near the bus stop too and are also well worth a visit.
The visitor centre, museum and an ancient library are near the bus stop too and are also well worth a visit.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jess w
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
My partner and I visited the cathedral on Thursday afternoon and had an absolutely amazing time, we met a lovely member of staff named Neil (hope that's spelt right!) Who offered to talk to us about the exhibit in the kitchen. It was absolutely wonderful and the knowledge and passion he had for the cathedral was very obvious. I've been to the cathedral a few times having lived locally and never had such an amazing time, my partner who's not a local but is a history buff thoroughly enjoyed himself also!!
We can't wait to come back with family and friends and hope to see Neil again. Thank you so much, it made our holiday extra special x
We can't wait to come back with family and friends and hope to see Neil again. Thank you so much, it made our holiday extra special x
Written 27 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dpetch690551
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Beautiful, amazing. Great there was lots of volunteers to give very informative and interesting helpful information which made the experience really well worth the visit
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alisonmarie444
Crook, UK2 contributions
Can you drive to cathedral to drop someone off, do you have to pay congestion charge?
Pamela J
Manchester, UK42 contributions
Yes, a congestion charge applies during certain hours: £2 for entering the zone between 10.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Saturday.
You could get near enough just to drop someone off, however we used the Prince Bishop's multi-storey car park which is only about 5-10 minutes' walk away.
Ada Echevarría
8 contributions
Hi! I'm considering a visit to the cathedral in a few weeks but several parts are still closed (cloister, central tower, library, quire and side chapels). Do you think it is still worth the visit now or are those parts "essential"? I would only get the chance to go once to Durham. Thanks a lot for your advice!!
paulyfb
Bishop Auckland, UK350 contributions
It’s still worth a visit. It’s a fantastic place and when you round the corner you will say out loud “WOW”. But if you want to see it all open you might be better to call and see what’s open to public as it’s well worth the visit. If you have to travel far I would consider waiting. But it’s up to you
horario de visita en julio 2019 de la catedral
de Durham
horario de visita del casdtillo de Durham en julio 2019,gracias
Hi, can you tell us where the best place is to park when visiting the cathedral please?
Joan S
Durham14 contributions
Prince Bishops car park is just a 5 minute walk away from Cathedral and it's right in centre of shops etc
Hrf
4 contributions
Can you still light a REAL candle for loved ones? ( not electric).
Thank you
Alex_Fearn1959
St. Brelade, UK6 contributions
Indeed you can, with a choice of either traditional or tealight candles.
keitheey12
Worthing, UK
Do you have free WiFi
marg k
Liverpool, UK510 contributions
It’s a cathedral! Why would you want Wi-fi??
Is there somewhere to store (camera) bags - I understand photography is not allowed but don't want to leave camera in car/hotel?
markpittscom
Randolph, NJ39 contributions
Half the people there are carrying cameras. Most are also taking taking pictures when cathedral personnel are not watching.
ceg51
Naples, FL747 contributions
We are a group of 8 and we would like to attend Evensong. Can we get tickets in advance? What time should we arrive to tour the cathedral and go to Evensong or should we go back later?
brian1112222015
Hyde, UK151 contributions
I'm not sure I would contact the cathedral directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Durham Cathedral
- Hotels near Durham Cathedral:
- (0.08 mi) St Chad's College
- (0.04 mi) St John's College
- (0.10 mi) Hatfield College Durham
- (0.22 mi) 40 Winks Guest House
- (0.21 mi) The Victoria Inn
- Restaurants near Durham Cathedral:
- (0.10 mi) Durham Cathedral's Undercroft Restaurant
- (0.18 mi) Shaheens Indian
- (0.21 mi) Cafedral Durham
- (0.18 mi) Lebaneat
- (0.24 mi) The Library