Durham Cathedral

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, or the Western Undercroft, now home to the award-winning Cathedral Shop, Undercroft Restaurant and Durham Cathedral in LEGO.

Open Treasure is a new world-class exhibition route which is transforming public access to some of Durham Cathedral’s most spectacular spaces, including the fourteenth-century Monks’ Dormitory and the monastic Great Kitchen. Journey through some of the most remarkable medieval monastic buildings in the British Isles as the story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections is revealed.

Durham Cathedral's central tower reopens from Saturday 1 June, where visitors can conquer the 325 steps and enjoy unrivalled views over historic Durham City and surrounding countryside. Visitors can also get a close up look at the recently-completed restoration work.

The north west tower is a gentler climb at only 137 steps, and offers spectacular views over the world heritage site towards Durham Castle.  It also offers the opportunity to get a closer look at the architectural detail of the central tower and the River Wear which curves around Durham City.

Please note towers are open subject to weather conditions.

The cathedral is normally open from 7.30am to 6pm, but is open until 8pm from 1-5 July and from 22 July to 26 August 2019.