Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral  is one of the most important landmarks in the northern county of durham.

Building started in 1093AD to house the shrine of St. Cuthbert with most of the main building work completed around 1133AD.

There have been many changes to the cathedral in its almost millennium of existence including the founding of the prestigious Durham University.

As much as we can repeat what we have heard on official tours; or even looked at on the official website, we think the best way is to go and visit.

Durham Cathedral Opening times

Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 4pm

They perform regular services,  more information is available on their service times webpage where you can download their current weeks schedule.

Durham Cathedral Guided Tours

Guided Durham Cathedral Tour
Durham Cathedral Guided tour ©Durham Cathedral

They perform guided tours (check their website for up to date pricing) Monday to Saturday. These normally take place at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. These times are subject to change in cases of special events or services.
Tickets can only be bought in person from the Cathedral visitor desk.

There are 12 places on a tour that usually last one hour.

The boy that lived under the stairs

We are talking about the very well know J.K Rowling character Harry Potter.

After spending 11 years under the stairs of 4 Privet Drive; Harry learns of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Alongside Alnwick Castle (another of our popular Local Attractions) there were many shots done in the Cathedral:

The Cloisters; in the film this was one of the courtyards in both The Philosophers Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

Hermione Ron Harry and Hagrid in Durham Cathedral Cloisters
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Hagrid in the Hogwarts Courtyard (Durham Cathedral Cloisters)
©Universal Pictures

We will have to insist that you visit and see if you can find where the Transfiguration classroom was set…

Transfiguration in Classroom 1B
Transfiguration in Classroom 1B
©Universal Pictures

There are many family friendly things to do at the Cathedral, these change seasonally so check their website Family Adventures page for updated information.

What about four legged visitors?

At Tithe Barn Cottages we do welcome pets (with well behaved owners), so it is important that locations we recommend visiting; also allow our canine friends.

Dogs are allowed in the cloister and cathedral grounds, but not inside the cathedral. You can access the cloister from the North Bailey entrance, which avoids walking through the cathedral. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs are welcome in the cathedral.
– Durham Cathedral FAQ page

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