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Durham Cathedral

Castle & Historic Landmark · County Durham, England

Durham Cathedral is a castle & historic landmark in County Durham, England. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

See how busy it is this weekDirections
PriceFree entry
Checked on the official page: no entry fee. A £5 donation per person is requested if you are able. Tower and museum prices were not stated on the page we checked.
Opening timesCathedral Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-5pm. Normal visitor hours Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 12.30pm-3pm. Sunday café 10.30am-4pm, shop 11am-4pm, museum 12pm-4pm. Parts can close at times.
Best time to goWeekday mornings or early afternoon; avoid Sunday services.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening.
Best agesAll ages for a short visit
All ages.
If it rainsIndoors
ParkingNo parking at the cathedral or nearby because of the narrow medieval streets. A congestion charge applies if you drive onto the Durham City peninsula. The cathedral recommends the Cathedral Bus or Park and Ride. Disabled parking is close by. (No parking on site)
FoodThe Undercroft café serves light lunches, hot drinks and cakes. Picnic policy not stated on the page we checked.
Money saverFree entry; a donation is requested
Top tipsFree entry; donations welcome. Tower climb and tours are extra and book ahead.
What to packLight layers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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