Durham Cathedral
A masterpiece of Norman architecture and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the shrine of St Cuthbert and free to enter for worship and visits.
About Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral has stood above the River Wear for more than 900 years and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Together with the neighbouring castle it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1986. Inside, visitors can see the shrine of St Cuthbert, the tomb of the Venerable Bede, the great nave with its patterned columns, and the medieval cloisters familiar to many from film and television.
The cathedral remains a working place of worship with daily services, alongside a programme of exhibitions, guided tours and tower climbs. Entry to the building is free, with charges for some special attractions, and there is a shop, cafe and open green spaces on Palace Green nearby. It is one of the defining landmarks of the city and a focal point for both local life and pilgrimage.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Durham Cathedral.
Durham Folk Festival: A Guide to the City's New Folk Celebration
A major new folk festival launches in Durham in September 2026, with more than 100 events across the Cathedral, Redhills, the Gala Theatre and the River Wear. Our guide to what's on and how to plan a visit.
Things to Do in Durham
From the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, museums and the Victorian market hall, here is our guide to the best things to do in Durham.
A Weekend in Durham
How to spend a perfect two days in Durham, from the World Heritage cathedral and castle to riverside walks, independent restaurants and the Victorian market hall.
Durham Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide
How to visit one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe, from the shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of Bede to the tower climb and the Sanctuary Knocker.
The Prince Bishops of Durham
For centuries the Bishops of Durham ruled the County Palatine with near-royal powers, raising armies, holding courts and minting their own coins. Here is their story.
The Story of St Cuthbert and How Durham Began
Durham owes its existence to a saint. The story of St Cuthbert, the monks who carried his body, and the legend of the Dun Cow that founded the city.
Walking the Durham World Heritage Site: A Self-Guided Route
A short circular walk around Durham's peninsula, taking in the cathedral and castle, Palace Green, Prebends Bridge and the wooded riverbanks of the Wear.
Durham on Screen: Film and TV Locations
From Hogwarts to Asgard, Durham Cathedral has doubled for some of cinema's grandest settings. A guide to the film and TV made in the World Heritage city.
A Student's Guide to Durham
New to Durham University? An introduction to life in one of England's oldest university cities, from the collegiate system to getting around a compact, hilly city.
The University Year in Durham: Terms, Freshers and Graduation
How Durham University's three terms shape the city, from Freshers' Week in October to graduation in the cathedral, and how Durham changes with the academic year.
Durham on a Budget: A Student's Guide
Some of the best things about Durham are free or cheap, from the cathedral and riverside walks to the museums and the market. A student guide to the city on a budget.
Upcoming Events
Events that feature or are connected to Durham Cathedral.
The Music of Luther Vandross: A Candlelight Concert
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Organ Recital at Durham Cathedral
See booking · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
An Evening of Kate Bush at Durham Cathedral
7:30 PM · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Motown By Candlelight at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Eagles By Candlelight at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Bowie By Candlelight at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral
Doors 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM start · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Johns' Boys Welsh Male Voice Choir at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
G4 Christmas 2026 at Durham Cathedral
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong
7:30 PM · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
More Community in Durham
Durham Castle
A Norman castle on Palace Green forming part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site, now part of the University and open to visitors by guided tour.
Gala Theatre
Durham's main theatre and cinema on Millennium Place, hosting comedy, music, dance, drama, opera and film throughout the year.
Oriental Museum
The only museum in the North East devoted entirely to the art and cultures of Asia and North Africa, with collections spanning Egypt, China, Japan and beyond.
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What's On
Durham City Walking History Tour
10:30 AM · Meets Market Hall entrance, Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ
The Music of Luther Vandross: A Candlelight Concert
Evening (see booking) · Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham, DH1 3EH
Crank It Up! 2026, Beamish Museum
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Beamish Museum, County Durham