Amazing visit, now one of my favourite Cathedrals. Big thanks to the staff and volunteers who were without exception friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and enthusiastic. Keep up the good work. Sad that the tower wasn't open, but there's no accounting for the weather!!

A lovely Cathedral to visit, amazing art work and artifacts. A £5 donation gesture. But, be mindful that it's extra to go into the Tower and art gallery which will set you back £7.50 for each entrance. Overall a lovely few hours spent and the cafe was nice, too. My wife enjoyed the walnut and coffee cake. Would recommend it if in the area.

The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, commonly known as Durham Cathedral and home of the Shrine of St Cuthbert, is a cathedral in the city of Durham, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Durham, the fourth-ranked bishop in the Church of England hierarchy.

Whether you are religious or not, Durham Cathedral has something for you. Beautiful architecture, movie history (some of Harry Potter was filmed here), medieval carvings etc. it’s lovely to see and brilliant that it is being restored and maintained so well. I visited during December 2021 as part of the Durham Lumiere and it was wonderfully lit up on the outside. My visit this week was to refresh myself on the beauty of the inside and it did not disappoint. I didn’t indulge in the cafe but there were plenty of seats and tables that were nicely already out and the prices seemed reasonable. You can take guided tours and visit the tower too. There are numerous staff/guides to help and inform you but if anything, there are so many at times I felt a bit watched! This filters into a criticism. The Cathedrals admission is free but you are encouraged to donate (they recommend £5). There are numerous payment points but the one I didn’t like was the desk where they took payment, and people weren’t able to donate or students with no money seemed to cringe past through the barrier system trying not to make eye contact! Having already donated cash into one of the boxes early on my visit, I had to wait my turn behind a queue of tourists making donations and kind of edge past them. I really think this could be made less intimidating for visitors.

If you are a tourist, you can't miss this place. And if you are a local you won't. There is always something exciting going on. Last time, I noticed how wonderfully the morning sun plays through the stained glass (see my photos), and made a recording of the Christmas tree being put up. It seems they really need donations now. Judging by how the entrance have been rearranged. I donate. Please consider too.

Amazing place to visit. No charge for entry but there is a suggested donation. You can also book on to go to the top of the main tower. Massive cathedral, full of history with so much to see inside.

We visited Durham for the day. We climbed the cathedral Tower & took some beautiful photos. The weather was amazing, giving us stunning views. We had a lovely scone, jam & cream at a little cafe called Cafe Dal, just down from the cathedral. Very friendly owner, it is obviously popular as people were queuing, but it's worth the wait. All the cakes are homemade 😋.

Durham Cathedral is the main church in the Diocese of Durham and is an Anglican cathedral. The church was built during the 16th century. It is a nice and quiet place and is a good option for those who love traditional sculptures. The calm atmosphere of this place attracts family as well as youngsters. The cathedral is located not too far from Newcastle city.

Not to be missed highly recommended. Historic, atmospheric, staff very helpful and welcoming. On site facilities of shop, cafe and toilets all accessible. Spend 1-3 hours on your visit.

We did the roof top tour and it was great - really interesting. Not sure how one gets to do this as a member of the public though, ours was specially arranged. On a clear day the views are amazing from the roof, and the tower visits are open to anyone who can manage the climb! (And Harry Potter movie fans will spot several familiar locations in the cloisters and chapter house.)

Great place to visit. Great architecture. Its free although they try their best to get a £5 per person donation out of you! Well worth an hour wandering around taking it all in.

The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Durham Cathedral has its origins further North in Lindisfarne and St Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne for the last two years of his life before his death in 687. The Lindisfarne monks fled the devastating Viking raids of 875, carrying St Cuthbert's coffin with them. In 995 the monks found themselves on a hill, in a loop of the River Wear and according to legend, Cuthbert's coffin became immovable. They built their new church on that site, which became known as The White Church. The monks more likely chose the site due to its defensibility. After the Norman Conquest, William founded a Benedictine priory to be in charge of the shrine. The timber church was demolished and building began on the current stone edifice in 1093. The architecture is a mix of Norman and Gothic, but largely Romanesque. The impressive rib vaulted roof stretches throughout the nave and chancel. The huge pillars are geometrically carved, leading up to the toothed and rounded arches of the triforium and clerestory. Lindisfarne Priory is based on the cathedral at Durham. The shrine of St Cuthbert resides in the eastern most end of the cathedral, the location since the Norman construction. He was such a notable saint, pilgrims to his shrine included Henry VI, Richard III, Margaret Tudor. The Dissolution in 1537 lead to the destruction of Cuthbert's tomb. Cuthbert's body was reportedly "uncorrupted", so it was reinterred under the plain slab there today, worn smooth by the centuries of pilgrim knees.

We only walked around the outside of the cathedral as we were waiting for an available table in the restaurant, but the view was amazing!! The design of the cathedral was so detailed and perfect. It's a shame that I live too far away to visit it again.

Stunning cathedral, steeped in history. Well worth a visit. Has a museum, guided tours as well as historic artifacts on display. You will guess automatically the part of the cathedral Harry Potter was filmed in

Lots of history here. If you book a tour, you get a lot of information. There is also a museum linked to the cathedral. Nice to walk around the site. Harry Potter 1 & 2 were filmed here too. Harry Potter tours can be booked.

(Translated by Google) Cathedral of innovative Romanesque architecture Catedral (Original) Catedral de innovadora arquitectura románica🏝

Its a beautiful cathedral. No ticket fee but one can donate if you like so. The structure itself is 1000+ years old and find many tombs inside the cathedral. One of the most spectacular thing and must see is the musical organ. Also movies like harry potter, snow white and the huntsman & endgame took locations from the cathedral.

A must see for everyone, no matter their proclivity to religion. The architecture is amazing and fortunately this is still being looked after and the upkeep is ongoing and specialist skills are being retained. The volunteers are very welcoming and were very knowledgeable when asked questions. The roof top visit is a must for those not acrophobic. The views are incredible but the stairs will be a challenge for some.

A lovely cathedral. Some very nice historical features in here and fantastic architecture. We loved the free entry and the requested donation approach. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We did want to go up the tower but the limited times didn't allow us a visit. All in all, a nice way to spend an hour or two.

Have not been to the cathedral for many years, having moved to the north of Scotland but it is still as beautiful and magnificent as ever. The main pillars alone make it extra special. In my opinion the finest "church building" in the country for its architecture. Indeed, for me, it would rank as number one in Europe. Had lunch there today and it was superb. Great to be able to further support the maintenance of this priceless treasure. Update - December 2021. Attended the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols last night. A truly wonderful and magical evening. The choir were first class, as you would expect with this Cathedral choir and the organisation by the Cathedral authorities was faultless. Thank you for such a wonderful start to Christmas.

When visiting Durham, the trip is not complete without a visit to the magnificent Cathedral. My boyfriend and I had gone to Durham for around 5 days and kept the last day to visit the Cathedral. The majestic cathedral sits high on a hill in the centre of the city. Despite parts of the Cathedral being extremely restricted due to Covid precautions there were a lot of things to see.The staff were friendly and helpful and gave us a brief overview of the new guidelines under covid precautions. Durham Cathedral to me is a beautiful sanctuary of peace and it's also depicted as a World Heritage site. I was in total awe at the classy , and beautiful architectural structures and designs. And was also touched to see the new stained window dedicated to a young girl in 2019 by her parents.. I was also glad to see the place where the original Harry Potter film was set for Harry Potter fans. A nice gift shop with variations of items at good prices. The Cathedral Lego blocks is also a must see . I highly recommend visiting this sanctuary at least once.

Visited the Durham cathedral that houses the time of St Curtbert and Venerable Bede. It is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the magnificent building dates backs to 10th Century. It appeared many times in the Harry Potter movies series.

Riverwalk car park offers convenient parking for a delightful stroll to Durham Cathedral, approximately a 10-minute walk with mesmerizing river views. Adjacent to the cathedral, the castle adds to the historic charm. Capture the moment with photos from the car park's top, where a painted wall proudly declares "I love Durham." This charming touch adds a local flair to your experience. Moreover, Durham Cathedral's cinematic history, featuring in movies like Harry Potter and Avengers, adds a delightful layer to your visit. Enjoy the unique blend of history, architecture, local character, and a touch of film magic during your time in Durham. Do consider visiting the market hall Durham Cathedral is a magnificent masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its soaring Gothic vaults and stunning stained glass windows create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The intricately carved details in the pillars and the historic significance of the site make it a must-visit for anyone interested in history or religious architecture. The cathedral's setting atop a hill overlooking the River Wear adds to its charm, providing a picturesque backdrop. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Durham Cathedral offers a captivating experience.

Great visitor experience and a must if you are in Durham. The shear size of this historic cathedral, the vaulted ceiling and architecture are amazing. It is a working church so where we visited there were some activities and a service. There is no charge but the Cathedral asks for a donation. You could easily spend a few hours walking around.

This place is absolutely stunning and so magical. It really is a must-see for any Potterhead as Philosophers Stone and Chamber Of Secrets were filmed here in parts. It was also used in Avengers End Game. There are no words to describe how beautiful the exquisite architecture is, and there is plenty to explore. The walk-up to the Cathedral is very steep, but there is a bus from the City Centre that drops you right outside. The staff are all volunteers who are incredibly friendly and welcoming and full of stories about the many features inside the building. There is a lovely cafe and shop inside which is well worth a visit too 😀 It is free to visit but donations are welcomed and you have the opportunity to purchase a candle to light for £1. You can film inside the building but no flash photography.

Excellent afternoon, quite awe inspiring. Great cafe with home baked goods. Small but well stocked bookshop and gift shop. There are two Waterstones in the town centre, so no shortage of on topic literature. Be prepared for a modest up hill walk, but nothing too challenging.

Being my first time at a cathedral, this experience certainly sets a high standard for future cathedral visits. The details in the sculpting and crafting of this edifice is magnificent. Spent about 4hrs touring this venue and just couldn't get enough. I'd say go there for yourself and find out how fascinating this cathedral is- so much history too!

A most welcome and wonderful Cathedral, whether you are religious or not, there is a quietness, a calmness within. Volunteers and Clergy alike are happy to chat and give their knowledge on the history and importance of the amazing world UNESCO heritage site, and the artwork within is of equal importance.

Absolutely great cathedral it's also where part of Harry potter was filmed so the experience then became an even better experience for my children.

We had a great morning exploring the Cathedral. Highly recommended a visit especially if you're a Harry Potter fan. And a trip up the tower if you're fit enough is well rewarded with some fantastic views.

A wonderful historic site to visit at any time of the year. Serene and majestic in all its glory. Steeped in so much history and a backdrop for Harry Potter

The architecture was beautiful. There are so many items of interest and historical significance. There is a modern and inviting cafe and gift shop in the premises too with clean accessible lavatories. Well worth a visit.

Beautifully built cathedral by Normands. Lots of history and very well presented and preserved. If you visit Durham or the surrounding areas definitely this has to be a stop. It is one of the beautiful buildings that I visited. You can book a tour to the towers and enjoy a scenic view. It is better to visit it during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd 😀.

Lovely Cathedral it was quiet when we walked round but it was New Year's Eve and Durham itself isn't busy. I'm guessing that's down to fears of omicron. Well worth the suggested donation.

What a beautiful place to visit. So much to see in the Cathedral. Amazing architecture, carved wood everywhere I looked. Please if you visit don't forget to look up. The bats had been distributed by the storm a few days earlier and they were flying around the cloisters I couldn't believe how many people hadn't noticed them. There are on this video.

A truly beautiful and complentative place. It's eerie silence reminded me of the power of art to sway opinion. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of newer windows with the oldest ones. But I struggle with religious sites like this, because people ascribe to them what cannot be said truly of anywhere.

Gorgeous Cathedral that is clearly the pride of the area. Lots to look at so don’t be afraid to be slow and intentional in looking around. It is one of the ‘sets’ for the Harry Potter movies. Staff are a mixed bunch, some friendly, some just plain unapproachable. This is definitely a working place of worship with scheduled services. No signs of an active pastoral or theological learning schedule (congregation coffee morning or Bible study groups) which is a shame. Why 4 Stars? (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) • Beautiful distinct building • good cleanliness • excellent cafe • good gift shop • amazing museum and library How to get that extra star 🌟? • Mission and Evangelism - You’re a church!! Yet there’s no opportunities presented to learn the gospel message or be supported in prayer during a visit. Thousands of tourists visit this place, think, how could you help them meet Christ?

We came here on Easter Sunday 2022 and came in when the Easter service was halfway through. It was so beautiful and peaceful to be sat there listening to the choir and the organ. A little disappointing that the cathedral shop was closed but it’s understandable. It’s well worth a visit. Do go.

This is a beautiful Cathedral and a must visit. I would also recommend taking a tour as you get so much out of it. The tower climb is a long way up though so make sure you grab a drink first!

Beautiful and splendid cathedral. Durham cathedral is full of history, and was built in the 11th century. It’s the most typical Norman cathedral in England. The space inside the cathedral is large, and there is a huge model of the earth hanging in the middle of the cathedral. It also includes a courtyard surrounded by corridors and was used as a filming place for the Harry Potter movies.

An Anglican cathedral in the centre of Durham. Catch the bus to get there and back, which is wheelchair accessible. Free entry to the cathedral but the museum charges and shuts early at 4pm. Nice cafe in the undercroft.

I last visited the cathedral between lockdowns in 2020 when it was understandably quiet and subdued. This time I was curious to see the Gaia exhibit. It was busy with visitors (a guide told me there had been 3000 visitors the day before) and it was certainly eye-catching. But it's still the peace and beauty and the unique architecture of the cathedral that's the draw in my opinion. It isn't a world heritage site for nothing. I loved it.

Was there for a graduation ceremony this time and it was great! I have been there before and I found it very peaceful and serene just sit there! Beautiful and huge stained glass windows! Masterpiece of architecture!! Highly recommend.

We enjoyed a quiet couple of hours looking at all the architecture of the cathedral. The history is fascinating. We particularly enjoyed the cloisters. We parked on palace green which has ample room for disabled parking. There is a congestion charge but it doesn’t apply on Sunday.

Amazing pieces of history and to just walk around this whole place is just mesmerizing, getting to see all the artifacts and knowing a few movies where filmed here make it that much more special. Really enjoyed the time here with the family and exploring.

Fantastic display in the cathedral at the moment, Gaia, representing earth.... Definitely worth a visit...... Also worth the climb up central tower, providing you are fit and healthy, there's 325 steps going clockwise mostly, it gets steeper and tighter the higher you go but worth it for the views over Durham city

Wonderful cathedral located in the centre of the city on high ground. The tower is magnificent and the 300+ steps to the top rewards you with superb views of the city and surrounding area. Also the Hidden Treasures museum is well worth a visit.

Beautiful Cathedral, inside and out with fascinating history. The cathedral has many volunteer local historians who, when available can provide fascinating insights into history of the Cathedral and its construction. Cafe is good and toilet facilities well maintained.

Beautiful cathedral and lawn. Modern buildings have nothing on gothic architecture. The inside was even more breathtaking, with the tall arched ceiling with exquisite stained glass windows. When the choir is practicing, it seems ethereal and mystical. The gift shop has some great souvenirs and the restaurant does an amazing Sunday dinner. Definitely worth the trek up to the top. Bonus points if you go during the Lumiere.

One of the best,if not the best Romanesque Cathedrals in Europe. The sheer size of its columns and its site atop a hill with adjoining Castle in jaw dropping! Deffo the Rome of the North

Fabulous place

Amazing building! I will be visiting often.

In the giant shadow of a medieval masterpiece a delicious takeaway chicken katsu was devoured delightfully.

I read the other day about the average dom Donation to the cathedral and was shocked. Extra payment to see exhibits, extra charge to climb the tower. Havimg been earlier to Lindisfarne and bembough castle i find this to be very poor value for money

(Translated by Google) Durham Cathedral is an old and imposing building that can be visited at any time. The special architecture, the altar, the place of confession, the statues, all have an aura of peace of mind. I highly recommend visiting this place. (Original) Catedrala Durham este o construcție veche si impunătoare, se poate vizita oricand. Arhitectura deosebită, altarul, locul de spovedanie, statuile, toate au o aură de liniște sufletească. Recomand cu mult drag vizitarea acestui lăcaș.

I live in Durham. So visiting Durham Cathedral is my to do list. I visited there. But It's in tier 3. So there was So many restrictions. I was only allowed to visit from outside.But still i am so glad i visited this beautiful place. From outside view it was so historical. I loved it. I loved walking there. It was very good place to walk and talk. But hope so after lockdown i will visit inside too. The Guard told us that some visitors do photography, back flip and Fun that's why church is closed. He told us everyone will be allowed when we will change our these childish behaviours. Hope so everyone will behave politely then we will be allowed to visit inside the Cathedral.

Closed currently to the public but you can walk around the outside and along the river path.

Personal prayer only...serene...great guy on the door...informative n friendly

Excellent

Gorgeous place. Durham is an amazing county in North East England, just three hours by train from London, and less than two from Edinburgh. And with Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley international airports nearby, plus the Port of Tyne, a warm welcome awaits visitors from across the globe. Explore our breathtaking scenery, discover award-winning attractions and enjoy world-class exhibitions, festivals and events. From city breaks to coast and countryside escapes – make Durham your next destination for a perfect break away. Durham City is home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, majestic Durham Cathedral. Together with adjacent Durham Castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site forms one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe. Step back in time at fascinating heritage attractions including Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, and see history come to life at Kynren - the must-see open air spectacular that takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer. Seek out hidden gems in market towns and villages in the Durham Dales, relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity on the Durham Coast, or get outdoors and active with walking and cycling routes revealing unforgettable views across the county.  And when it’s time to refuel you’ll be spoilt for choice with award-winning eateries and delicious local produce.

My favourite place.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Breathtaking

The most gorgeous cathedral. I real jewel in the North Easts crown. I am incredibly bias as I studied Theology next door and frequented the Cathedral libraries when I was a student. Its well worth a visit. I go every year :)

Remember I argued with my maam. She said Harry Potter was filmed here. When she proved it, I couldn't stay away... Hogwarts in Durham!

What a wonderful place, it always amazes me on how they managed to build these magnificent places without today's modern equipment. The history about cathedral is very interesting also

One of the finest surviving examples of Gothic architecture in Britain. Durham Cathedral was begun in 1093, less than 30 years after the Norman Conquest, and completed around 1133. It was built to house the shrine of St. Cuthbert (who spread Christianity in the north of England in the 7th century) and the tomb of the scholar and theologian the Venerable Bede (673–735 CE). The cathedral is the most complete example of Norman architecture in Britain, having retained its original Norman nave, choir, and transepts. Innovative design. The cathedral is characterized by its solidity, sense of order and proportion, and semicircular arches and vaults built in the Romanesque style. However, the nave also features the world’s first structural pointed arch—a feature that came to define Gothic architecture in the mid-12th century. The innovative use of stone ribs to form pointed arches—which provided additional support and superior weight distribution—allowed the cathedral’s masons to build what is the largest surviving stone-vaulted ceiling from the period. A working church and popular attraction, the cathedral—along with Durham Castle—became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

We love going to Durham, rowing on the river, snacking at one of many fine eateries throughout he city. Then of course take a walk up to the cathedral and see the amazing stain glass windows and fabulous stonework within the cathedral.

A delightful cathedral. Free entry, but nice to give a donation. Really pleasant and informative staff. Definitely worth a visit.

The glass paintings are amazing! Interior is silent and peaceful!

A beautiful place with some stunning architecture,a lovely walk up the castle side(quite a steep walk) Some of the cathedral is out of bounds due to Covid which is a shame but nonetheless still worth it,plenty of grassed area outside to sit and ponder things before the walk back down through the narrow streets of Durham which are lined with some beautiful shops and properties to also look at, will definitely be returning in future. FYI the park and ride is a must,no hassle and cheap to use.

Amazing beautiful place. I love the architectural look. Must visit place. Full peace and calm

Nice view, but not allowed to go inside due to covid

Durham Cathedral will always get 5 stars, whether going inside or enjoying the serenity of a seat on the place green

This really is an excellent religious building and architectural masterpiece to visit and lives up to its reputation as one of the most iconic and historical cathedrals in the country. The interior and its architecture is breathtaking and beautiful. There are excellent informative information boards regarding the history of St Cuthbert and even in these most difficult times was very easy to social distance. The staff are friendly and helpful. Overall I would strongly recommend this to anyone who loves historical buildings because it is a national treasure and thoroughly enjoyable.

Amazing place! I went here a couple years back and it was really nice . The lego replica of the cathedral was also really cool.

Very scenic place, cheap to visit, staff really informative

Fantastic if your in to your history,some areas closed at moment but still worth a visit

Very peaceful place the environment is very nice and quite. Very friendly people are living in the area. I love going there and spending time working around .

Amazing place and beautiful sound of the bell in the cathedral is so mesmerizing

Stunning and there is still a lot to see . The staff are friendly and polite and there’s a lovely cafe too .

I adore Durham cathedral. The ornate gothic architecture is beautifully expressive and from its perch in the centre of Durham you can see it from almost everywhere in the city; the sight of it climbing over the trees as you approach the city is incredible. Up close it seems imposing and vast. During the Covid pandemic Durham has adapted, and feels safe for both tourism and worship. The art and iconography on display is lovely, and obviously deeply intertwined with the history of the city; a circuit around the cathedral is a mini-education. The pews are appropriately distanced from one another to enable those who want to, to pray. A marvelous landmark, and well worth a visit.

I love the cathedral, its absolutely beautiful inside and out. Its a little bit of a steep walk up some cobbled streets but we'll worth it if you can make it. There's a few places inside which you will definitely recognise from the Harry Potter films and there were also some marvel scenes filmed here too. The little tea shop inside is great too.

big building. there is a curse apparently but i have not seen it yet. please dont ban me

(Translated by Google) 1000 year old monument. There are no beautiful words (Original) Μνημείο 1000 ετών. Δεν υπάρχουν λόγια πανέμορφο

Beautiful as always

BIRTHDAY 🎂 TRIP TO DURHAM CATHEDRAL ⛪ 27TH OCTOBER

Lovely place, and for a Harry potter fan it's great place to get the experience

Calm, Peaceful, Nice Cafe and Shop

Well worth a visit. Park at the shopping centre at the bottom of the Bailey and enjoy the walk up through the market Square. Make sure to stay for sung evensong (usually 17:15) if public services are not Covid curtailed. It's a short (30 min) service sung by a professional choir.

Perfectly stunning landmark indeed. The inside is even more beautiful and awe-inspiring. My favourite is the Advent Carol Service for All, but the cathedral is always fascinating.

Beautiful absolutely gorgeous.