Durham Cathedral

Discover two thousand years of history when you visit Durham Cathedral and its new world class visitor experience Open Treasure.

Durham Cathedral has been a place of welcome, worship and hospitality for almost a millennium. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, this spectacular building is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. It is also famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. You can explore the cathedral on your own, or with an expert guide. The cathedral is free to enter with donations welcome, and a small charge applies to guided tours.

Visitors can also explore the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK, centred around the atmospheric 14th century cloister which featured in the first Harry Potter film.

From here, you can embark on a journey of discovery in Durham Cathedral’s new world class exhibition experience Open Treasure. From the magnificent monks’ dormitory to the stunning great kitchen, Open Treasure reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Find out more on our website.

With a varied programme of events and exhibitions, Durham Cathedral is a great day out for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy free toddler backpacks and family fun trails in the cathedral and on the riverbanks whilst Durham Cathedral in LEGO, on display in the Undercroft next to the Cathedral Shop and Undercroft Restaurant, is also a must see attraction.

To complete your trip to Durham Cathedral, why not indulge in delicious homemade food in the Undercroft Restaurant, browse a selection of gifts in the cathedral shop, or enjoy a relaxing walk along the heritage woodlands and riverbanks for unforgettable views of Durham.

You’ll soon discover why Bill Bryson described Durham Cathedral as ‘the best cathedral on planet earth’!