Durham Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and packed with spiritual heritage. Here’s a useful guide, newly updated in January 2026, to help first-time visitors plan a rewarding visit. It includes opening times, accessibility, the tower climb and museum details, plus parking and transport, best visiting times, and nearby attractions you can combine into the same day.
History and overview of Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral was founded in 1093 to house the relics of St Cuthbert and to serve as a monastic centre. Its construction began in Norman style, and over time additions and restorations added Gothic elements. It remains one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture in Europe.
This grand European cathedral is also the resting place of the Venerable Bede, making it an important pilgrimage site. The Great Shrine of St Cuthbert inside the cathedral draws visitors for both its religious and historical significance.
Over the centuries the cathedral has evolved: its cloister, chapter house, museum and library collect artefacts, medieval stonework, manuscripts and treasures from across the North East. The building itself has survived wars, rebuildings (especially the central tower) and much restoration.
Today Durham Cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Durham Castle. It functions both as a place of worship and tourist destination. Many visitors are drawn to its spiritual atmosphere, undoubted architectural beauty, and its dramatic setting above the River Wear.
How to get to Durham Cathedral and where to park
The cathedral is located in the city centre on Palace Green, Durham DH1 3EH. The closest train station is Durham Station. From there you can either enjoy a roughly 15-minute walk through town or take the Cathedral Bus which links the station, market place, and Freeman’s Place (coach drop-off) to the cathedral. The Cathedral Bus is wheelchair-friendly. Tickets cost £1 for adults and 50p for children.
There is no car park at the cathedral itself due to narrow medieval streets. For drivers, several city centre public car parks are a short walk away. Also there are Park & Ride schemes (e.g. Belmont, Sniperley, Howlands Farm) to reduce congestion.
Blue badge / disabled parking is available on Palace Green (in front of the cathedral) by prior arrangement via Durham University. Contact via 0191 334 2222 to request parking there.
Note: the Durham City peninsula operates a congestion (road-user) charge of £5 between 10.00am and 2.00am. Driving into that area may incur this fee.
Opening hours, ticketing and what parts cost
The cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 8.00am to 6.00pm, and Sunday from 8.00am to 5.00pm. However parts open to visitors (museum, shop, visitor desk) generally operate from 9.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and from around 12 noon to 3pm on Sundays.
Like Lichfield Cathedral and Ripon Cathedral, entry to Durham Cathedral is free, although visitors are encouraged to donate about £5 per person to help with maintenance and conservation.
If you want to explore more deeply:
- The Museum incurs tickets. These cost £7.50 for adults, but entry is free for under 18s.
- The Central Tower climb has a ticket cost of £11.00 for adults, and children aged 8–17 may climb free but must be accompanied by an adult. Under-8s are not permitted.
- The guided cathedral tour costs £8.50 per person.
These Durham Cathedral opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Accessibility at Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral aims to be welcoming to all. Many parts (main entrance, shop, museum, café) are accessible via ramps and lifts. There are two accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome. Induction loop is provided inside the main cathedral.
Be aware: some areas have uneven flooring or low lighting. The central tower is only accessible via stairs, so not suitable for wheelchairs or those with severe mobility limitations.
Best times to visit and how long to plan
Best times: weekday mornings just after opening around 9.30am) are quieter. Sunday afternoons after services tend to be less crowded. Late morning and mid-afternoon can be busy, especially during summer. If you intend to climb the tower, aim for morning slots and check in advance that the tower is open. It closes early or is unavailable at times due to weather or maintenance.
A visit that includes walking through the cathedral, seeing the museum / Open Treasure, wandering the cloister and exploring key features will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you add the Central Tower climb, allow another hour. If you linger or join a guided tour, plan for around 3 hours.
What else to see nearby to combine with Durham Cathedral
- Durham Castle is adjacent (on Palace Green) and usually open to visitors; many tours combine the Cathedral and Castle in one day.
- The city’s riverside walks along the River Wear are picturesque; Prebends Bridge offers glorious views back to the cathedral and castle.
- The Oriental Museum in Durham University is within walking distance for those interested in broader art & culture.
- Explore the city centre’s historic lanes, cafés, shops on Saddler Street, Rose Crescent and around the Market Place.
- Top attractions in County Durham include the Beamish living history museum, plus the High Force and Low Force waterfalls in Upper Teesdale.
Tips for your visit to Durham Cathedral
- Check the cathedral website or calendar in advance for service times or special events. Parts of the building (e.g. the shrine, museum) may be closed without notice.
- Book tower tickets in advance especially during term-ends or around university graduations when demand is high.
- Wear comfortable shoes—cobbled paths, uneven surfaces, and stairs are part of the experience.
- Bring layers; large cathedral interiors can be chilly even on warm days.
- If mobility is a concern, use disabled parking, ramps, and avoid route involving stairs (tower climb or upper areas). The shop and café are good rest stops.
- Photography is allowed inside the cathedral and museum, but flash, tripods, monopods and selfie-sticks are not permitted in the cathedral.
Frequently asked questions about Durham Cathedral
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there an entrance fee to Durham Cathedral? | No. Entry is free. Visitors are encouraged to donate about £5 per person if able. |
| Do I need a ticket for the museum? | Yes. Open Treasure requires a ticket (£7.50 for adults, £2.50 for children over 5). |
| Can I climb the Central Tower? | Yes, but you must be over 8 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a fee and lots of steps, with no lift access. |
| Is the cathedral fully wheelchair accessible? | Largely yes. Many parts have ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. But some sections have steps or uneven floors and are not accessible (tower climb, certain upper or historical rooms). |
| Where can I park with limited mobility? | There is limited disabled parking on Palace Green (contact in advance). For most visitors, use public transport, Park & Ride or nearby car parks. |
| When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds? | Weekday mornings (just after opening) and Sunday afternoons (after service) tend to be quieter. Midday and early afternoon on weekends are busiest. |
| Are there food or shops on site? | Yes. There is a café and shop open during visitor hours. These are good for breaks before or after exploring. |
| Are guided tours available? | Yes. Guided tours cost £7.50 for adults and cover history, architecture, art and hidden features. Unguided options also available. |
| How long should I plan for my visit? | Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for a standard visit (cathedral and museum). Add an hour if climbing the tower or joining a guided tour. |
More North-East England travel
Other North-East England travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 7 reasons to visit Newcastle.
- What to expect when visiting Newcastle Castle.
- Seals, saints and stars on a journey around Northumberland.
- Check out Northumberland‘s Roman sites – Corbridge Roman Town, Chesters Roman Fort and Housesteads Roman Fort.
- Kielder Observatory visitor guide.
