About
Durham Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost a millennium, inspiring all who come. Built in 1093 to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert, Durham Cathedral is renowned for its magnificent Romanesque architecture and spectacular location at the heart of the Durham World Heritage Site. It is also the resting place of the Venerable Bede.
Highlights include the twelfth-century Galilee Chapel with its original medieval wall paintings, the towering sandstone pillars in the nave, and the stunning Rose Window in the Chapel of the Nine Altars. Don’t miss the medieval Cloister, which featured in the first two Harry Potter films. Find the perfect gift in the Cathedral Shop, and take a break with a tasty treat or light lunch in the Undercroft Restaurant..
Enjoy a guided tour of Durham Cathedral to discover the cathedral's remarkable stories and hidden history. Tours can be booked on arrival at the visitor desk, or via the website.
Durham Cathedral's central tower, is where visitors can conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views over historic Durham City and surrounding countryside. Get a close up look at the recently restored stonework on the top of the tower.
The Chapter House was used as the filming location for Professor Minerva McGonagall's classroom in the first two Harry Potter films. Dame Maggie Smith's character led Transfiguration lessons that saw the young students attempt to turn animals into goblets. This location is currently open to the public, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Some dates are excluded due to being used for services and events.